- Address: the westernmost island of the Galapagos archipelago, Ecuador.
- Height above sea level: 1 476 m;
- Area: 642 km²;
- The last volcanic eruption: May 13, 2009
The island of Fernandina is the youngest in the Galapagos archipelago and the third in size. Its area is constantly changing, as volcanic activity is still very active. On average, it is approximately 642 km2 & sup2. In the center is the volcano La Cumbre. The last time he erupted in 2009.
Nature of the island
The highest point of the island is the top of the volcano. Its height is about one and a half kilometers (1,476 m). The size of the caldera is impressive - about 6.5 kilometers in diameter and 350 meters in depth. At the bottom of the lake there is a lake. The situation next to the volcano is unstable, at any time there can be a release of sulfur, so in this part of the island tourists are not allowed.
There is almost no vegetation. This is due to seismic activity and frequent eruptions. Soil does not have time to appear here. True, the coast is covered with mangroves. Far from the volcano, you can meet pretty pretty laurel bushes, he manages to survive in extreme conditions.
On the island of Fernandina there is the peninsula of Punto Espinosa. It is inhabited by sea lions, iguanas, flightless cormorants, penguins and pelicans.
What can I see?
On the island there are 2 hiking trails. One on mangroves. Following the guide, do not forget to look around. In the thickets marine iguanas live, and the route itself is very picturesque. The second - to the lava fields. Here nothing grows except for a lava cactus, and that can last only a few years in such conditions. Frozen lava in many places is thin and fragile, it is uncomfortable to walk along it. This route leads travelers to mangroves. If you get to the island at the beginning of the year, you will see how the iguanas nest here. At the end of the path there is a colony of sea lions. Nearby fly nesting cormorants.
To go on an excursion to the island of Fernandina you need without children. Local conditions are severe enough and suitable only for adults.
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