Isabela is the largest Galápagos island, yet its only settlement, Puerto Villamil, with 2200 friendly inhabitants has only recently started to welcome land-based visitors.
The little town is therefore still very peaceful with a laid-back atmosphere, and little English is spoken, but you have the chance to gain an intimate knowledge of the lives of the islanders.
You will be based at one of the small hotels and guesthouses. There is a wide range of activities on offer including, for the adventurous, biking, horseriding, snorkelling and trekking.
Highlights include a visit to the Sierra Negra volcano, with the second largest crater in the world, and the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre. Other attractions are Isabela’s world renowned wetlands and the shark canal brimming with white-tip sharks on the tiny island of Tintorera. Guided observation of the prolific wildlife indigenous to the island (60% of Galápagos species are present here) is of course involved in most of these excursions. | 
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