History of Robinson Crusoe Island
Robinson Crusoe Island was created from several volcanic explosions, which then formed the Archipiélago Juan Fernández, that is, la Isla Alejandro Selkirk and Santa Clara.
The island was discovered in 1574 by the Spanish sailor Juan Fernández, who named the archipelago, when he was sailing from Peru to Valparaíso on a different route to what was normally taken.
In 1708, the Scotsman Alexander Selkirk was rescued, after living on the island for four years. This inspired Daniel Dafoe to write his famous book, ‘The Adventures of Robinson Crusoe’.
It was also a refuge for pirates such as John Cook, John Eaton, Edward Davis and Bartolomé Sharp.
The island’s natural beauty motivated worldwide authorities to declare it a National Park and Reserva Mundial de la Biosfera, which will ensure the conservation of its lush flora and abundant wildlife.
