When visitors think of Burgos , the first thing that comes to mind is the lighthouse. Built on a limestone promontory, the lighthouse is the tallest structure for miles and dominates the Burgos landscape. It is known by its tongue-twisting Spanish name, el faro de Cabo Bojeador (the lighthouse of Cape Bojeador ) and stands guard over one of the most treacherous portions of the country's northern tip.

The lighthouse offers at least two reasons why it is a must see for all visitors. First is the lighthouse itself, a beautiful three-level complex that gracefully balances function and form. It is approached from the highway by a winding road that cuts through stand of kakawate trees. Visitors who come within January and April get the added pleasure of admiring masses of pink flowers as kakawate trees bloom in profusion. Built in the cusps of two colonial periods, the Spanish and the Americans, the lighthouse has "lit" the fire of many artists.

The second reason for visiting becomes apparent as one alights on the complex. Sweeping vistas of the sea, the cape, and the rolling mountains unfold as one climbs steadily higher. From the top of the lighthouse visitors get 365-degree views of the underlying countryside.