Best time to travel to Patagonia

Cape Horn in Patagonia

Discover the southernmost headland of Tierra del Fuego archipelago and the unique national park

Best time: October–March

Cape Horn
Cape Horn
Cape Horn
Cape Horn
Cape Horn
Cape Horn

The passage around Cape Horn is the southernmost point of South America, a historical trade route between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. So many sailors, explorers and travelers have struggled to navigate through the rough Antarctic seas to overcome this journey that it seems almost symbolic to complete it for any adventurer out there.

The Cape Horn National Park covers 63,000 ha of land, including the Wellington Islands and the smaller Hermite islands. It has lots of unique flora and fauna, different from the rest of Terra del Fuego because of its lower latitude location. The landscapes are lush and covered in green and blue. It's surely like no other place on Earth!

Its ecosystem is home to marine mammals and seabirds as well as a unique kelp forest. South American sea lions inhabit the waters of the Bárbara Channel in huge numbers, connecting the Strait of Magellan to the Pacific Ocean.

There are two ways to get closer to the Cape Horn; either by a cruise boat or by air. The flights are operated by a helicopter or Twin-Otter aircraft depending on the size of the group. Most tour operators offer their Cape Horn tours between October and March, weather permitting. Contact the service providers directly for detailed itineraries and exact tour dates.

Practical info

When is the best time to visit Cape Horn National Park in Patagonia?

To experience the warmest and driest weather conditions while touring Cape Horn National Park in Patagonia, plan your visit between October and March. The region is known for its unpredictable weather patterns, so it's essential to get up-to-date itinerary details from your tour operator before traveling. Show more

Where is Cape Horn located?

Cape Horn is situated at the southern end of South America in the Tierra del Fuego archipelago. It is considered one of the most challenging maritime landmarks to navigate, which adds to its allure for visitors. Visitors can access Cape Horn National Park, which is in Chilean territory, by booking a cruise ship or helicopter ride from the mainland city of Punta Arenas. Show more

What unique flora and fauna can be found at Cape Horn National Park?

The lower-latitude location of Cape Horn National Park in Tierra del Fuego archipelago provides visitors with the opportunity to see unique flora and fauna. Marine mammals like South American sea lions, marine Martens, and penguin species are common in this ecosystem. Visitors can also view kelp forests, black-browed albatrosses, cormorants and sheathbills during their visit. Show more

How can I access Cape Horn National Park?

Accessing Cape Horn National Park is only possible by sea or air. If you want to book a visit to the park, you have two options. You can book a cruise boat that navigates through the Beagle Channel or a helicopter or Twin-Otter aircraft ride, depending on the size of the group. It's crucial to remember to bring warm clothing, as the area's weather patterns are unpredictable. Tour companies usually provide itineraries with detailed location and activity information. Show more

What is the significance of Cape Horn's historical trade route?

Cape Horn's significance comes from its history as a pivotal trade route between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Its reputation as the 'sailor's graveyard' is due to the rough Antarctic seas and gale-force winds that make navigating the passage dangerous. Nowadays, adventurous visitors flock to Cape Horn National Park to commemorate completing the legendary maritime passage by sea. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin