Chile : Tours : Robinson Crusoe Island, a Living Treasure

The Juan Fernández Archipelago is comprised of three islands, Robinson Crusoe Island, Alexander Island, and Santa Clara Island. Covering an area of 9,967 hectares (24,630 acres), it was declared a National Park in 1935, and a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1977, for all its riches and beauty.The park is unique for its species of flora found nowhere else in the world but on this island. These 12 types of endemic species, such as the Lactoridaceae family, have resulted in a widespread botanical interest for the island. Some of the numerous vegetable groups in the area include helechos (ferns), arboreal plants, and vine-like vegetation, providing a combination of plant life that does not exist anywhere else in the world. In addition there are palma Chonta (Juanis Australis), Dendroseris Litoralis, Dendroseris Nerifolia and the last sandalwood found on the island. The fauna on the island is as interesting as the flora. Because of its geographic location, this island is an obligatory stop for marine birds, as well as a permanent residence for a number of endemic species such as the attractive Juan Fernández Hummingbird (Sephanoides Fernandensis) and the fur seal (Arctocephalus Phillippi), an endemic marine mammal.

Day 1: Village Tour
Reception at the local airport. We begin our adventure here and embark on a journey to sail towards Cumberland Bay, and the village of San Juan Bautista to reach our accommodations at the Hosteria Refugio Nautico. In the afternoon, we will travel through the rest of the village where you will learn about the town's most important economic activity, catching lobsters. We will visit a local market to see their 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. Return to the Hosteria. Accommodations.

Day 2: View from Selkirk
In the morning head towards the Selkirk Overlook, 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. 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

• Town of San Juan Bautista, Santa Barbara Fort, Cave of the Patriots.
• House of Culture, Tree Nurseries of CONAF.
• Selkirk Overlook, Salto de la Pulga (Pulga Falls)
• Puerto Inglés, cave of Robinson Crusoe, digging for pirate, Cornelius Webb's treasure.
• Juan Fernandez Archipelago National Park, Plazoleta (Small Square)
• Exploration of Cumberland Bay in kayak.
• Snorkeling in Tres Puntas Bay, observing sea lions.

The Program Includes

• 6 nights of accommodations in the Hosteria Refugio Náutico.
• Excursions and transportation according to the previously described itinerary.
• Full meals (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
• 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 take off from the Cerrillos 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

Rates per passenger in American Dolars.

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