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Cabo de Hornos National Park: Where Oceans Collide

Discover the untamed beauty of Cabo de Hornos National Park, where the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans meet at the end of the world.

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Cabo de Hornos National Park, the world's southernmost national park, is a Chilean protected area encompassing the Wollaston and Hermite Islands. Known as 'the end of the world,' it offers subantarctic landscapes, rich biodiversity, and a deep cultural history shaped by the Yaghan people and maritime explorers.

A brief summary to Parque Nacional Cabo de Hornos

Local tips

  • Pack layers of warm, waterproof clothing to protect against the unpredictable subantarctic weather.
  • Bring binoculars for enhanced wildlife viewing, especially for spotting marine birds and mammals.
  • Book tours and accommodations well in advance, especially if traveling during peak season (October to April).
  • Be prepared for strong winds and potential motion sickness during boat trips.
  • Respect the fragile environment by staying on marked trails and followingLeave No Trace principles.
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Getting There

  • Boat

    The primary way to access Cabo de Hornos National Park is by boat. Most visitors start their journey in Punta Arenas, Chile, where they can book multi-day expedition cruises that include a landing at Cape Horn, weather permitting. These cruises typically cost between $2,000 to $8,000 USD per person, depending on the duration and level of service. Alternatively, you can take a 32-hour ferry from Punta Arenas to Puerto Williams, the closest town to the park. From Puerto Williams, charter a private boat for approximately 12 hours of navigation to reach the park. Expect to pay around $1,500 to $3,000 USD for a private boat, depending on the size and duration of the trip. Landing fees or permits may be required, check with CONAF, the Chilean National Forest Corporation, for updated information. There are no mandatory access fees other than transportation costs.

  • Air

    Another option is to fly from Punta Arenas to Puerto Williams via commercial flights. Airlines such as LATAM and Sky Airlines offer daily flights. A round-trip flight typically costs between $200 to $500 USD. From Puerto Williams, charter a private boat for approximately 12 hours of navigation to reach the park. Expect to pay around $1,500 to $3,000 USD for a private boat, depending on the size and duration of the trip. Landing fees or permits may be required, check with CONAF for updated information. There are no mandatory access fees other than transportation costs.

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Discover more about Parque Nacional Cabo de Hornos

Cabo de Hornos National Park, or Cape Horn National Park, established in 1945, lies at the southern tip of South America, within Chile's Magallanes and Chilean Antarctic Region. This remote park encompasses the Wollaston and Hermite Islands, a group of islands and islets known for their challenging climate and unique landscapes. It marks the point where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans meet, creating a place of significant historical and ecological importance. The park's name originates from the Dutch city of Hoorn, honoring the area's discovery in 1616 by Dutch navigators. Cape Horn was a crucial, albeit perilous, shipping route until the Panama Canal's completion. The park's landscape features low-lying islands, with the highest point being Cerro Hyde on Wollaston Island, reaching 670 meters. Cabo de Hornos National Park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, recognized for its diverse flora and fauna. The park is home to various species, including the leopard seal, dolphins, whales, sea lions, and numerous bird species like the albatross and giant petrel. The park's flora consists of low-altitude forests and Magellanic tundra. The climate is subantarctic, characterized by strong winds and cold temperatures, with the best time to visit being during the milder months of January, February, March, October, November, and December. Visitors can explore the Hornos Lighthouse Trail, an easy hike leading to the lighthouse and a memorial to sailors who lost their lives attempting to navigate the treacherous waters. Access to the park is primarily by sea, with tours available from Punta Arenas and Puerto Williams. These tours often include whale watching and exploration of the subantarctic landscapes.

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