Robinson Crusoe Island Castaway

From Santiago fly to Robinson Crusoe Island, one of three main islands in the Juan Fernandez Archipelago about 600 km off Chile's coastline. Arriving late morning, drive along El Arenal beach keeping a look out for fur seals along the coastline. Pass by El Padre bay and continue towards Cumberland Bay, the location of your exclusive lodge, Robinson Crusoe Island resort, in time for your gourmet lunch featuring traditional dishes like lobster and golden crab. The afternoon is free today for you to explore the grounds and get acquainted with your new home.

Enjoy a buffet breakfast before setting out for your first excursion on the island. Start a fairly challenging five hour trek up to Selkirk Viewpoint (approx. 2.5 miles), where Alexander Selkirk looked out into the distance in search of a rescue ship. Alexander is said to have been the inspiration for the character of Robinson Crusoe in Daniel Defoe's famous novel Robinson Crusoe. He was reportedly abandoned by his captain on the uninhabited island after a dispute in 1704, and survived there for 4 years before being rescued. The spectacular views are a great reward for the hard effort, and you can see remains of a shack Alexander used to protect himself from the weather changes during long walks. Lunch is served in Mirador del Selkirk hostel.

This afternoon embark on a leisurely walk (approx. 1.5 miles) visiting the historical landmarks of San Juan Bautista Village, the only settlement on the island with just over 500 inhabitants. See the Patriotic Caves, the Santa Barbara Fort, and the remains of Acorazado Dresden, a German battleship sunk to avoid capture in 1915 in Cumberland Bay. Peruse the local artisan shops on the island before heading back to the lodge for dinner.

This morning you set out on a marine adventure! Observe the island's marine fauna and lobster fishing along the coastline. Sail around to see how this industry helps to feed those on the island. After lunch back at the hotel, you set out this afternoon for a snorkeling or scuba diving activity. Robinson Crusoe Island is world famous dive destination. Swim with fur seals and curious sea lions and explore beautiful underwater volcanic cliffs and caves. Amateurs are welcome to try diving, which is limited to a maximum depth of 15m and are run by qualified PADI instructors. Please let us know in advance if you want to dive.
 

After breakfast head out on horseback to the Plazolet del Yunque. The 1.5 mile trail winds through native forest that begins at the foot of the Cerro Yunque. After about three and a half hours, arrive to the Plazoleta del Yunque, the highest summit on the island. Here you will find the ruins of the Dresen crew members. Return to the hotel for lunch.

In the afternoon we walk to Centinela hill, walking through an endemic forest lined with luma (Chilean myrtle), cinnamon trees and naranjillos (similar to oranges). We return to the lodge for our final dinner on the island.

Return to Santiago today, or extend your stay for a few more nights.