Punta Curaumilla lighthouse, Maritime lighthouse in Valparaíso, Chile.
Punta Curaumilla lighthouse is a white cylindrical tower perched on rocky cliffs along the Pacific Ocean coast of Valparaíso. It stands at roughly 84 meters above sea level and overlooks the busy shipping routes that approach the port.
The lighthouse began operations in 1893 as part of a network of safety structures protecting ships along the Chilean coast. It played a crucial role in guiding vessels through the treacherous waters near this region.
This lighthouse represents the maritime traditions of Valparaíso region, where generations of keepers maintained the light before its automation in 1995.
The site is accessible via the cliffs at Punta Curaumilla, where you can get good views of the structure and the ocean. Best reached on foot from nearby Valparaíso, though the paths are rocky and uneven.
The facility has operated without a permanent keeper since its automation in 1995, sending out a white flash every 15 seconds. The beam reaches 16 nautical miles and serves as a crucial landmark for ships traveling between Easter Island and the mainland.
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