Linked to North America by Central America, its main features are the Andes Cordillera in the west and the plains and plateaus of the central and eastern regions.
Longest mountain chain in the world (8,000 km) and the second highest, it follows the western coast of South America; its highest peak is Aconcagua (6,960 meters).
Archipelago separated from the continent by the Magellan Strait; its cold damp climate results in perpetual snows from as low as 700 meters.
Cape Horn
Southernmost point of South America, only 1,000 km from Antarctica; famous for its storms and dangerous reefs and shoals.
Drake Passage
Almost 900 km wide, it separates Tierra del Fuego from Antarctica and connects the Atlantic to the Pacific; its currents are very powerful.
Falkland Islands
Archipelago composed of two main islands separated by the Falkland Strait, as well as some 100 islets.
Patagonia
Plateau in Chile and Argentina; it is divided into Andean Patagonia with a humid climate and abundant vegetation, and the Patagonian plateau, which is dry and sparse.
Paraná River
River (3,000 km) with most of its course in Brazil; it marks the boundary between Brazil and Paraguay, and between Paraguay and Argentina.
