Cape Horn Monument

Cabo de Hornos, Chile

Cape Horn resides along the bottom edges of the South American continent.

It’s located in the region of Tierra Del Fuego, and marks the start of the Drake Passage.

Infamous for churning seas and wicked winds, this passage is one of the apex predators of the maritime world.

It’s believed that more than 10,000 seamen have perished “rounding the horn.”

The sculpture was designed by Chilean sculptor José Balcells Eyquem in 1992 and depicts an albatross in flight—the seafaring symbol for souls lost at sea.

The sculpture is also accompanied by a poem written in Spanish by Sara Vial.

In addition to the monument, there is also a lighthouse (sometimes manned by a family) and the Stella Maris, a charming, tiny Catholic chapel for visitors to see.

Weather and sea conditions can vary and landing is not always possible. Once ashore, trek up the steep wooden stairs and then overland on the boardwalk to reach the monument.

I want to visit it!