Las Cumbres, Shield volcano on Fernandina Island, Ecuador.
Las Cumbres is a shield volcano on Fernandina Island that rises to 1476 meters above sea level with a broad, gently sloping form. Its structure consists of many layers of basaltic lava flows stacked upon one another.
The volcano formed millions of years ago through repeated eruptions that helped create the Galápagos Islands as they exist today. These volcanic processes continue to shape the archipelago's ongoing geological evolution.
The volcano draws researchers who study how volcanic activity shapes the local wildlife and plant life around it. These investigations help scientists understand how living things adapt to the harsh volcanic environment.
To reach the summit, you need a permit from Galápagos National Park and must book a tour with an authorized operator. Most visitors arrive by boat and then follow marked trails with expert guides.
In March 2024, an eruption sent lava flows into the ocean and created new coastline features. This event showed how active the volcano remains and how rapidly the island can change.
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