Cabo de Hornos National Park

Cabo de Hornos National Park is a Chilean protected area encompassing Cape Horn and surrounding islands at the southern tip of South America. The park protects subantarctic island landscapes, maritime habitats and seabird colonies in a remote, weather-exposed setting.

Visitor activity is highly seasonal and generally limited to expedition vessels that operate to the region; onshore visits are constrained by weather and permitted landing sites. The area includes dramatic cliffs, peatlands, native vegetation and important wildlife habitats rather than developed tourism infrastructure.

Historically the headland of Cape Horn has been a major navigation landmark for ships rounding the tip of South America; the park exists to protect the unique ecosystems and scenic islands of the Horn area. Human activity in the park is mainly research, conservation and regulated expedition tourism.

The park lies in southernmost Chile in the Magallanes region, covering Hornos Island (Cape Horn) and nearby islets and archipelagos at the southern end of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago.

• Access: Access is by sea only; visitor landings are typically offered by expedition cruises from Ushuaia or Puerto Williams and are weather-dependent.
• Conservation: The park protects subantarctic island ecosystems, seabird colonies and maritime landscapes at the southern tip of South America.

What to See #

• Hornos Island (Cape Horn): Hornos Island contains the Cape Horn headland and lighthouse, the most southerly landfall of the archipelago and a common objective for expedition visitors.