Faro San Isidro

San Isidro light was built in 1904 on the shore of the Strait of Magellan to mark the approach for shipping, and it stands near Cape Froward, the southernmost point of the South American mainland. The road ends before it: from the end of route 9 the only way is about six kilometres along the beach, crossing river mouths, and it must be timed with the tide because parts of the route are underwater at high water. The lighthouse was decommissioned and is now run as a small lodge and museum by a family. Beyond it the coast continues to Froward and the cross erected there, a two-day walk.

What you actually see

• A lighthouse of 1904 - on the Strait near Cape Froward.
• The end of the continental road - route 9 stops short of it.
• A tide-timed beach walk - about six kilometres, impassable at high water.
• A lodge and museum - run by a family in the old station.

When to go

December to March. A full day, or overnight at the lodge.

Honest expectations

The walk depends entirely on tide tables and people have been caught out. It is exposed to the strait's wind and weather the whole way. There is no shelter en route. The lodge must be booked; it is not a drop-in.

Nearby

Fuerte Bulnes is back up the road; Cape Froward is two days further on foot.