Faro Isla de Lobos, Maritime lighthouse on Isla de Lobos, Uruguay.
Faro Isla de Lobos is a 26 meter tall lighthouse standing roughly 8 kilometers southeast of Punta del Este on a small island. It sits at a crucial point where the Rio de la Plata estuary meets the Atlantic Ocean.
The Uruguayan government built the first lighthouse structure in 1858 to improve navigation through these challenging waters. The building underwent complete reconstruction in 1906 and received modern automated systems in 2001.
A small chapel on the island holds inscriptions left by German and Italian sailors who sought refuge during World War II naval operations. These marks tell personal stories from a time when the sea was a place of danger and uncertainty.
The island can be reached by boat from Punta del Este, though the journey varies depending on weather conditions. Visitors should coordinate with local boat operators and check wind forecasts, as conditions can change quickly on the water.
The waters surrounding the island host an enormous colony of fur seals and sea lions, the largest in the western hemisphere. These marine mammals are often visible during a boat trip to the island and create a memorable experience.
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