Travel Guide Isla Mocha

Originally inhabited by the Lafkenche people (the Mapuches of the region), the island was discovered in 1544 by Juan Bautista Pastene, an Italian explorer in the service of the Spanish Crown. With an area of 5,200 ha, the island is occupied by a small mountain range with an altitude of 300 m and a dense forest which constitute the part of the national reserve. Steeped in history, this island was notably sacred for the Mapuches who believed that when they died, they would cross the sea to live eternally on the island. Rich in flora, the island is also inhabited by an abundant fauna and counts a great number of endemic bird species.