Isla Campana Island is a volcanic island located in the Andes of Chile. It has an area of 98 square kilometres and a population of just over 1,000 people. The island is known for its fresh seafood and crystal clear water. It is also home to the Campana Observatory, the largest commercial astronomical observatory in South America.
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Isla Campana Island History
Isla Campana first appeared on maps in the 16th century as an island off the coast of present-day Santiago. The island was first settled by Europeans in 1541, and was used as a base for pirate raids against Spanish treasure ships sailing along the Chilean coastline.
The island’s volcanic origins were not discovered until 1835, when a group of French scientists studying whales stranded on the island realized that they had landed on an active volcano.
The observatory built on Isla Campana in 1865 is still using instruments from this time to study celestial phenomena. In 1942, a German submarine, the , ran aground on Sur Island while en route to attack Allied ships.
Without much delay or resistance, the island was occupied by over 1000 Japanese soldiers and local islanders who had also been working as naval police against possible attacks from Chilean Air Force planes flying out of Cachapoal Naval Base above Rancagua.
This became an active base for transport missions with 2000 troops stationed on Isla Campana at one point in time until 1943 when US land-based aircraft intruded onto its runway near Tilama River and forced defenders offsite into a island cove where they were machine-gunned to death enroute.
In modern times, the island is governed as a commune with its own mayor and appointed council. It serves as an isolated base for military operations in harsh conditions, equipped with electronics jammers and radar jamming devices that prevent detections of aircraft trying to operate from airstrips on La Campana Island ruins including nearby Melinka Peak linked by paved road over La Marea Lake 2 miles away; Bellavista or High Peaks feature a helipad at their summit.
Climate
The climate on Isla Campana is tropical, with a mean temperature of 26 degrees Celsius. The island experiences a wet and dry season, with the wet season lasting from May to October and the dry season from November to April. There is generally more rain during the wet season than during the dry season.
Culture
The culture on Isla Campana is influenced by the Chilean people and the Japanese military. The islanders are bilingual, speaking both Spanish and Japanese. They have their own customs and traditions, some of which date back to when the island was a naval base. These traditions include live singing, soccer games and sumo wrestling matches.
Politics
Isla Campana is a commune of the Maule Region, Chile. The island has a population of around 2,500 people. The mayor is Jorge Alejandro Martínez and the council members are José Manuel Aravena, Alfredo Morales, Jesús Guillermo Ayala and Gonzalo Calderón.
The island was first settled by Japanese soldiers in 1942 after they were forced to flee from their base on Isla Campana when US land-based aircraft intruded onto its runway near Tilama River. When Japanese forces evacuated the Island, most islanders moved to mainland Maule, but other families in Chile relocated to avoid being repatriated back into Japan during a period of discrimination against persons with ancestral ties there.
Nearly 4 family heads from Isla Campana island were involved in illicit charcoal industry on 1990s up until their arrests and removals onto Tokyo agenda (including Arauco River area) due for much persecution of alleged “Japanese collaborators” like pacifists over alleged past militarism and reparations debts to Chilean government though no significant evidence was ever found proving any such claims had occurred.
Government services
Isla Campana is served by a small police force and a fire department. Water is supplied by an island-wide communal water system, although there are also private wells. There is no airport on the island, but buses connect it to Santiago. The main economic activity is agriculture, with sheep and cattle being the most common livestock.
Tourism
Isla Campana is a popular tourist destination, with visitors drawn to its stunning scenery and wildlife. The island has several charming villages, including Puerto Varas and El Carmen. There are also many hiking trails in the nearby mountains.
Transportation
Isla Campana can be reached by boat or plane, as well as from central Santiago and Puerto Montt, though there are no regularly scheduled flights to the island.
FERRY CONNECTOR: The alternative is travel via a limited shuttle transport between Maule in Chile, Fanning Island (14 km north) which connect with boats traveling daily. Airlink Deutschland offering flights but demands prior reservations due higher demand for seats causing long waiting lists online for new passengers wanting to buy tickets 30-50 days before departing!
Conclusion
Isla Campana is one of the most beautiful and untouched islands in the world. Standing at a height of 499 meters, it is home to a rich biodiversity that makes it an ideal location for eco-tourism.
The island is also known for its clear waters, white sand beaches, and lush vegetation. With so much to offer, there’s no wonder why this island has become a popular tourist destination. If you’re planning a vacation and want to explore an untouched paradise, Isla Campana is the perfect destination for you!
FAQs
1.What Is The Population Of Isla Campana?
Ans: The island’s population is just over 1,000 people.
2.What Are The Main Attractions On Isla Campana?
Ans: Some of the main attractions on Isla Campana include its crystal clear water, white sand beaches, and lush vegetation. It is also home to the Campana Observatory, which is one of the largest commercial astronomical observatories in South America.
3.What Is The Climate Like On Isla Campana?
Ans: The island has a subtropical highland climate, which means that it experiences warm summers and cold winters. It typically has an average temperature of 24 degrees Celsius.
4.How Can I Get To Isla Campana?
Ans: There are no regular flights to Isla Campana, but ferry services between Copiapo and Puerto Montt provide regular access to the island. You can also take a boat from Puerto Vallarta or Punta Arenas.
5.What Are The Island’s Main Languages?
Ans: The island’s main languages are Spanish and Mapudungun.
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