Chile : Tours : Juan Fernandez, A Living Treasure

Juan Fernandez, A Living Treasure

The Juan Fernández archipelago has always been surrounded by a lot of history. It was discovered by the Portugese pilot, Joao Fernández, who was looking for a shorter route between the ports of Callao, Peru, and Valparaíso, Chile. A sailor by the name of Alexander Selkirk from Scotland was marooned on Robinson Crusoe Island in 1704 and rescued in 1709. Its incredible history inspired the English Chronicler Daniel Defoe to write his famous novel, "Robinson Crusoe," in 1719. In 1977, the archipelago was declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization). In 1998 under orders from Santiago, a North American historian by the name of Bernard Keiser began a series of archaeological excavations in Puerto Ingles with the objective of discovering a treasure buried by the Spanish seaman, Juan Esteban Ubilla and Echeverría. However, the search still continues.

Day 2: View from Selkirk
In the morning head towards the Selkirk Overlook. Return to the Hosteria where accommodations await.

Day 3: Puerto Ingles
In the morning, we will depart from the docks of Cumberland Bay heading north towards Puerto Ingles, where we will go on an archaeological journey visiting the cave of Robinson Crusoe and the area where excavations have taken place in hopes of finding the treasure of Cornelius Webb, a pirate whose galleon, the Unicorn, crashed into the island in the 18th century. Afterwards we will return to our hosteria to have lunch. The program lasts approximately 3 hours and the level of difficulty is low.

Day 4: Return
In the morning we will head towards the small airport on the island where our journey ends and we must part ways.

Included Excursions

San Juan Bautista
We will tour this town and learn about the most important economic activity of its people, catching lobster. We will also visit the carpenter shop and fisherman's market to see the boats and traps. The town of San Juan Bautista possesses a rich history and on this day we will visit el Fuerte, Santa Barbara, the monument that defended national sovereignty in the 18th century. We will travel to the nearby Cave of the Patriots, that protected those exiled during the Chilean Independence in 1815. Continuing towards the extreme northern part of the Island you will find a historical place that houses the ammunition that was fired from the English vessels, Kent and Glasgow, against the German vessel, Dresden, during World War I. We will visit the "Casa de la Cultura" or House of Culture where we will see, among other things, the remains of this German vessel.

View from Selkirk
565 meters (1,850 ft) above sea level. Slowly climbing to this point we will introduce you to the native forest of this Global Biosphere Reserve, following a path designated by CONAF. After approx. 2 hours we will arrive at the site where Alexander Selkirk, the Scottish seaman, sat watch day after day in hopes of spotting a ship on the horizon that would save him from his voluntary exile. There are two commemorative plaques of the adventure of Selkirk placed here, one left by the officials of the British ship, Topaze, and the other left by a direct descendent of the Scottish pirate. We will continue our trip until the Salto de la Pulga, and from there descend among abundant vegetation where we will observe ferns of all shapes and sizes.

Puerto Inglés
Depart from the Cumberland Bay dock heading north towards Puerto Ingles, where we will go on an archaeological journey visiting the cave of Robinson Crusoe and the area where excavations have taken place in hopes of finding the treasure of Cornelius Webb, a pirate whose galleon, the Unicorn, crashed into the island in the 18th century.

The Program Includes

• 3 nights of accommodations in the Hosteria Refugio Náutico with full meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner).
• Entrance passes to National Park.
• 1 tour to the National Park.
• Certified guide on each tour.

Notes

• The flights to Robinson Crusoe Island take place in planes that have a maximum capacity for 5 to 8 people. Passengers are allowed to bring up to 10 kilos of baggage (22 lbs). We will take off from the Tobalaba Airport.
• The best season to visit the island is from October to April.
• The climate is mild and pleasant, however it is possible that conditions can delay the flight, and for this reason, it is recommended that you be cautious when scheduling return flights.
• The extra expense for a delay or cancellation of a flight is the responsibility of the passenger.
• There are NO banks on the island so traveler's checks are highly recommended. They DO NOT accept credit cards.
• The island only has a first-aid post so the trip is not recommended for people with delicate health or those who are sick, or suffering from a serious health ailment.

Rates

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Validity

Program valid until December 31st, 2010.