Case file · Folklore / legend
The Treasure of Lima on Cocos Island
Legend says that in 1820 Peruvian church and state treasure, entrusted to a British captain as independence forces neared Lima, was stolen and buried on Costa Rica's Cocos Island.
1820 CE · 5.53, -87.06 · status: legend
The account
Hundreds of expeditions have dug on the island since the 19th century, and Costa Rica eventually banned treasure hunting. The island is now a national park and a World Heritage Site.
The sceptical view
No contemporary document proves the treasure was taken to Cocos Island, and nothing has been found.