Embalse Caritaya, Dam for Caritaya River
Embalse Caritaya is a reservoir in the Arica y Parinacota Region of Chile. The water is held back by a dam and can hold up to 42 million cubic meters, fed by the Caritaya River and spreading across the rocky landscape.
The dam was completed in 1935 at a location about 10 kilometers downstream where the Caritaya and Ajatama rivers meet. In 2000, repairs began to remove sediments and reinforce the structure with new waterproofing layers.
The terrain is dry and rocky, so sturdy footwear and drinking water are essential. The best time to visit is early morning when the air is cool and light is good for photographs.
The dam loses water through seepage in a ravine called Camiña located to the south, meaning not all stored water remains at the site. This peculiarity shows the challenges water storage projects face in this dry region.
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