Prince Philip's Steps, Galapagos Islands
A unique wildlife landing on a steep cliff.
A unique wildlife landing on a steep cliff.
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Overview
Prince Philip's Steps, also known as El Barranco, is a renowned visitor site on Genovesa Island, one of the most remote and pristine islands in the northern Galápagos Archipelago. Named after Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, who visited the islands in 1964, this site is a gully formed from lava rocks, leading up a steep path to an extensive, flat dried lava field. Genovesa is often called "Bird Island" due to its incredible abundance and diversity of avian species, making Prince Philip's Steps a prime destination for birdwatching enthusiasts.
The island itself is the exposed rim of a collapsed shield volcano, giving it a unique horseshoe shape. A dry landing typically welcomes visitors, often with the presence of small fur seal colonies. The challenging yet rewarding climb up the steps opens up to a magical world teeming with nesting seabirds that are remarkably unafraid of human presence, offering an intimate and unforgettable encounter with the unique wildlife of the Galápagos.
Ascend the area, a challenging but path cut into volcanic rock that leads up to a plateau. Along this trail, you'll be surrounded by nesting colonies of seabirds, and Blue-footed Boobies.
Tip: Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good grip as the steps and path can be uneven and rocky.
Keep a keen eye out for the short-eared owl, a species that hunts during the daytime on Genovesa Island. These elusive predators can be spotted blending into the lava fields.
Tip: Listen to your naturalist guide; they are experts at spotting these camouflaged birds and can help point them out.
Unlike other booby species that nest on the ground, the Red-footed Boobies on Genovesa prefer to nest in the Palo Santo. This offers a chance to see their red feet against the branches.
Tip: Look closely into the sparse trees on the lava plateau.
The area and the lava fields offer photographic opportunities. Capture the behaviors of the boobies, as well as the stark beauty of the volcanic landscapes and the views from the cliff tops.
Tip: A telephoto lens is excellent for bird details.
Upon disembarkation, keep an eye out for a colony of Galapagos fur seals that often rest near the landing site. These pinnipeds are smaller than sea lions and are a delightful welcome to the island.
Tip: Maintain a respectful distance from the seals and never attempt to approach or touch them.
As you hike across the lava fields, thousands of Galapagos storm petrels are seen whirling in the skies or darting in and out of lava crevices. Their sheer numbers create an aerial display.
Tip: Their erratic flight patterns can make them tricky to photograph.
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