What is the southernmost point of the South American mainland?

The southernmost point of the South American mainland is Cape Froward.

Cape Froward is on the southern tip of the Brunswick Peninsula in Chile’s Magallanes Region, along the north shore of the Strait of Magellan. It reaches approximately 56°32′ south latitude, making it the mainland continent’s farthest point south.

The cape’s name reflects the difficult conditions faced by early mariners. English privateer Thomas Cavendish reportedly named it in January 1587, referring to the region’s powerful winds, rain and generally hostile weather. The exposed headland remains remote and challenging to reach overland.

A common mix-up is Cape Horn, which is farther south but sits on Hornos Island, not the South American mainland. Other nearby place names, including Cabo Vírgenes and Punta Dungeness, are also sometimes proposed when “southernmost” is stated without the crucial mainland qualification.

A large cross known as Cruz de los Mares was erected at the cape in connection with Pope John Paul II’s 1987 visit to Chile.