Isla Alejandro Selkirk, formerly known as **Más Afuera**, is one of the most remote, dramatic, and biodiverse islands in the Pacific Ocean. Located within the Juan Fernández Archipelago, it forms part of a UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve and represents one of the world’s most pristine marine and terrestrial ecosystems. This comprehensive guide explores the island’s history, geology, wildlife, travel logistics, trekking routes, conservation challenges, and practical tips for adventurers seeking to explore this untouched paradise.
The history of Isla Alejandro Selkirk is a fascinating blend of isolation, exploration, scientific research, and local culture. Named after the Scottish sailor **Alexander Selkirk**—whose survival story inspired *Robinson Crusoe*—the island was officially renamed to honor him in 1966. While Selkirk himself never lived on this island (he lived on Isla Robinson Crusoe, formerly Más a Tierra), the renaming reflects Chile’s effort to recover its maritime heritage and promote its unique geographical identity.
Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, the island served as a seasonal base for lobster fishermen and sealing expeditions. It was also frequented by naturalists who recorded the island’s endemic plant life—much of which exists nowhere else on earth. Due to the island’s steep cliffs and rugged topography, human settlement never grew beyond temporary fishing camps.
Isla Alejandro Selkirk is the westernmost island of the Juan Fernández Archipelago and lies approximately **180 km west of Isla Robinson Crusoe** and **850 km off mainland Chile**. Its dramatic landscape—dominated by towering sea cliffs, deep ravines, volcanic rock formations, and rugged peaks—was formed through volcanic activity millions of years ago. The island's highest point, **Cerro de Los Inocentes**, rises to 1,268 meters (4,160 ft) and is often enveloped in mist, creating a mystical and otherworldly atmosphere.
| Geographical Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Area | ~50 km² |
| Highest Peak | Cerro de Los Inocentes (1,268 m) |
| Distance from Mainland Chile | ~850 km west |
| Climate | Subtropical-oceanic, cool and humid |
| Origin | Volcanic |
The island’s isolated position exposes it to strong winds, cold currents, and rapidly shifting weather. The **Humboldt Current** moderates temperatures, resulting in a cool, misty, and humid environment year-round. Rain is frequent at higher elevations, and clouds often settle over the peaks, creating beautiful cloud forests filled with endemic flora.
Best Time to Visit: December to March During these months, seas are calmer, visibility is better, and trekking routes are less slippery. Travel windows are narrow due to weather constraints, making planning essential.
Isla Alejandro Selkirk is a paradise for naturalists. Its isolation has resulted in high rates of endemism among birds, plants, and invertebrates. One of its most iconic species is the critically endangered **Juan Fernández Firecrown (Picaflor de Juan Fernández)**—a vibrant hummingbird found only in this archipelago. The island is also home to endemic plant species such as the Selkirk palm and several rare ferns that thrive in misty highland forests.
Conservation efforts have significantly reduced invasive species, but challenges remain. Goats introduced by early fishermen once devastated the vegetation, but eradication programs have since restored ecological balance.
Reaching Isla Alejandro Selkirk is part of the adventure itself. Due to its extreme isolation, there are no commercial flights or regular ferry routes. Access is primarily via **fishing boats** or **special scientific expeditions** departing from Isla Robinson Crusoe.
| Mode | Details | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Fishing Boat | Operates seasonally from San Juan Bautista, Isla Robinson Crusoe | 25–30 hours |
| Scientific Expedition | Organized for research and conservation missions | Varies |
| Private Charter | Rare and expensive; weather-dependent | ~1 day |
Important: Travelers must coordinate with local authorities and the Chilean National Forestry Corporation (CONAF) before visiting.
Adventure on Isla Alejandro Selkirk revolves around trekking, wildlife observation, and exploring its dramatic volcanic scenery. Its landscapes are wild, untouched, and physically demanding—making it ideal for seasoned adventurers.
This is the island’s most iconic summit. The steep trail takes hikers through multiple ecological zones—from coastal scrublands to humid highland cloud forests. At the top, dramatic sea cliffs plunge into the Pacific, offering some of the most spectacular views in Chile.
High-elevation forests on Isla Alejandro Selkirk are filled with moss-covered trees, endemic ferns, and rare bird species. Mist often envelops the landscape, creating a mystical and serene environment ideal for nature photography and scientific study.
The island’s western cliffs—some of the highest in the Pacific—are nesting grounds for seabirds and offer panoramic views of the surrounding ocean. Calm days are rare, but when they occur, visibility is extraordinary.
Unlike Isla Robinson Crusoe, Isla Alejandro Selkirk has **no permanent population**. A seasonal community of lobster fishermen (mainly from Robinson Crusoe Island) resides here during the summer to harvest the highly valued **Juan Fernández spiny lobster**. The local culture is deeply tied to maritime traditions, sustainable fishing, and community-managed marine resources.
Fishermen live in temporary wooden shelters near the main bay, known as **Caleta Rada de Las Casas**, where they maintain a simple lifestyle shaped by harsh weather and isolation.
Preserving the fragile ecosystem of Isla Alejandro Selkirk is a priority for Chilean authorities, scientists, and conservation groups. Invasive species, climate change, and the island’s vulnerability to erosion threaten its biodiversity. Restoration projects have focused on:
The island remains one of the least-disturbed ecosystems in the Pacific, making conservation efforts especially critical.
Despite its remoteness, Isla Alejandro Selkirk is a dream destination for explorers seeking true wilderness. Its dramatic geology, rare wildlife, challenging treks, and profound sense of isolation create an unforgettable experience. The island offers a glimpse into a world where nature still reigns—untouched, powerful, and fiercely beautiful.
For those willing to venture far off the beaten path, Isla Alejandro Selkirk rewards with raw adventure, scientific intrigue, and unparalleled natural beauty.
Whether you're a trekker, naturalist, photographer, or adventurous traveler, Isla Alejandro Selkirk stands as one of the Pacific’s most extraordinary destinations. Its landscapes are ancient, its wildlife unique, and its spirit untouched by modernity. By visiting responsibly and supporting conservation efforts, you help protect this rare island jewel for future generations.