Faro Punta Gallinas

The Faro Punta Gallinas is a historic lighthouse located on the northernmost point of the mainland of South America, Cape Hens (Punta Gallinas), in Uribia Municipality, La Guajira Department, Colombia. The structure was built to serve as a navigational aid for ships traversing the Caribbean Sea.

History

• The Faro Punta Gallinas is a historic lighthouse located on the northernmost point of the mainland of South America, Cape Hens (Punta Gallinas), in Uribia Municipality, La Guajira Department, Colombia. The structure was built to serve as a navigational aid for ships traversing the Caribbean Sea.

Architecture

The Faro Punta Gallinas is a 20-meter-tall (66 ft) tower constructed from stone and other materials. Its design is characteristic of traditional lighthouses, with a distinctive shape that allows it to stand out on the rugged coastline.

Light Characteristics

• The lighthouse emits a white light with a range of 20 nautical miles (37 km). The light's period is 10 seconds, and its sequence follows an international standard pattern: one long flash followed by nine short flashes.

Current Status

The Faro Punta Gallinas is no longer an active aid to navigation, having been automated in recent years. However, it remains a significant cultural and historical landmark, offering visitors a glimpse into Colombia's rich maritime heritage.

Location and Accessibility

• Located on Cape Hens (Punta Gallinas), the lighthouse can be accessed via a coastal road that connects Uribia Municipality to other nearby towns. Visitors can also reach the site by air or sea, with nearby airports and ports offering connections to major cities in Colombia.

Heritage Status

The Faro Punta Gallinas has been recognized for its cultural significance, although specific details regarding its heritage status are not available.

Notable Historical Events

• While no notable historical events are recorded for the Faro Punta Gallinas specifically, Cape Hens (Punta Gallinas) is an important geographical landmark that marks the northernmost point of South America. The area has significant cultural and historical importance, although specific details regarding its significance are not available.

Coordinates

12.4577483° N, 71.6678035° W