Juan Fernández Islands

The Juan Fernández Islands are a small Chilean archipelago in the South Pacific, named after the navigator Juan Fernández who discovered them in 1574. The group is best known for its isolation and high levels of endemic flora and fauna.

The three main islands are Robinson Crusoe Island, Alejandro Selkirk Island, and Santa Clara; Robinson Crusoe contains the only significant permanent settlement and most visitor facilities. Marine life, seabird colonies and hiking on steep volcanic terrain are principal attractions for visitors, and boat access connects the islands to the Chilean mainland.

The islands were discovered by European navigators in the 16th century and later used by sailors, sealers and occasional settlers; Alexander Selkirk was marooned on what is now Alejandro Selkirk Island in the early 18th century, an episode that inspired the novel Robinson Crusoe. Over time the islands have remained under Chilean administration and have been managed to protect their unique ecosystems.

Geographically the archipelago sits in the South Pacific roughly 670 km west of the Valparaíso region of Chile. The islands are steep, volcanic, and have a mild, maritime climate with vegetation that varies from coastal scrub to endemic forest remnant on the larger islands.

• Distance from mainland: Located about 670 km west of the Chilean mainland in the South Pacific, the group is part of Chile's Valparaíso Region.
• Endemism: Home to multiple endemic species, including unique birds and plants adapted to the islands' isolated subtropical environment.

What to See #

• Robinson Crusoe Island: The largest inhabited island and main settlement, home to the town of San Juan Bautista and local services for the archipelago.
• Alejandro Selkirk Island: A remote, rugged island named after the marooned sailor Alexander Selkirk; largely uninhabited and important for seabird colonies.
• Santa Clara Island: A small, uninhabited islet located close to Robinson Crusoe Island, important for nesting seabirds.