Carén Reservoir, reservoir in Chile
The Caren Reservoir is a large water storage area in the Santiago Metropolitan Region that stretches across an extensive area surrounded by gentle hills. It consists of a calm water surface that reflects the sky and nearby mountains, with few buildings nearby and an open, natural setting.
The reservoir was developed as part of water management plans to store water during periods of plentiful rainfall and provide it during drier phases. A major expansion of the dam was completed in the 2020s, with the wall height increased by over 60 meters.
The reservoir serves as a vital water source recognized by local residents and shapes daily life in the region. The surrounding natural landscape is a place where visitors can directly experience the rural reality of the Santiago area.
Access to the reservoir is straightforward via country roads with signage for visitors, parking areas, and walking paths. The area is easy to explore on foot with open land and minimal development, making it accessible and safe for pedestrians.
The site plays a quiet but essential role in supporting copper mining by supplying water for the El Teniente Division operations, one of the world's largest copper producers. This industrial connection remains invisible to most visitors, who perceive the reservoir mainly as a natural water body.
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