Bartolomé Island: A Hot Climb to a Classic View

​View—of Bartolomé Island’s rugged, volcanic landscape. The night before, we had sailed from Santa Cruz to this small but famous island, known for its dramatic scenery and one of the most iconic views in the entire Galápagos.

At 7:00 AM, we boarded the dinghy and headed to shore. The climb wasn’t challenging—the wooden staircase made it manageable, and the altitude wasn’t an issue. The real challenge? The heat. Even that early in the morning, temperatures were already hitting 30°C (86°F), with humidity soaring over 95%. It felt like walking through a steam bath, but reaching the top made it all worth it.

From just over 100 meters above sea level, we had the classic Galápagos view—Pinnacle Rock jutting out of the turquoise waters, surrounded by lava fields and untouched beaches. You’ll find this view on countless postcards, but it was necessary for my Ecuador and the Galápagos portfolio.

Not the most original shot? Maybe. But seeing it in person made it unforgettable.