Name and Location

Faro San Isidro, also known as Cabo San Isidro Lighthouse, is an active coastal lighthouse located on the northern approaches to the Strait of Magellan, Chile. Its coordinates are 53°47′6.8″ S, 70°58′28.4″ W.

Construction and History

The exact dates of construction and inauguration of Faro San Isidro are not publicly documented. However, it is likely that the lighthouse was established in the mid-20th century to enhance safety on the Strait's northern entrance.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse has a cylindrical concrete tower, 8 meters in height, rising from a single-storey keeper's dwelling. The tower is painted with alternating horizontal red and white bands, while the dwelling is painted white. The gallery and lantern feature an enclosed lantern room with a gallery rail, supporting the modern optic and solar panels.

Light and Navigation

The lighthouse emits a single white flash every 5 seconds (Fl W 5 s: 0.4 s flash + 4.6 s eclipse) at a focal height of 28 meters above mean sea level. Its nominal range is 9 nautical miles, and it serves as a navigational aid defining safe passage in the sector between 208° and 046°.

Accessibility and Visiting

Faro San Isidro stands on a remote headland with no regular public transport. Access is by 4×4 vehicle via unpaved "Vía Sin Nombre" from Ruta 9 north of Punta Arenas or by private boat. The site is fenced, and interior visits are not generally allowed, although the exterior and lantern can be viewed from designated safe points on the access track.

Notable Views and Landscape

The lighthouse overlooks rugged peat-covered terrain and the windswept Atlantic shoreline. On clear days, one can observe the southern entrance to the Strait of Magellan, with cargo vessels and fishing boats passing between nearby headlands.

Anecdotes and Folklore

Local tradition tells of keepers battling fierce gales to maintain the light before automation. Although there is no formal heritage listing recorded, the lighthouse forms part of Chile's strategic maritime network.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse is automated, with no resident keeper. It is managed by the Chilean Navy – Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service (SHOA) and serves as an active navigational aid, equipped with an AIS transponder.

Further Information

For further information on Faro San Isidro, please refer to Servicio Hidrográfico y Oceanográfico de la Armada de Chile (SHOA) – Light List, OpenStreetMap entry: https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/103998150, and Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=-53.7852175,-70.9745592.