Faro Les Éclaireurs, Ushuaia Travel Guide

4.8 (2066)

Visit the iconic Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse in Ushuaia, a symbol of the 'End of the World' and a beacon in the Beagle Channel.

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Faro Les Éclaireurs

Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse, an iconic symbol of Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego, stands as a steadfast sentinel in the Beagle Channel. This picturesque lighthouse, with its red and white tower, has guided ships safely through these treacherous waters since 1920 and is a must-see on any visit to the 'End of the World'.

A brief summary to Faro Les Éclaireurs

Canal Beagle, Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego Province, AR

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Faro Les Éclaireurs.

Dress warmly in layers, as the weather on the Beagle Channel can be unpredictable and windy.
Bring your camera to capture the stunning views of the lighthouse, the Beagle Channel, and the surrounding mountains.
Consider a Beagle Channel tour that includes stops at nearby islands to see sea lions, penguins, and other wildlife.
Check the tour schedules in advance, especially during peak season, as they can fill up quickly.
Be aware that there is a port charge that is not always included in the tour price.

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Getting There

Boat Tour

The only way to reach Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse is by boat from Ushuaia. Numerous tour operators offer Beagle Channel cruises that include a visit to the lighthouse. Most tours depart from the Ushuaia Tourist Pier (Av. Prefectura Naval). The most common tours are the 3-hour 'Lobos, Pájaros and Faro Navigation'. These tours typically include views of Isla de los Lobos (sea lion island) and Isla de los Pájaros (bird island). Typical tour costs: * Adult: ARS$ 85,000 - ARS$ 102,000 (depending on the season) * Child (4-11 years): ARS$ 42,500 - ARS$ 51,000 (depending on the season) * Infant (0-3 years): Free * Port charge: ARS$ 3,500 (subject to change, payable in cash) It is recommended to book in advance and to confirm if the tour includes the port charge. Be sure to dress warmly, as the weather on the Beagle Channel can be cold and windy.

Discover more about Faro Les Éclaireurs

Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse, often mistakenly called the 'Lighthouse at the End of the World', is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world. Situated on the northeasternmost islet of the Les Éclaireurs islands, about 5 nautical miles (9 km) east of Ushuaia, Argentina, it marks the sea entrance to Ushuaia. The name 'Les Éclaireurs' is French for 'The Scouts,' given to the islets by French Navy Captain Louis-Ferdinand Martial in the 1880s.The lighthouse is a brick tower, 11 meters (36 ft) high and 3 meters (10 ft) wide at the base, painted in distinctive red-white-red bands, topped with a black lantern and gallery. Its light, 22.5 meters (74 ft) above sea level, emits white flashes every ten seconds, visible up to 7.5 nautical miles (13.9 km). Powered by solar panels, the lighthouse is remotely controlled and automated.Construction began on December 19, 1918, and was completed on January 30, 1919, but it wasn't operational until December 23, 1920, due to material shortages and bad weather. The lighthouse has operated continuously since then, witnessing decades of Fuegian history.Despite the common association, Les Éclaireurs is not the lighthouse that inspired Jules Verne's novel 'The Lighthouse at the End of the World'. That distinction belongs to the San Juan de Salvamento lighthouse on Isla de los Estados. Nevertheless, Les Éclaireurs has earned its own reputation as a beloved icon of Ushuaia, drawing countless tourists each year.While visitors cannot enter the lighthouse, boat tours from Ushuaia offer close-up views of the structure and the surrounding wildlife, including sea lions and cormorants. The cruises provide unmatched scenic views of the Patagonian landscapes.