The wildlife and wrecks of Robinson Crusoe Island

The island (and its twin story) that inspired Daniel Defoe to write Robinson Crusoe is at Valparaiso. Isla Robinson Crusoe or Robinson Crusoe Island is where sailor Alexander Selkirk was marooned in 1705 and lived there alone for four years and four months. Before that, the island used to be a 15th century stopover of sealers and pirates.

Today, the island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in which you may spend several days at San Juan Bautista fishing village and schedule a hiking or a scuba diving excursion. Wreck divers should watch out for Dresden, a WWII British shipwreck off the coast of the island. For wilderness lovers, take a peak at the island's endemic plants, wild goats, varying terrain, Juan Fernandez hummingbird and 9,000 Juan Fernandez fur seals that were once nearly extinct. Apart from these, you can also camp, swim in the beaches, grill barbecues, or go for an archeological hunt.

October to April is the period of best climate in the island. To get there, take an airplane (Tairc) from Santiago City bound for the island. A ticket costs £340 for a two-way flight.

You may also arrange a tour via the island's tourism office (http://www.gochile.cl/eng/Tour/Tours-Robinson-Crusoe.asp). A seven-day, six night package costs $1,057 per person and already includes board and lodging but transportation is excluded.