Permitted Uses:  nterpretive Group Tour with a Naturalist Guide   Photography and filming    Associated Activities authorized by the GNPS in the itineraries of Authorized Vessels

A small islet located near the south-east coast of Santiago. It's shaped like a Chinese hat when seen from afar. It is an island consisting of a cone type "Splatter" (lava ejected as drops and falls close to where it came from, which forms a cone inclined) that forms the summit and many lava tubes that go down to the coast.  On the west you can see pillow-type lava formations, which are an indicator that the flows were formed under the sea and have been raised upward, which is why coral heads are found on the lava. This visit provides an excellent opportunity for the interpretation of geological features such as lava tubes and lava flows.

Click on the illustration to enlarge.

The trail is 700 m (round trip) and the minimum time it takes this trek is half an hour.

Special Indications

• It is prohibited to climb to the summit. Lava flows from this island are extremely fragile and easily eroded.

• Sombrero Chino is separated from Santiago Island by a small channel of turquoise waters. The adjacent lava flow on Santiago Island, is not visiting area.

• It is very nice to snorkel near the shore of Santiago island. There is a variety of marine species.