Name and Location

The Faro de Punta del Este is a historic lighthouse located in the picturesque coastal town of Punta del Este, Uruguay.

Construction and History

The construction of the Faro de Punta del Este began in 1864 and took five years to complete. The aim was to provide safe navigation for ships arriving in and departing from the Port of Montevideo. The lighthouse was designed by French engineer Charles Lesurques and has been guiding mariners since 1869.

Architecture and Materials

The Faro de Punta del Este stands at an impressive 44 meters (144 feet) tall and boasts a white color scheme with a distinctive red lantern room.

Light and Navigation

The lighthouse is classified as a major light aid to navigation (MARN), featuring a flashing white light that rotates every 7.5 seconds. The height of 44 meters makes it visible for up to 21 nautical miles, providing critical guidance for vessels navigating the treacherous waters off Uruguay's coast.

Accessibility and Visiting

The Faro de Punta del Este is home to a small museum, which showcases the region's maritime history and offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Notable Views and Landscape

Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean from the lighthouse and its surrounding landscape.

Anecdotes and Folklore

The Faro de Punta del Este has been an important aid to navigation for over 150 years, with records showing that it was visited by the famous explorer and scientist, Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca in 1542.

Technical and Operational Details

Further Information