Cape Horn vs. Cape Froward: Which Is South America’s Southernmost Point?

Contrary to popular belief, Cape Horn is not the southernmost point of mainland South America.

The Geography

• Cape Froward (53°54′ S, 71°18′ W) – Brunswick Peninsula, Chilean Patagonia. Mainland southernmost tip.
• Cape Horn (55°59′ S, 67°16′ W) – Hornos Island, Hermite Islands, Tierra del Fuego archipelago. Island southernmost point.

Why the Confusion?

Cape Horn is farther south in latitude because the Tierra del Fuego islands extend below the mainland. Historically, rounding “the Horn” was the maritime milestone, so it captured the imagination.

Even Farther South?

If you count all Chilean territory, Águila Islet (56°32′ S) in the Diego Ramírez Islands is the southernmost land. The South Pole lies on the Antarctic continent, which Chile claims a sector of.

Takeaway

Mainland: Cape Froward. Island (classic maritime): Cape Horn. Absolute Chilean territory: Águila Islet.