The real island of a castaway, far off the Chilean coast
A rugged volcanic island in the Juan Fernández Archipelago, some 670 km off the coast of Chile, with around 900 residents in the village of San Juan Bautista on Cumberland Bay. Its steep green ridges and endemic wildlife are protected as a national park and UNESCO biosphere reserve.
The Scottish sailor Alexander Selkirk was marooned here alone from 1704 to 1709, an ordeal that helped inspire Daniel Defoe's novel Robinson Crusoe — the island was officially renamed in the novel's honour in 1966. In 2010 a tsunami following the great Chilean earthquake struck San Juan Bautista, causing loss of life.
Best Nov–Mar (summer) · Patagonia Nov–Feb — this reflects Chile's seasonal weather and crowds.
Visa-free (90 days, most passports). Entry rules depend on your nationality and change often — always confirm with the official Chile government or embassy before you travel.
Chilean Peso (CLP). You can convert USD to the live local rate right on this page.
Spanish is the primary language in Chile.
Dial 131 for emergencies in Chile.
Tap water here is generally rated "Tap safe". When unsure, choose sealed bottled or filtered water.
Type C/L. Bring a compatible adapter — you can build a full packing list for Robinson Crusoe Island on this page.
Safety varies by neighbourhood and changes over time, so there's no one-word answer. The local emergency number is 131. Check SkyOSK's safety notes for Robinson Crusoe Island and your government's current travel advisory before you go.