Robinson Crusoe Island, Chile

Robinson Crusoe Island, Chile
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Archpielago_Juan_Fernandez_%28Vista_hacia_Robinson_Crusoe%29.jpg
Author: Serpentus


Robinson Crusoe Island (Isla Robinson Crusoe) is a small island belonging to Chile in the South Pacific Ocean. It is the main island of the Juan Fernández archipelago, which comprises three islands, the other two being Alejandro Selkirk and Santa Clara.

Robinson Crusoe Island is 674 km west of mainland Chile. It was first sighted in 1574 by Spanish captain Juan Fernández, and was originally called Más a Tierra, meaning "closer to land". It was given its present name after the character from the Daniel Defoe classic, Robinson Crusoe. The novel is believed to have been inspired by an actual happening.

In 1704, sailor Alexander Serkirk was left on the island, and stayed there for four years until he was rescued. Quarrelsome and unruly, Serkirk had been an annoyance to the captain, Thomas Stradling, of the Cinque Ports. Serkirk had argued that the ship was not seaworthy Tired of Serkirk, Stradling obliged in leaving him on the island with only some weapons, tools and a Bible. After the Cinque Ports sailed away, it sank, killing most of the crew.

Today Robinson Crusoe Island has a population of less than a thousand people. The island is rugged and mountainous. The highest peak is 916 m (3,005 ft) above sea level.

Cumberland Bay, Robinson Crusoe Island
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bahia-cumberland.jpg
Author: Profe Lester


Robinson Crusoe island was hit by the 27 February, 2010 tsunami caused by an 8.8 magnitude earthquake in Chile. The 5-meter tsunami killed five people in San Juan Batista, the main town on the island.

Visiting Robinson Crusoe Island

Visitors to Robinson Crusoe Island have to fly by chartered flight from Santiago de Chile. Arriving at the airstrip of the island, you can take a ferry to the main town, San Juan Bautista.

Sights in Robinson Crusoe Island

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