San Juan Bautista

Introducing San Juan Bautista

San Juan Bautista (St John the Baptist) is Isla Robinson Crusoe's only town and a strikingly tranquil one at that. This fishing community, which now makes a bit of extra income from tourism, on Bahía Cumberland is a tangle of mud-puddled streets climbing up and down hills strewn with small houses and lush gardens. The town ends rather abruptly, and becomes horse pastures and hiking trails that lead into the woods and mountains beyond.

The island economy depends on fishing, mostly for lobster exported to Santiago. The fishers work in open boats, leaving early in the morning to check on their traps and returning in the evening to sell their catch to individuals, hotels and the several mainland companies that purchase the lobsters for about US$20 each. Stop by the dock and pick a couple up if you like.

Many islanders rarely or never visit the 'continent.' Island children attend school locally up until the age of 14, after which those who opt not to become fishers can finish secondary education elsewhere in Chile, usually in Santiago.

Last updated: Mar 2, 2009