Pozos & Playas

May 13, 2025

Los Humedales, or The Wetlands, on Isabela Island in the Galápagos are a remarkable natural sanctuary teeming with biodiversity and ecological significance. Situated just outside Puerto Villamil, this 872-hectare area encompasses both coastal and marine habitats, including lagoons, mangroves, sandy beaches, and volcanic formations.  

And the best part is you don't need a guide to enjoy it.  We rented bikes ($10 per day) from one of the many bike rental shops in Puerto Villamil and used that as transport for the adventure. Of course you can walk too as many people do.  

Many people combine Los Humedales with the Wall of Tears (El Muro de las Lágrimas) as it is at the end of the same road that goes through the wetlands.  We ended splitting it up as it would take a while to hit every pond and beach on the way to the Wall of Tears.  We rode to the Wall of Tears one day and then I took a solo trip the following day stopping at every point of interest on the route. 

What follows is my report and review of ONLY Los Humedales.