Chile : Articles : Juan Fernandez Islands

Just as the story describes it, Robinson Crusoe Island is a fascinating, lost paradise.

The island is situated 667 km from the continent, in front of the city of Valparaíso. Robinson Crusoe Island is part of one of the most beautiful natural reserves in the world, the wonderful Juan Fernández Islands. The fauna and flora found here are very unique. Neither time nor progress has been able to capture the magic and charm found here.

History

Robinson Crusoe Island was created by several volcanic explosions which gave life to the group of Juan Fernández Islands. The island was discovered in 1574 by the shipwrecked Alejandro Selkirk  who was motivated by the writer Daniel Defoe to immortalize the island in one of the literature classics that was named after him.

A refuge of pirates like John Eaton, Edward Davis and the timid Bartolomé Sharp, the island was given attention as expected and the waters continued to save the island over the course of time.

The nature endows the island of 4,711 hectares which extends 22 kilometers in length and 7 kilometers in width. In this area one can find a variety of vegetables specific to this location, 146 existing of which only 101 survive here on these group of islands. Also, there are animals like the fur seal and red hummingbird which are unique to this area.

The awe of such natural beauty gives one an appreciation and motivated the world authorities to pronounce the island as a national park and a world biosphere reserve. Existing under these 2 titles helps to secure conservation of it´s biodiversity.

Robinson Crusoe Island is unique to the other Juan Fernández Islands due to it's permanent population concentrated in the city of San Juan Bautista and it's surroundings. The local economy is based on lobster fishing, species characteristic of world-wide fame.

From November to April the island is full of life. During this time, one can appreciate the birth of the fur seal babies who cordially observe the arrival of tourists and greet them with funny somersaults.

Tourism

The legendary story of the island has transformed the island into a mysterious, exciting place. But the geographic beauty has converted it into an unforgettable paradise.

Even the land has conserved the marvel of not being farmed by man, and therefore it could almost be considered virgin land. There are a variety of ways to access the natural beauty of this island. There are many different activities one can do on the island.

One way to coexist with the environment of the island, which is very special and enriching, is by trekking. Excursions are performed by experts on bike and by foot, to obtain a more deep and personal encounter with the unique natural surroundings.

An excursion by horse could be a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the geographic variety of the island. Enjoy traveling through places of historical significance and interest with a guide who is knowledgeable about the history and traditions of the island.

The practicing of sports like scuba diving and submarine hunting are ideal opportunities to explore a side more hidden than the natural magic perceived at 1st sight. The island has instructional services and all equipment needed for diving, we invite you to submerge yourself in the warm, transparent waters of the island, offering you the opportunity to see the rich underwater flora and fauna.

There are plenty of reasons one could be motivated to spend the day fishing on this island. Not only for the interests in the distinct types of island fish (tuna, jurel, dogfish, rock salmon), but also for the grand opportunity to accompany a local fisherman during his daily tasks which include the preparation of a lobster at high tide.

Places of the Legend

Time has left it's mark on the island. Even ruins from the pirates' visits still remain, places where frightening pirates or exiled rebels left their records and traces of where they hid their boots and history.

One of these places is the caves of the patriots. This place was occupied by the exiled during the spanish reconquest and has historical importance. It has served as a refuge to the grandees and titled nobility of Spain like Cienfuegos, Egaña, and Eyzaguirre.

The Santa Bárbara Fort, located in the town of San Juan Bautista, is the only Spanish fortress on the island with a good probability of being restored.  This type of stronghold, especially those constructions in the Cumberland Bay, is where the Spanish defense plans for the American coast for half of the 18th century were left. This fort has been constructed with rock material and possesses 15 cannons of different calibers.

El Mirador Alejandro Selkirk is a path which takes you to the viewpoint where the discoverer of the same name, waited to see ships that could come to rescue him. You can arrive here half way along the walk to the Santa Bárbara Fort, continuing inland as you walk through a forest of giant plants. Then the path continues uphill approximately 565 meters (4 hours) to the viewpoint where you can find 2 plaques in remembrance of the legend of the island's discovery.

The  French port, where French pirates had landed, is located 30 minutes by sea voyage from the Cumberland Bay. From this place you can access the "Rebaje de la Piña" which keeps the oldest manifestation of native vegetation.

Useful Information

In general, the tourist season starts in October and ends in April. This is when you can enjoy the best climate conditions. During this period it is ideal to take sports clothes or comfortable attire.

The flights to the island are by planes which only have the capacity for 5 to 10 people with a restriction of 1 piece of luggage up to 10 kgs. During the months of January and February, the flights are daily leaving from Los Cerrillos Airport and last approximately 2hrs 45min to 3hrs 15min. The sea transfer between airport and town has a duration of aprox. 1 and a half hours. If the climate is good, as it usually is at this time, it is similar to that of Viña del Mar. Although, at times it does create inconveniences which delay the flights. This happens no more than 2 to 3 times a month. For this reason we advise all of our passengers to be aware of a possible 24hr postponement of their flight which could happen on the departure or return. It is recommended that you make reservations with the knowledge that this delay could affect your plans.

To travel to the island, we recommend the airline Tairc, which makes frequent trips to the island, offering you safe and reliable transportation.

We should inform you that there are no banks on the island, therefore it is recommended to avoid taking checks. Although it is certain there is not luxury on the island, the warmth of the islanders will make your stay relaxing and unforgettable. Their kind character initiates their want to help the visitor solve any problem which may arise. Just in case, there is an excellent system of signals set up  by CONAF (National Forest Corporation).

There is no sophisticated medical group on the island, for this reason we do not recommend this trip to sickly, weak travelers who may need immediate medical attention.

Camping is also an option on this island. There are beautiful, rustic inns with air-conditioning, benches, stone BBQs, and spring water where tourists can put  up tents. Camping is free on the island and all necessary supplies are no more expensive than continental prices.

Written by A. Chaparro

 For more information visit our National Parks Guide
See Juan Fernandez tourist packages here