Excursion Robinson crusoe island tour at Isla Robinson Crusoe

This is a self-exploration opportunity and advanced reservations are not required.

Robinson Crusoe Island was formed by several volcanic explosions which gave birth to the Juan Fernández Archipielago. The island was discovered in 1574 by the shipwrecked Alejandro Selkirk. His story inspired the writer Daniel Defoe, who immortalized the island in one of the classics of the western literature, the novel Robinson Crusoe.

The small settlement of San Juan Bautista is only a 2-minute walk from the pier. Robinson Crusoe Island is the only island in Juan Fernández with a permanent population, concentrated in San Juan Bautista and its surroundings.  The National Forestry Corporation, featuring unique specimens of plants endemic to the archipelago, can be reached via a 15-minute walk. Time has left its mark on the island, there are still remains from the age of the pirates, where corsairs and exiled rebels left their records and traces of history and hidden treasures. The cave of the patriots, occupied by the exiled during the Spanish reconquest, is a spot of historical importance.

For more avid walkers, attractions may include the lighthouse at the northern part of the bay, Santa Barbara Fort, built by the Spanish as defence against the English corsairs in the 18th century. It was constructed with rocks and has 15 cannons. Alexander Selkirk Lookout is a trek that follows a steep trail up to the spot that is renowned for being the look out that the discoverer climbed to every day. Along the way, you'll find some stunning spots to stop and admire the view.

Whatever you choose, going ashore means to delight in the stunning landscape and the amazing vegetation.