Your answer depends on the part of America which is your beginning point -- North, Central or South America, and which part of Antarctica is your destination.
The two climates are not the same. Antarctica is far colder than North America, as is the Arctic. Antarctica is about 30 degrees F colder than the Arctic.
If you head south from South America you would reach the continent of Antarctica.
So far, Antarctica, and the tip of South America.
Antarctica is a land mass continent, that is covered by ice. It is far bigger than the state of Texas, and even the country of the United States of America.
North America is land and is up north, but Antarctica is ice and is down south. Millions live in North America, but not very many live in Antarctica. North America's summer is Antarctica's winter, and North America's winter is Antarctica's summer! Also, North America is much bigger than Antarctica.
Drake Passage is about 600 miles wide. You can read more about it, below.
The Drake Passage is between America and Antarctica.
Antarctica is larger.
The three continents closest to Antarctica are South America, Australia and South Africa. But, the closest is South America. The three closest continents to Antarctica are South America, Australia, and Africa. The microcontinent Zealandia is very close to Antarctica.
Antarctica, Australia, Europe, South America, North America, Africa and Asia.
North America South America Antarctica
Chile and Argentina -- at the southern tip of South America -- are about 500 miles from the Antarctic Peninsula.