Juan Fernandez Archipelago

Juan Fernandez Archipelago, is made famous by its connection to Robinson Crusoe, and one of the three islands is named for the fictional character based on Alexander Selkirk, the Scottish castaway who spent four years there.

The archipelago is 670 km (418 miles) off the central coast of Chile Getting there is somewhat tricky, but always at the pleasure of the weather. Boats from Valparaiso have their schedules rearranged by erratic weather, and flights from Santiago may be cancelled if the dirt runway is rained out.

Once on the islands, though, the trip is worth the trouble for their historical significance and unique flora and fauna.

After their discovery by Juan Fernandez in the 1570s, the islands became a hideaway for pirates and other unsavory characters. Sealers came for the fur seals found only here.

Masatierra, as the largest island was then known, was no stranger to castaways. Most were put ashore against their will and died soon after, but Selkirk went ashore voluntarily and survived until rescued in 1708. He became a celebrity after his return to Scotland where Daniel Defoe wrote his classic novel.

The three islands of Masatierra (closer to land), Masafuera (farther from land) and Santa Clara make up the archipelago. They are the tips of submarine mountains and are rocky, but sustain the flora and fauna that prompted the Chilean government to make them a national park in the 1930s. The islands are a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. The climate is temperate, but rainy.

Masatierra was renamed Robinson Crusoe and Masafuera was renamed Alejandro Selkirk in a bid to open the archipelago to tourists in the 1960s. The flora and fauna, isolated as they were for so long, draw visitors who want to see the plants and animals found nowhere else on earth. Some of the native species are now on the endangered list, and worthy of preservation. You can read more about the fur seal, and other species, in Wildlife. On the other hand, the local lobsters are a big draw for seafood lovers and provide an economic base for the islanders.

Most visitors stay at one of the small hotels in San Juan Bautista at one and there are camping facilities available for those who don't mind roughing it.

Things to do and see

Cuevas de los Patriotas, seven caves that provided scant shelter for men after the defeat of the Battle of Rancagua in 1814.

Selkirk's lookout, the Mirador Alejandro Selkirk to see miles of empty ocean and the smaller islands and therecreation of his settlement, reached by water with a group, or by hikeing into on a steep trail from San Juan.

If you travel to Juan Fernandez Archipelago, please let us know! Post a trip report on the forum. Buen viaje!