FERNNDEZ, JUAN

born c. 1536 died c. 1604 navigator in the service of Spain who in 1563 sailed from Callao, Peru, to Valparaso, Chile, in 30 days, a remarkable feat that gained him the title of brujo, or wizard. Probably between 1563 and 1574 he discovered the Juan Fernndez Islands west of Valparaso. Obtaining a grant from the Spanish government, he stocked the islands with goats and pigs and lived there until 1580, when he returned to navigation. He also discovered the Pacific islands of San Flix and San Ambrosio (1574).