JUAN FERNANDEZ ISLANDS
NATIONAL PARK
WORLD BIOSPHERE RESERVE

These Oceanic Islands spread almost parallel to the Easter Island chain, along parallel 33 41’ S of the Southern Latitude. The Archipelago makes up part of a larger underwater volcanic chain, related with the Juan Fermandez Dorsal, which corresponds to the Nazca Plate, perpendicular to the axis of the Chilean-Peruvian oceanic trench, of very recent geological age; 4 to 5 million years old.

Robinson Crusoe Island is located 667 km west from the port of Valparaíso and has a land surface of 93 squared km. Its location is 33 37’S, 78 -53’W. It is strongly affected by air and sea erosion processes that have destroyed and modified the greater part of its original volcanic form. The rugged outline of the north part of the island is dominated by the mountainous mass known as Cerro El Yunque of 915 m.a.s.l.

The topography of this region is characterized by steep and rugged hills surrounded by chains, cliffs and gorges full of lush vegetation.

The village of the island is located at the foot of El Yunque Peak, in Cumberland Bay.

Alexander Selkirk Island has a surface of 85 sq.km. and a height of 1650 m.a.s.l. at the peak of Los Inocentes Hill. It is located at 33 45’S, 89 45’W, some 180 km. fromRobison Crusoe Island and 834 km. from the port of Valparaiso. This island has very different geomorphic features to Robinson Crusoe Island. Its impressive height clearly reflects its volcanic structure, it has cliffs over 1000 metres high. Beaches are rocky, very rarely sandy. Its only population consists of 25 inhabitants, located in the bay of the Colony, in Quebrada de las Casas.

Santa Clara Island is the smallest of the Archipelago, it is uninhabited. Located at 33 42’S, 79 00’W, it has a surface of 5 sq.km. and adjoins Robinson Crusoe Island at 1.5 km.. Its highest peak is 375 m.a.s.l. at Johow Island. By being located south of Robinson Crusoe Island, and due to its geomorphological features and basaltic lava composition, it seems feasable that it is part of a major volcanic structure closely related with the south western peninsula of Robinson Crusoe. It is thought that this would have been the first volcanic center that gave shape to the Archipelago.

 

How to get there?
The most common way to travel to the Archipelago is by air on a twin-engine Piper Navajo plane for seven passengers. The flight is two and a half hours long and departs from the capital of Chile, Santiago. Due to the plane’s capacity, you may only take 15 kg. of luggage, though extra kilograms are charged at US$ 3. The other alternative is to travel by ship in a 72 hour journey, departing from the port of Valparaiso.

What to take?
Photographic camera and film (there are no developing laboratories), video camara (220V), two pairs of shoes; one for walking/hiking and the other for resting; polar jacket and any waterproof clothing for possible rains, hat, sun protection, sunglasses, and the desire to run, dive and have a good time!!!

Weather
The climate is subtropical-marine-rainy. Rainfall is up to 1000 mm/year, mostly falling between May and September. Minimum temperature in winter time is 10 C and maximum temperature in summer is 27 C.

Population
Robinson Crusoe Island has around 600 inhabitants that live in the only existing settlement named SAN JUAN BAUTISTA (St. John the Baptist). Most of its inhabitants are fishing families that live from fishing lobster and recently, golden crawfish. Important family names are Charpentier, De Rodt, Paredes, Green, Arredondo, Rojas, Recabarren, Schiller, Camacho, and González. All are descendents of the first settlers. The town is located in Cumberland Bay, which is supplied monthly with fuel and food by ship.

Trade
There are no banks or exchange offices, you must take cash: Chilean Pesos, in some places US Dollars and cheques are accepted, however credit cards are not used. There are shops and mini-markets, several foods may be found.
There are no supermarkets, malls, or cinemas. There are around four pubs and one discotheque. There is also a cultural gallery, a local museum, and a photographic display on the history of the settlers, and a gallery of the German ship Dresden, that was sunk in Cumberland Bay in 1915.
Currency: Chilean Peso.

Language
Spanish.


Goverment

CONAF ... 32-751022
Local Counsil 32-751001
Police 32-751021
Navy Captain 32-751008
Naval Radio Station 32-751009
Mail (Post Office) 32-751105
Dresden Elementary School 32-751034
Fishing Union 32-751115
Infirmary 32-751067

 

School
Dresden School imparts only elementary education.
Youngsters study in Valparaiso for High School Education.

