Robinson Crusoe Island

Robinson Crusoe Island is the largest of the Juan Fernández Archipelago, 670 km west of the Chilean mainland in the Pacific Ocean. It was the site of the shipwreck of Alexander Selkirk in 1704, whose four-year solitary stay inspired Daniel Defoe's novel "Robinson Crusoe." The island is a national park with extraordinary biodiversity — over 60% of its plant species are found nowhere else on Earth.

The only settlement on the island is San Juan Bautista (population approximately 800), a fishing village built around a sheltered bay. The island was severely damaged by a tsunami following the 2010 Maule earthquake, which destroyed much of the village before it was rebuilt.

By Plane

Flights from Santiago's Arturo Merino Benítez Airport (SCL) land on the island's airstrip (2.5 hr). LATAM operates 1–2 flights per week. A return ticket costs approximately CLP 300,000–500,000.

By Boat

Cargo boats from Valparaíso take 3–4 days. Passenger berths are occasionally available for around CLP 100,000 one way.

San Juan Bautista is walkable. For the interior of the island, hiking trails are the only option — no roads exist outside the village.

• San Juan Bautista: the village with colourful wooden houses, a church, and a small museum.

• Mirador de Selkirk: the viewpoint on the ridge where Selkirk kept watch for passing ships.

• Playa Ancha: the main beach near the village.

• Puerto Inglés: a sheltered cove on the north coast, accessible by boat.

• Hiking: trails cross the island through forest of endemic ferns, luma, and the endangered Juan Fernández firecrown hummingbird.

• Snorkelling and diving: the clear waters around the island have abundant fish and lobster.

• Boat tours: to see the spectacular sea cliffs and sea lion colonies.

• Lobster fishing tours: the island is famous for its Juan Fernández lobster.

• Restaurante El Mirador (mid-range): seafood specialities including lobster. Mains CLP 10,000–20,000.
• Cocinería La Playa (budget): fried fish and empanadas. Mains CLP 4,000–7,000.

Tap water on the island is rainwater-catchment and is generally safe. Bottled water is available in the village stores. There is one simple bar in San Juan Bautista.

• Mid-range: Cabañas Robinson Crusoe (cabins in the village, CLP 50,000–80,000).
• Upmarket: Refugio Ecológico (ecolodge CLP 120,000–180,000 full-board).

The village has a few small shops for basic supplies. The island's main export product — live Juan Fernández lobster — can be bought at the pier.

• Juan Fernández Archipelago National Park: the entire island is a national park.
• Isla Alejandro Selkirk (175 km west): the second-largest island in the archipelago, even more remote and pristine.
• Isla Santa Clara (1.5 km southwest): a small rocky island viewable from the village.