Name and Location

Faro Bahía Porvenir (Porvenir Bay Lighthouse) is located in Tierra del Fuego, Chile, approximately 625 kilometers south of Punta Arenas.

Construction and History

Built in 1926, Faro Bahía Porvenir was designed by Chilean architect Carlos Príncipe de la Junta Central. The lighthouse stands as a beacon of maritime safety and navigation, supporting the region's maritime commerce and trade.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse is a concrete tower measuring 21 meters (69 feet) tall, with a focal height of approximately 10 meters (33 feet). The structure was designed to withstand the harsh climate and rugged terrain of Tierra del Fuego.

Light and Navigation

Faro Bahía Porvenir's characteristic light pattern is Fl (3) W.15s, emitting white light every 15 seconds for a range of 10 nautical miles. The lighthouse has played a crucial role in supporting maritime navigation and commerce in the region.

Accessibility and Visiting

The lighthouse is accessible by land via Route Y-625, which connects to the main highway. Visitors can reach the site on foot or by bicycle. It is open to visitors daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (local time) with entrance fees at CLP 1,000 per person (approximately USD 1.50).

Notable Views and Landscape

Visitors can explore the surrounding landscape, including the Porvenir Bay scenic lookout point, offering breathtaking views of the bay and surrounding mountains.

Anecdotes and Folklore

Locals recall stories of lighthouse keepers who braved harsh weather conditions to ensure the light remained operational. One notable anecdote involves a keeper who, during a severe storm in 1962, single-handedly maintained the light despite strong winds and heavy snowfall.

Technical and Operational Details

In 1995, Faro Bahía Porvenir was automated, allowing for improved efficiency and reduced maintenance costs.

Further Information

The lighthouse has been recognized as an important part of Chile's patrimonio histórico (historic heritage). For further reading, please refer to Wikipedia (Spanish) for more information on Faro Bahía Porvenir.