Volcán Wolf

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 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.

• 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.