Off the coast of Chili, in a world biosphere reserve in an elusive archipelago, one can find an island steeped in the mystery and novelty that seems to be taken right from the pages of classic literature.

The Island

In 1719, Daniel Defoe published the novel Robinson Crusoe. What few people know is that this famous book is based on the life of Alexander Selkirk who was marooned on the island for four years. It is from this, and a little help from the Chilean Government, that Juan Fernandez Island also took the name Robinson Crusoe Island.

Today, with its airplanes, hotels and 550 residents, it is hard to get marooned on the island. However, the island is still home to an impressive collection of flora and fauna. The island is considered so stunning that in 1977, it was declared a world biosphere reserve by the United Nations.

Island Activities

The extensive flora and fauna on the island also extends beneath its shores creating an aquatic ecosystem that rivals its terrestrial one. Clear waters, schools of fish and a plethora of other marine life attract swimmers, scuba divers and snorkellers to this little known aquatic oasis.

Robinson Crusoe Island has a varied landscape that is highlighted by a forested interior. The rugged trails of the island allow for excellent trekking. You may even be lucky enough to trace the steps of Mirador de Selkirk where the marooned sailor would go to search the open seas for ships.

Accommodations

Robinson Crusoe is not a private island, however its remoteness and small population are sure to provide the private island experience. The island has a number of small hotels to choose from, these range from hotels and private cabins to small inns and hostels.

The Cabanas Dafne is a three star hotel and restaurant with only 5 rooms. The hotel has a restaurant on premises and rates range from 50-55 dollars per night.

El Pangal Hosteria is located on the island. El Pangal has a restaurant on site and is considered very tourist friendly. The hotel has 31 rooms and rates range from 108-216 dollars per night and includes continental breakfast. El Pangal is the only hotel listed here that accepts credit cards.

Martinez Green Hosteria is a three star hotel and restaurant. The hotel has 14 rooms and prices range from 62-80 dollars per night.

Villa Green Hosteria is a three star tourist hotel with 16 rooms. Room prices range from 59-82 dollars per night, and this includes breakfast.

Treasure found on Robinson Crusoe Island

If the history of the island is not enough, recently a crew of treasure hunters reportedly discovered some 600 barrels of gold coins and Incan Jewels buried 15 metres below the ground.

Believed to be the great lost treasure of the Spanish looting of South America, the treasure has an estimated worth of 10 billion dollars. The treasure hunters have claimed half of the loot is theirs, however, are said to be donating it to non-profit organizations.