It lies 500 kilometers off the coast of Costa Rica, it covers an area of 24 km², is uninhabited, and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997: Cocos Island. However, it offers not only overwhelming natural treasures; countless treasure hunting legends surround the island, which is said to have inspired Robert Louis Stevenson for his classic "Treasure Island" (1883). Ina Knobloch first landed on the island over 20 years ago on a scientific mission - and unexpectedly caught the treasure fever. One particular legend captivated her: since 1821, the great church treasure of Lima, gold and jewels worth several billion dollars, is said to be buried on the island. Following in the footsteps of the most famous pirates and treasure hunters, the author traces the history of Spanish gold. Her research takes her to Newfoundland and to Stevenson’s places of influence in California.