A rocky island in the middle of a body of water

Walking at Isla de la Plata

Spend time on Isla de la Plata, or the Island of Silver, where legend says that hundreds of tons of silver and gold were hidden and never recovered by Sir Francis Drake. Hike across the spectacular island, compared to the Galapagos Islands for its fauna, making it ideal for bird-watching and snorkelling.

Included in your voyage
  • Discover the island where the legends says that tons of silver and gold were hidden by Sir Francis Drake.
  • Visit the island where it is possible to find many of the same bird species than Gapapagos Islands.
  • Visit an area that is well known for its bird watching potential, there is a large diversity of bird species.
  • Observe a unique ecosystem.

  • Difficulty level

    Level 4: Challenging - good mobility and fitness needed

  • Duration

    Long hike – 4h15. Short Hike – 2h15. No Hike - 2h15

  • Max. passengers

    176

  • Booking code

    INCL-DLP1

  • Please note

    Lightweight clothing which includes long pants and long sleeved shirt.

Isla de la Plata (Silver Island) was named at the end of the 16th century when the pirate Francis Drake ostensibly robbed treasure from Spanish ships and hid it on the island. According to legend, much of this treasure was never claimed and is still hidden somewhere on the island.  

At Isla de la Plata is possible to see many of the same species found on the much pricier and more distant Galapagos Islands. The land area is considered one of the most important sites for bird watching in the Ecuador. Isla de la Plata is important for eco-tourism as it counts with marine birds such as Blue, Red Footed and Masked Boobies, Frigate Birds, Pelicans, Tropical birds and more.  

Today our hike will start next to the Visitor’s Center. The center has a simple display about the natural and geological history of the island. Our hike then takes us up 175 steps to reach one of the highest point of the island and where the reward at the top is a treat: a beautiful view surrounded by cliffs and open sea where dolphins and hammerhead sharks may be seen with a little bit of luck! 

Practical information: 

  • Language: English.

  • Remarks/requirements: Lightweight clothing which includes long pants and long sleeved shirt. 

  • Walking information:  
    Long hikers: distance: 5100 mts - terrain: uneven, irregular, quite sandy. 
    Short hikers: distance: 1500 mts - terrain: uneven, irregular, quite sandy. 
    No hikers: distance: 300 mts - terrain: uneven, irregular, quite sandy 

  • Wheelchair accessible: No.