Robinson Crusoe Island

(4 days / 3 nights)

Juan Fernández is a fascinating archipelago of volcanic origin, which is situated about 1,000 miles off Valparaíso, Chile. Robinsoe Crusoe, the main island of the group, is accessible after a 2-hour flight from Santiago. Its diverse history dates back to its discovery by Juan Fernandez in 1574, but its fame is relates to the prolonged residence of the Scottish sailor Alexander Selkirk who was marooned there between 1704 and 1709. His experiences served as the inspiration for Daniel Defoe's famous novel. During this trip, we shall hope to find the endemic Juan Fernandez firecrown and the Juan Fernández tit-tyrant. Rare species of Pterodroma petrels that nest in burrows in the forests, include Defillipi's and Stejneger's petrels, the Kermadec petrel and the Juan Fernandez petrel as well as pink-footed shearwater. Join us on this birding trip to this unique destination, to seek the specialties of the island of Robinson Crusoe!

“The team at 'Fantastico Sur' excel; enthusiasm shines through, whether it's sharing their avian specialities, introducing you to awe-inspiring landscapes or chatting about their countries historic magical araucaria forests and magellanic woodpecker, wind swept goas with kelp geese and magellanic plovers, stands of bamboo with skulking but stunning tapaculos. All experiences I'll never forget. I'd join a Fantastico Sur trip in the blink of an eye and would recommend anyone else to do the same.”

 

- Nigel Marven, Intrepid Film-maker, UK
Patagonia trip Dec 2006

Flight to the Juan Fernandez Archipelago
Forests of the Robinson crusoe Island

We begin our journey with an early flight from Santiago to Robinson Crusoe Island. After our arrival we will take a ninety-minute boat trip to Cumberland Bay where we shall land at the village of San Juan Bautista, the only settlement on the islands. During these two first days we will explore the forests and hills, looking for the two endemic land birds of the island, the gorgeous Juan Fernandez Firecrown and the Juan Fernandez Tit-tyrant. Also we will look for Austral Thrush, Short-eared Owl and the endemic race of the American Kestrel. The views from the vantage lookouts on the island are simply breathtaking and we will enjoy our many observations of the diversity of the endemic plants as we walk the island trails.

Refugio Náutico, San Juan Bautista (2*).


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Pelagic Trip

This remote archipelago immediately attracts the attention of the experienced sea birder, as it is renowned as the nesting location of some rare petrels and shearwaters. We will be looking for pelagic birds including four species of Pterodroma or gadfly petrels including the Juan Fernandez, De Filippi's, Stejneger's and Kermadec. To seek the Kermadec, we shall visit a coastal cliff during the afternoon when these birds return from their long daily feeding trip to attend to their nestlings. Other seabirds will include Southern Giant Petrel, Black-browed Albatross and White-bellied Storm-Petrel. Our regular trips along the coasts will provide excellent opportunity to observe the endemic, and formerly almost extinct Juan Fernandez Fur Seal.

Refugio Náutico, San Juan Bautista (2*).

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San Juan Bautistua
Flight to Santiago

After visiting the village and learning more about the interesting history of pirates, explorers and sea battles, we will return to the air strip by boat to join our afternoon flight to Santiago, where our journey will end.

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Extensions

Robinson Crusoe Island can be combined with one of the following optional extensions:

. Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego (8 days / 7 nights), birding journey at the edge of southern South America.
. Northern Chile (5 days / 4 nights), birding in oasis valleys and the altiplano.
. Central Chile (4 days / 3 nights), endemics and specialties from the Andes mountaintops to the sea level.

Dates & Prices

Itinerary on request; available from September through March.

Main Trip:4 days / 3 nights.
Meet/Depart:Santiago, Chile.
Group Size:Trips are guaranteed to depart with a minimum of 2 participants. Maximum group size of 6 participants.

RATES:
The above price is per person in US$, based on double occupancy.
Single supplement (TBA) will be added if single accommodations are requested or forced.

The trip price includes:
All accommodations, meals and guide services as stated in the itinerary, flight Santiago - San Juan Bautista, boat trips plus park entrance fees.

The trip price excludes:
Tipping, travel insurance, à la carte dishes, snacks, drinks, laundry, telephone calls and anything else of a purely personal nature.



TOUR REGISTRATION: To register for this tour, complete the FANTASTICO SUR registration form and return it (by fax or email) with a deposit of US$ 700 per person. Full payment of the tour fee is due 90 days prior to tour departure.

CANCELLATION POLICY: Notice of cancellation can only be accepted IN WRITING from the person who signed the booking form and takes effect on the day such noticed is received by us.
Refunds are made according to the following schedule:
If cancellation is made 120 days or more before departure date, the deposit less US$ 300 / £ 155 is refundable. If cancellation is made between 120 and 90 days before departure, the deposit is not refundable, but any payments covering the balance of the fee will be refunded. If cancellation is made fewer than 90 days before departure date, no refund is available. This policy and fee schedule also applies to pre-trip and post trip extensions, as well as any transfers from one tour to another. We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance to protect yourself.