A Journey Through Time, Wilderness, and the Spirit of the Pacific

Six hundred kilometers off the coast of South America, in the vast, rolling expanse of the Pacific Ocean, a rugged island rises from the deep. Robinson Crusoe Island—once a lonely refuge for the marooned Scottish sailor Alexander Selkirk—stands as a realm of untamed beauty and legend. It was here, in 1704, that Selkirk defied his captain and was left to survive alone for five years, a test of endurance that would later inspire Daniel Defoe’s timeless tale, Robinson Crusoe.

Today, this 47 km² island, the largest of the Juan Fernández Archipelago, remains a world apart. A Chilean national park, it shelters a small community of about 1,100 inhabitants who carve their livelihood from the ocean—primarily through lobster fishing, tourism, and maritime traditions passed through generations.

With a landscape sculpted by fire and time, the island’s volcanic heart is a breathtaking study in contrasts—sheer cliffs plunging into sapphire waters, deep ravines shrouded in mist, and rolling highlands draped in emerald green. At its highest point, El Yunque Hill rises to 915 meters, a sentinel over this forgotten world, where moisture-laden winds weave veils of cloud through ancient forests.

Photography Highlights

For those drawn to the artistry of light and shadow, the island offers an unparalleled canvas:
• Towering volcanic cliffs that dissolve into the restless sea
• Lush, endemic forests, untouched and teeming with life
• The Juan Fernández Firecrown, a resplendent hummingbird found nowhere else on Earth
• Crystal-clear waters that beckon divers and sport fishers into their depths

The Journey

We will traverse the island as explorers once did—by muleback—winding our way through rugged trails to Rebaje de la Piña, a dramatic promontory where wild goats navigate the precipices. Our return will be by sea, skimming the coastline from Puerto Francés, where centuries ago, privateers sought refuge in hidden coves.

A visit to Plazoleta del Yunque will take us into a prehistoric world, where giant nalca plants stretch their broad leaves skyward, and endemic flora thrives in an untouched sanctuary.

From the deck of our boat, we will circle the island’s wild fringes, where sea lions bask on rocky outcrops and the wind carries the cries of seabirds. Those who dare can slip into the water to swim alongside these curious creatures in their underwater realm. As the sun breaks over the Pacific, we will share a meal of local delicacies on the waves, the island silhouetted against the dawn—a moment suspended between sea and sky.

This is more than an expedition; it is an immersion into a world of myth and wilderness, where the echoes of castaways and pirates blend with the call of seabirds and the whisper of the wind. A voyage for the adventurous soul, where history, nature, and the ocean’s timeless rhythm converge in one unforgettable journey.

Beyond Crusoe: Exploring Chile’s Natural Wonders

For those wishing to extend their journey in Chile, we offer customized travel experiences to some of the country’s most breathtaking destinations like the Atacama Desert and Torres del Paine.

Our travel partner, Explora (https://www.explora.com) specializes in immersive experiences across Chile, as well as in Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina. Whether you dream of witnessing the otherworldly landscapes of the Atacama Desert—home to vast salt flats, steaming geysers, and star-studded night skies—or venturing into the rugged beauty of Patagonia’s Torres del Paine, we can tailor an itinerary to match your interests.

Let us know if you’d like to add an extension to your trip, and we will craft a personalized package to ensure an unforgettable continuation of your Chilean adventure.