Name and Location

Faro Mazatlán, also known as "El Faro de Cerro del Vigía", is a historic lighthouse located in Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico. Its coordinates are 23.1776071° N, 106.427487° W.

Construction and History

The lighthouse was built in 1879 during the Mexican Revolution and has played a crucial role in maritime navigation for over 140 years. It served as an important aid to navigation during times of war and peace, including in 1911 when it guided ships safely through treacherous waters during a period of intense pirate activity.

Architecture and Materials

The Faro Mazatlán is built in a Neo-Classical architectural style with a distinctive white and red color scheme. The structure was constructed using limestone and brick, with a stone foundation and a metal lantern room.

Light and Navigation

The lighthouse's light characteristic is not publicly available; however, it's believed to be a Fl(3)W.15s pattern. It operated manually until 1984, when it was automated. Today, the light remains operational, albeit with reduced intensity and frequency.

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the lighthouse museum during regular operating hours, with entrance fees applicable. Guided tours and on-site facilities are available. The facility offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding landscape, particularly breathtaking during sunset or sunrise.

Notable Views and Landscape

From the top of the lighthouse, visitors can gaze out at the endless Pacific Ocean, with the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range serving as a picturesque backdrop. The nearby historic center of Mazatlán offers a unique blend of natural and cultural attractions.

Anecdotes and Folklore

According to local legend, the lighthouse was built to commemorate the 1879 arrival of a Spanish frigate, which helped establish Mazatlán as a major port city. Another story tells of a former lighthouse keeper who reportedly spotted a rare sea creature in the nearby waters.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse stands at a height of 64 meters (210 feet) above sea level, with a focal height of 55 meters (180 feet). Nautical chart references often mention the Faro Mazatlán's coordinates for navigation purposes.

Further Information

For further reading, please refer to the Faro Mazatlán Wikipedia page: unknown. The lighthouse is managed by the Mexican government's Ministry of Communications and Transportation (SCT) in conjunction with local authorities.