Crusoe IslandThis tiny group of islands, located some four hundred miles off the Chilean coast, includes what is probably literature's most famous 'deserted' island. Isla Robinson Crusoe is the very island on which the Scottish mariner Alexander Selkirk was marooned for over four years: his recollections of the ordeal gave rise to Daniel Defoe's famous novel and the island dreams which so many share.
Rising dramatically from the Pacific to jagged peaks exceeding 5000 feet, the islands of the Juan Fernández archipelago are home to one of the most highly endemic ecosystems in the world. Over 60% of native plant species on the island are found nowhere else of earth, while notable endemic fauna include 6 species or sub-species of birds and the Juan Fernandez fur seal, back from near extinction around the turn of the century. Today, the entire archipelago is protected as a national park and UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, boding well for the preservation of biodiversity on Juan Fernández.
Isla Robinson Crusoe has the archipelago's only permanent population, centered in and around the town of San Juan Bautista, with a local economy based largely on the harvest of delicious spiny lobsters. Tourism in the islands is decidedly low-key, with a number of comfortable pensions and restaurants available in San Juan Bautista. Hiking trails, fishing, birdwatching and diving are all excellent options for active travelers.
Thanks to the Tourism Promotion Corporation of Chile : 202-530-4109
We worked with Franny initially and then once we booked we worked with Phen. Franny was very patient and not pushy as we considered our choices. They both got back to us immediately when we had questions.
Expedition cruises are very weather dependent, we knew we were going to see Glaciers, Marine Life, Landscapes but just didn't know when and where. We had some rain, sleet and snow then followed by absolutely beautiful weather. The captain and expedition team were very conscientious for our safety as well as providing us with a fulfilling and educational experience.
Misti
1 month ago
Adventure Life made the whole trip process smooth and worry free from planning and throughout the entire trip. Communication was excellent and the trip to Chile and Easter Island was amazing. We were able to customize the entire trip and use the experience of other travelers to ensure each day was amazing.
Quinn Johnson
1 month ago
Erin and Juliane have been very helpful. The planning has been smooth and stress-free. My concerns and questions have been answered on a timely manner. I was referred to a booking agent for flights that made it easier to plan international and local flights. There's also a Trip Planner website that provides good information as well as a single location for documents related to this trip.
Noel Mozo
3 months ago
Very prompt replies and very knowledgeable
Christine Guthrie
3 months ago
Adventure Life planned a stunner of a trip for our family ONCE AGAIN! This is our 7th trip with Adventure Life. We chose the Chile North to South adventure with add-ons of Magdalena Island to see the penguins; Las Torres hotel in Patagonia; Calafate, Argentina to see the Perito Moreno glacier and finally, Buenos Aires. We were active every day! Biking in vineyards, trekking at 14,000 ft above sea level and seeing vicuña and vizcacha everywhere after having almost the entire El Tatio geyser park to ourselves, an evening tour viewing the stars and galaxies in the Atacama Desert, River Rafting and hiking between volcanoes and glacial lakes in the mountain lake region of Peurto Varas, hiking the French Valley, Las Torres and riding horses in Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, walking on the glacier and drinking glacial water and hearing those thunderous booms of ice calving at Perito Moreno in Calafate, Argentina and biking 30 miles through Buenos Aires to the suburbs where we kayaked the Tigre River Delta. So much fun!! I even wore my adult children out!!