Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, with its red and white bands, on its islet in the Beagle Channel

Bridge, tower & modernFilmed herePatagonia & Tierra del Fuego

Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, icon of the Beagle Channel

Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse (Faro Les Éclaireurs) stands on the northeasternmost of a group of islets in the Beagle Channel, off the bay of Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego. Its red-and-white brick tower is one of the most photographed images of Argentina's far south and a classic boat trip for anyone wondering what to see in Ushuaia.

Argentines call it the lighthouse at the end of the world, although that name is misleading: the lighthouse of Jules Verne's novel stands much further east, on Isla de los Estados. This is the one you see from Ushuaia.

WhereIslet in the Beagle Channel, off the bay of Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego

TypeBrick lighthouse in service since 1920

Best forBeagle Channel cruises, photography and lighthouse lovers

Getting thereSeen only from the water, on boat trips that leave from Ushuaia

The history of Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse

The lighthouse takes its name from the group of islets it stands on. Les Éclaireurs is French for the Scouts, and it was chosen by Captain Luis Fernando Martial, who led the French expedition aboard La Romanche that surveyed this region in 1882 and 1883. It is one of the most visible French traces in Argentina's far south.

The lighthouse was built to aid navigation in the Beagle Channel. The sources indicate that work began around 1918 and that the lighthouse entered service on 23 December 1920. It was built of brick as a slightly conical tower about 11 metres high and about 3 metres wide at the base.

The design is simple and instantly recognisable: the windowless wall is painted in three bands, red, white and red, and topped by a black lantern housing and gallery. Only a door facing west gives access to the building. The light is about 22.5 metres above sea level.

Today the lighthouse is still in operation. It is automatic, remote-controlled, uninhabited and powered by solar panels. Maritime signalling is the responsibility of the Servicio de Hidrografía Naval. It is not open to the public, so the way to appreciate it is by sailing around it.

Over the years it has become one of the symbols of Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego, and it features on Beagle Channel excursions as a regular stop. Argentines sometimes call it the lighthouse at the end of the world. It is often confused with the San Juan de Salvamento lighthouse on Isla de los Estados, which Jules Verne made famous in his novel, although that one lies much further east.

Curious facts about Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse

Its name, Les Éclaireurs, means the Scouts and recalls the French expedition of La Romanche in 1882-1883.
It is often called the lighthouse at the end of the world, but it is not the one in Jules Verne's novel: that is the San Juan de Salvamento lighthouse, much further east on Isla de los Estados.
It is automatic and solar-powered, remote-controlled and unstaffed.
Its only entrance is a door facing west, and the building is closed to the public.
According to one source it is among the most photographed lighthouses in the world.
It appears as a filming location for Wong Kar-wai's Happy Together, according to Wikidata.

Filmed here

Filmed at Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse

According to Wikidata, the lighthouse is listed as a filming location for a film.

Happy Together (1997) – A film by Wong Kar-wai set in Argentina, with the lighthouse recorded as a filming location.

Tours near Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse

Experiences in the area that you can book online with Viator:

Tour Isle of Wolves, Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse and Penguinera

★ 3.9 (32 reviews) · 4.5 h

See details ›

Catamaran tour on the Beagle Channel. Sea Lions, Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse.

★ 4.1 (8 reviews) · 2 h

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Premium Albino Eye Glacier Trekking For Small Groups

★ 5 (42 reviews) · 10 h

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Escondido and Fagnano Lakes 4x4 OFF ROAD

★ 5 (41 reviews) · 7 h

See details ›

How to see Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse

The lighthouse stands on an islet and cannot be entered: it is seen from the water on boat trips along the Beagle Channel from Ushuaia.
The excursions sail around the islet to see the lighthouse up close; confirm the exact route with the operator.
Bring warm clothing for the time on the water.
Departure times and frequency depend on weather and season: check them before you go.
The lighthouse can be glimpsed from the Ushuaia shore, but the best view is from a boat.

Opening hours, access and conditions can change. Check before you go.

Map: where Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse is

Photos of Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse

Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse seen in the Beagle Channel off Ushuaia

Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse and the landscape of Tierra del Fuego

View of Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse during a cruise on the Beagle Channel

Another view of Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse and the islets of the Beagle Channel

Questions

What is Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse?

It is a brick lighthouse about 11 metres high, painted in red and white bands, on an islet in the Beagle Channel off Ushuaia. It has been in service since 23 December 1920.

Where is Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse?

In the Beagle Channel, off the bay of Ushuaia, in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina.

Can you go inside Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse?

No. It is automatic, remote-controlled and closed to the public; it is seen from the water on boat trips.

Is it the lighthouse at the end of the world?

It is often called that, but the name is misleading: the lighthouse in Jules Verne's novel is San Juan de Salvamento on Isla de los Estados, much further east.

What does Les Éclaireurs mean?

It is French for the Scouts. The name was given by Captain Luis Fernando Martial, leader of the French La Romanche expedition of 1882-1883.

Which film was shot at Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse?

Wikidata lists the lighthouse as a filming location for Happy Together, the 1997 film by Wong Kar-wai.