The only country in South America that has access to three oceans: it has islands in Oceania

South America, a colossal continent that is home to lush jungles, imposing mountain ranges and vast plains, hides among its diverse ecosystems a unique country, the only one in the region with coasts bathed by three oceans.

The only country in South America that has three oceans

Chile is the only country in South America that has access to three oceans: Pacific, Atlantic and Antarctic. This unique geographical feature not only makes Chile stand out for its natural and landscape diversity, but also gives it a strategic position in terms of trade and defense.

Cape Horn in Chile is an iconic location where the waters of the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean meet.

This geographical point is known for its turbulent waters and for being one of the most challenging sea passages in the world. The interaction between the currents of both oceans creates an impressive natural phenomenon, where the waves collide with force, but do not mix completely due to differences in temperature, salinity and density.

Chile’s extensive coastline stretches for 6,435 km, from the Atacama Desert in the north to the Magallanes region in the south. The country is flanked by the Pacific Ocean to the west, giving it a vast coastline that has been vital to its economic and cultural development.

The influence of the Pacific is evident in Chile’s rich marine biodiversity and in its gastronomy, where seafood plays a prominent role.

On the other hand, Through its territorial claim in Antarctica, Chile has access to the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Antarctic Ocean.

Although Chile’s sovereignty over the Chilean Antarctic territory is suspended by the Antarctic Treaty, this region represents a significant extension of Chilean territory to the south, reaching to the South Pole.

In addition to its presence in South America, Chile has island territories in Oceania, such as Easter Island and Salas y Gómez Island, which are part of this continent. These, of volcanic origin and rich in culture and ancestral traditions, add another dimension to Chilean diversity.

Chile’s status as a tricontinental country makes it an exceptional case in the world and shares this category only with France, which has territories in Europe, America and Africa.