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 famed Prince Philip's Steps, a challenging but rewarding path cut into volcanic rock that leads up to a high plateau. Along this trail, you'll be surrounded by nesting colonies of various seabirds, including Nazca Boobies, Red-footed Boobies (often found in trees), and Blue-footed Boobies. It's an unparalleled opportunity for close-up birdwatching.
Tip: Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good grip as the steps and path can be uneven and rocky. Take your time and enjoy the proximity to the birds.
Keep a keen eye out for the short-eared owl, a unique species that hunts during the daytime on Genovesa Island. These elusive predators can sometimes be spotted blending into the lava fields, providing a rare and exciting sighting for birdwatchers.
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 (holy stick) and croton trees that dot the lava fields. This offers a unique chance to see their vibrant red feet against the branches.
Tip: Look closely into the sparse trees on the lava plateau; their colorful feet make them relatively easy to spot amidst the foliage.
Prince Philip's Steps and the surrounding lava fields offer superb photographic opportunities. Capture the unique behaviors of the boobies, frigatebirds, and storm petrels, as well as the stark beauty of the volcanic landscapes and the panoramic views from the cliff tops.
Tip: A telephoto lens is excellent for bird details, while a wide-angle lens can capture the vastness of the lava plains and the sky.
Upon disembarkation (a dry landing on rocks), keep an eye out for a small colony of Galapagos fur seals that often rest near the landing site. These charming 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 often seen whirling in the skies or darting in and out of lava crevices where they nest. Their sheer numbers create an impressive aerial display.
Tip: Their erratic flight patterns can make them tricky to photograph, but observing their coordinated movements is a spectacle in itself.
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