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“Les Eclaireurs” Lighthouse in the Beagle Channel – By Liam Quinn –

Top 9 Remarkable Facts about Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse

The Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse stands tall on the northeasternmost island of the Les Eclaireurs Islands. It is sometimes also referred to as the Lighthouse at the End of the World. This is because it is located in the Southernmost part of South America.

This monumental lighthouse is a cylindrical tower painted n three stripes and with a balcony and a lamp. It is located 5 nautical miles (9.26 km) to the east of Ushuaia on an islet in the Beagle Channel. Ushuaia is the capital of Tierra del Fuego, Antártida e Islas del Atlántico Sur Province, Argentina.

Now let us look at some remarkable facts about the famous Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse.

1. The Lighthouse Was Put into Service In 1920

The lighthouse was built starting on December 19, 1918. Construction of the 11-meter structure was completed in 1919. On December 23rd of the next year, 1920, the lighthouse became operational. It has remained in use ever since.

2. It Has a Distinct Structure and Features

Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina – By Justraveling.com –

Although the Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse looks like most lighthouses, it has some distinct features that make it unique. This brick and stone tower stands at 36 ft (11 meters) high and 10ft (roughly 3 meters) wide at its base.

The brick walls of the lighthouse are all windowless to the top and are painted in three stripes. Two red stripes (a top and bottom one) and a single white stripe in the middle.

The lighthouse is topped by a black gallery and housing and lantern housing. The entrance into the structure is through a single door that points to the west.

3. It Is Often Confused with The San Juan de Salvamento lighthouse

San Juan de Salvamento lighthouse – By Liam Quinn –

One factor that has contributed greatly to the fame of the Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse is its location. The lighthouse is found in the southernmost part of Argentina and South America. This is why it is known as the Lighthouse at the End of the World (a fitting description).

However, there is a misconception that t is the inspiration for the famous novel ‘The Lighthouse at the End of the World by renowned novelist Jules Verne. However, this novel was instead inspired by the San Juan de Salvamento lighthouse.

This is true because the novel was published in 1905 before the Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse was built. The San Juan de Salvamento lighthouse was operational between 1884 and 1900. It was located on the remote island of Isla de Los Estados in the easternmost point of Argentina’s portion of Tierra del Fuego.

4. The Lighthouse Was Built to Serve as A Beacon for Navigational Aid

Lighthouse Beacon by Evgeni Tcherkasski from

The Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse was built strategically on an islet in the Beagle Channel. The purpose of the islet is to serve as a navigational aid for the ships and other sea vessels sailing to and from Ushuaia.

The lighthouse is tall enough and painted in bright colors which enhances the visibility even in harsh weather conditions. At the top is a lantern that flashes periodically, signaling its position to oncoming vessels. The light flashes at 10-second intervals.

5. The lights At the Lighthouse Are Automated

The lighthouse is fitted with solar panels and hence is illuminated by solar energy. The top of the lighthouse which is painted black has a lantern room. The lantern produces both red and white flashes.

The white flash has a range of 10 nautical miles (the equivalent of 19 kilometers or 12 miles). The red flash on the hand has a range of 7 nautical miles (equivalent to 13 kilometers and 8.1 miles). The lantern can be controlled remotely and the flashes are automated to flash at set intervals (10 seconds).

6. The Lighthouse Is Not Open To The Public

Sea Lions by Gabriel Guillén from

The public is not allowed to access the Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse. Only authorized personnel are allowed to do so for maintenance and repairs on the structure.

The only inhabitants of the islet where the lighthouse is located are cormorants and sea lions. The lighthouse is closed due to the deterioration that is experienced in masonry constructions. Allowing public access would accelerate this deterioration.

7. The Lighthouse Is a Popular Tourist Attraction Site

The Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse has gained tremendous fame over the years attracting numerous tourists to see it up close. Its human-free locale adds to its tremendous aesthetic appeal and exotic surroundings.

As a result, the Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world. The lighthouse is not the sole attraction in Ushuaia however.

It is home to the Esmerelda glacier lagoon, the forests of Tierra del Fuego National Park, and penguins. Therefore, a trip to the region would provide a much-needed fill for the adventure-hungry.

8. It Can Only Be Seen and Accessed from A Vessel on The Water

Les Éclaireurs lighthouse in the Beagle Channel – By Unknown Author –

To travel to the Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, one has to get to Ushuaia. There is an airport in Ushuaia which is served by daily and regular flights from and to Buenos Aires and Santiago de Chile.

At Ushuaia, there are vessels that offer trips to the lighthouse. Since it is restricted from public access, one cannot directly interact with the lighthouse. However, you are allowed to take as many photos of the lighthouse as you want, albeit from the vessel.

9. It Was Built Using Brick and Stone Masonry

The Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse was constructed using bricks and stones as construction materials. This is because they provided the necessary durability and stability to combat the harsh conditions faced by lighthouses. These conditions include strong winds and waves or tides.

The brick used to build the lighthouse was made locally and then shipped to the island. Furthermore, constructed off-site were the timber cribs that held up the masonry foundations.

The cribs were filled with stone and sunk into position after being transported to the location. After that, the crib was leveled and covered with the masonry that supports the lighthouse construction. However, if it were to be constructed today, concrete, which does not deteriorate easily, would be used.