Túnel de Lava Bellavista
A mile-long underground lava tube tall enough to walk through upright — and barely known outside the highlands — the Bellavista lava tunnel is one of the most spine-tingling natural experiences on Santa Cruz Island. Torch in hand, you trace the exact path molten rock once carved through the earth.
How a river of fire built this labyrinth
The tunnels formed when flowing lava cooled more quickly on the surface than below, creating a hardened crust that enclosed a still-moving river of magma underneath. When the magma eventually drained away, it left behind a hollow, cathedral-like tube stretching for hundreds of metres.
The walls are jagged and jet-black, the ceiling pocked with collapsed sections that add a thrilling edge to the walk. Some stretches are wide and easy; others require careful footing where the floor is uneven or damp.
Finding the farm and going underground
From Puerto Ayora, head north on the road to Bellavista, then turn east at the crossroads and walk or drive about a mile until you spot a farm with a hand-painted sign reading 'los túneles'. The owner collects a small entrance fee and provides flashlights for those who arrive unprepared.
Pair the tunnel with a visit to El Chato tortoise reserve or Los Gemelos — all three sit within a short taxi ride of each other in the Santa Cruz highlands, making for a full and unforgettable morning.
What to bring and expect
Bring a powerful torch or headlamp regardless of what the farm provides — there are sections where you genuinely cannot see your footing, and the risk of a twisted ankle or wet boot is real. Closed shoes with grip are essential.
The tunnel is not a polished tourist attraction, which is precisely its appeal: no crowds, no queues, just you and 400 metres of ancient volcanic rock. Visitors consistently describe it as surprisingly large and atmospheric.
Túnel de Lava Bellavista on video
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