Embalse Recoleta, body of water
Embalse Recoleta is a large water reservoir located in the Coquimbo Region, about 16 kilometers northeast of the city of Ovalle. The basin covers approximately 555 hectares and is formed by a dam that holds back the waters from the Hurtado and Higuerillas rivers.
Construction of the reservoir began in 1929 and was completed in 1934, marking one of Chile's early water management projects. The structure played a vital role in supplying irrigation water to the agricultural region surrounding Ovalle.
The reservoir's name comes from the historic settlement of Recoleta that once existed in this region. Today, visitors use the site for water sports and relaxation along the shoreline, showing how the local population has woven this water source into their daily life and recreation.
Access to the reservoir is via Route D-595, which connects Ovalle to Rio Hurtado and provides a convenient road for visitors. A yacht club and campground are located nearby, offering activities such as sailing, kayaking, and fishing for those visiting the site.
The dam stands approximately 60 meters tall and stretches nearly one kilometer in length, demonstrating the technical scale of this early Chilean water engineering project. This concrete and stone structure remains an impressive example of 1930s engineering achievement that continues to function reliably today.
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