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Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse

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Landmark
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Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse (Argentina)

Weather…

The Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse is situated on a small group of islets in the Beagle Channel, approximately five nautical miles east of Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego. Commissioned by the Argentine Navy in 1918, the lighthouse officially entered service on December 23, 1920, to aid maritime navigation in the region. The 11-meter-tall conical brick tower is easily recognizable by its iconic red and white horizontal bands and grey lantern housing. While it is frequently marketed as the 'Lighthouse at the End of the World,' that literary title actually refers to the San Juan de Salvamento Lighthouse on Isla de los Estados, made famous by Jules Verne. Today, the facility is unstaffed and fully automated, powered by solar panels that supply energy for its rotating light system. It emits alternating red and white flashes visible from over 7 nautical miles away, serving as a critical beacon in the often treacherous waters near the southern tip of South America.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C776420-102457
Rain mm787065675358514644446273

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse is on a small island in the Beagle Channel and is only accessible by boat. Landing is usually not allowed, but you can photograph it up close on boat tours.
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Typical hours
Since the lighthouse is uninhabited, there are no opening hours for the public. Boat tours to the island are typically offered from Ushuaia, usually during daylight hours.
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Photography
Photography is unrestricted during boat tours; the lighthouse is a popular subject. Bring a telephoto lens to capture details from a distance.
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Time needed
A boat tour to the lighthouse and other Beagle Channel sights typically lasts two to three hours. Allow half a day if visiting nearby islands as well.
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Combine with
Combine this boat tour with a visit to the sea lion colony islands and the lighthouse at the end of the world. The city of Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego National Park also pair well.
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Getting there
Boat tours depart from the Ushuaia port, easily reachable on foot from the city center. Tickets can be purchased on-site or online; early booking is recommended.
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Insider tip
Dress warmly, as it can be windy and cool on the channel even in summer. Bring a waterproof cover for your camera to avoid splashes.

Geography

Coordinates
-54.87000, -68.18330

Facts

  • The lighthouse was officially put into operation on December 23, 1920.
  • The tower stands 11 meters high and has a base diameter of 3 meters.
  • The facility is powered by solar energy and operates automatically.
  • Its light signal has a visibility range of approximately 7.2 nautical miles.
  • The name 'Les Éclaireurs' is French for 'The Scouts' or 'The Pathfinders'.
  • It is located in the Beagle Channel, near the entrance to Ushuaia Bay.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Port of UshuaiaPort of Ushuaia13 km · SExplore →
Beagle ChannelBeagle Channel20 km · NExplore →
Tierra del Fuego National ParkTierra del Fuego National Park35 km · SExplore →
Puerto WilliamsPuerto Williams64 km · NExplore →
Río GrandeRío Grande70 km · NEExplore →
Estancia HarbertonEstancia Harberton96 km · NExplore →
Cabo Vírgenes Penguin ColonyCabo Vírgenes Penguin Colony106 km · EExplore →
Cabo de HornosCabo de Hornos112 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse (2)

Baliza Escarpados📍 landmark

Standing as a maritime navigational aid, this rugged coastal lighthouse flashes warning signals to ships navigating the rocky, treacherous shorelines.

Mirador San Sebastian🌿 nature

Perched near the shoreline, this coastal viewpoint provides observers with an uninterrupted vista of the rugged headlands and sweeping ocean waves.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How to get to the lighthouse?
This is only possible via boat tours from Ushuaia.
Can one climb the lighthouse?
No, the lighthouse is not open to the public.
How long does the boat trip take?
The round trips usually last about 2 to 3 hours.
When is the best time to travel?
Between October and March, the weather is most stable.
Should I pay attention to clothing?
Yes, windproof and warm clothing is absolutely necessary.
Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse: where is it located?
Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse is located in Argentina.
Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse: what is there to see?
Highlights include Baliza Escarpados, Mirador San Sebastian.
Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse: why is it worth visiting?
The Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse is situated on a small group of islets in the Beagle Channel, approximately five nautical miles east of Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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