Health
There is a rural health infirmary with medical and dental assistance.

High season
May / September

Low season
Octuber / April
Book with us!

We work in coordination with the three airlines that fly to the Archipelago, on the seven passenger twin engine Piper Navajo. During summertime there are flights every day.

Lodging (Hosterías and Residencias)

We can arrange all your lodging needs in the Island for you. There are many options, ranging from inns and lodging houses to island hotels and private cabins. All these alternatives have full and half board, or simply bed and breakfast. Single, double and triple rooms, private and shared bathrooms.
CENTRO NAUTICO LODGE:
Located in the beach area "El Palillo".
3 Rooms with private bath.
Typical island foods.
Lounge, TV.
Laundry service.
Phone and Fax.		 PETIT BREUILH LODGE:
Located in the Valle de Lord Anson (valley).
Rooms with private bath, satelite TV.
Bar/restaurant, typical island food.
Lounge with satelite TV.
Laundry service.
Phone and Fax.

FARNLAND LODGE:
Located on "Calle La Polvora" road.
Rooms with private/shared baths.
Lounge with TV.
International and typical island food.
Phone and Fax.
VILLA GREEN LODGE:
ULocated in town center.
4 Double rooms and 2 suites with private baths.
Restaurant.
Lounge, TV.
Launry service.
Phone - Fax.

MARTINEZ GREEN LODGE:
In center of town.
12 rooms with private baths.
Typical island food.
Lounge.
Phone - Fax.
EL PALILLO INN:
Located in "El Palillo" beach area.
3 Double rooms/private bathroom.
Typical island food.
TV lounge.
Laundry service.
Phone - Fax.

EL GIOLITO INN:
In towncenter.
Cabin with 4 rooms and private baths.
Cabin with 2 suites and private baths.
Kitchen and dining room.
Typical island food.
EL MIRADOR INN:
Upper part of town.
2 double rooms with shared bath.
1 single room.
Typical island food.
TV lounge.
Laundry service.

THE PIRATE INN - EL PIRATA:
In La Pólvora area.
2 double rooms and 1 single room - shared bath.
TV lounge.
Typical island food.
Laundry service.
CABAÑA PAULENTZ LODGE:
In "El Palillo" beach sector.
4 private double rooms with bath and kitchenette.
Laundry service.

ALDEA DANIEL DEFOE:

This Bar, Restaurant and Hostel, is one of the oldest and unique for its style and decoration. The walls and corners tell us the story of this "aldea" and the importance of its nautic past.

Built in 1968 by the Uruguayan poet and artist Blanca Luz Brum, her paintings, belonging to the "naif" trend, show us different scenes of Robinson Crusoe, trend which she learn after being married to the famous Mexican muralist Alvaro Siqueiros.



Today is her own daugther, our close friend María Eugenia Béeche Brum who will be cordialy guiding you into this unique and incredible island, operation base for the mitic "thousand miles" oceanic race.






Now a days María Eugenia and the northamerican historian Bernard Keiser, are the leading roles on the search of a highly valued treasure burried in "puerto Inglés" by british corsaries arround the end of the XVIII century.

Her cotagges and bar, only five meters from the sea shore offer a incredible view of Bahía Cumberland. English and German spoken.

CABAÑAS DAFNE (cabins):
In "El Palillo" beach sector. 2 fully equipped cabins w/kitchenette and fridge.
Capacity: 2-3 people/each cabin.		 CABAÑAS RITA (cabins):
In Lord Anson valley.
Fully equipped, private bath, kitchen, dining room, fridge.
TV lounge.
Capacity:6 people.

CABAÑA SCARLETT (cabins):
In Lord Anson valley.
Fully equipped, kitchen, fridge, dining room.
Capacity:5 people.		 CABAÑA EL VALLE (cabins):
In Lord Anson valley.
Spacious cabin, fully equipped, 1 single and 1 double room, 1 suite. Bath, kitchen, fridge.
Capacity:6 people.
Lounge w/TV.

CABAÑAS CHARPENTIER (cabins):
In "El Palillo" beach sector.
Fully equipped, bath, kitchen, dining room.
For 4-5 people.
LOS CAÑONES CAMPING:
In Lord Anson valley.
Camping service.
Tables, BBQ, lighting, laundry facilities.
Toilets/cold showers.