The route of Willem Schouten and Jacob le Maire in the Pacific Ocean

After rounding Cape Horne and sailing into the Pacific, the expedition of Jacob le Maire and Willem Schouten continued along the Chilean coast. The ships passed the islands of St. Maria and Mocha, before turning northwest after encountering the Juan Fernandez archipelago. When reaching 15 degrees north of the equator, the expedition continued westwards, hoping to discover the <terra>, a supposed large island or continent in the Pacific Ocean that may be rich in resources and trade opportunities. During their voyage the expedition encountered several pacific islands, but not the <terra>. Eventually they expedition leaders gave up and struck a more northern course, sailing past the Solomon Islands to New Guinea. This map shows the route sailed by the expedition through the Pacific Ocean.