Volcán Wolf

Volcano Galápagos' tallest volcano on Isabela Island

On Isabela Island in the Galápagos, Volcán Wolf is a remote shield volcano reached by expedition boats; naturalists land for endemic wildlife, giant tortoises and rugged volcanic terrain.

Main image

Volcán Wolf is a shield volcano on the northern part of Isabela Island in the Galápagos Archipelago and is the highest point in the Galápagos at about 1,707 metres above sea level. It is an active volcano and one of the archipelago’s most prominent geological features.

The summit area and flanks feature extensive lava flows, fissure vents and a summit caldera that make it a focal point for geological study and specialist wildlife expeditions. The volcano’s slopes are notable for supporting rare endemic species adapted to the highland lava fields.

Wolf was built by successive volcanic eruptions associated with the Galápagos hotspot; frequent eruptions have shaped its broad shield profile. The volcano produced notable eruptive activity in recent decades, including a documented eruption in 2015.

The volcano sits on Isabela Island in Ecuador’s Galápagos Province, roughly 1,000 kilometres west of continental Ecuador. It occupies the northern end of Isabela, surrounded by other large volcanic cones and the marine waters of the eastern Pacific.

  • Access and protection: Located inside Galápagos National Park and subject to strict visitor controls; access is only by permitted tours and liveaboard boats.
  • Wildlife highlight: Home to the pink land iguana species that was described from the slopes of the volcano, a rare endemic of the area.
Volcán Wolf
0.0195, -91.3437

How to Get to Volcán Wolf #

Volcán Wolf is reached from Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island. Access requires Galápagos National Park permits and usually organised treks from Puerto Villamil; boats connect Isabela with the main islands and flights to Baltra or San Cristóbal require onward ocean transport.

Tips for Visiting Volcán Wolf #

  • Volcán Wolf is on remote Isabela Island and access requires permission from the Galápagos National Park - organise permits and guides in advance.
  • Be prepared for strenuous trekking and altitude: the volcano rises steeply and weather can be cold and changeable.
  • Respect conservation rules - the Galápagos are strictly regulated to protect endemic species; do not stray from marked paths.

Best Time to Visit Volcán Wolf #

Both seasons have merits: December-May for warmer seas, June-November for clearer hiking conditions.

Warm season
December-May · 22-30°C
Warmer air and seas, some rain but calmer seas; better for wildlife interactions.
Cool season
June-November · 15-22°C
Cooler, drier air, and better visibility for hiking; seas may be rougher.

Weather & Climate near Volcán Wolf #

Climate

Volcán Wolf's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 13°C to 26°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
26°
Warmest Month
13°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm).

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
15° 25°

Weather

47 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm).

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
16° 26°

Weather

61 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is the warmest month with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. The wettest month with 66 mm of rain.

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
16° 26°

Weather

66 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm).

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
17° 26°

Weather

48 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
16° 25°

Weather

13 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
15° 24°

Weather

10 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C. The driest month with just 1 mm.

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
14° 24°

Weather

1 mm
Rainfall
5.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Mild
18°C
Temperature
14° 23°

Weather

2 mm
Rainfall
5.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Mild
18°C
Temperature
13° 23°

Weather

8 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Mild
18°C
Temperature
13° 23°

Weather

9 mm
Rainfall
4.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
14° 24°

Weather

8 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
15° 24°

Weather

19 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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