El Bato Dam, Reservoir in Coquimbo Region, Chile

El Bato Dam is a reservoir 32 km northeast of Illapel in the Coquimbo Region, fed by the Illapel River. Its artificial lake covers 117 hectares and holds 25.5 million m³ of water. It was inaugurated on 2 March 2012 and supplies irrigation to 5,551 hectares.

The dam was built in recent decades and completed in 2012 to store water for agriculture in the dry region. This project was one of the first in Chile where a private company was selected through public tender to construct and manage the structure.

The site offers quiet paths along the shoreline where visitors can walk and enjoy views of the water and surrounding hills. The dry climate of the region typically means clear skies, but bring sun protection and drink plenty of water while visiting.

El Bato was the first reservoir in Chile whose construction and management were awarded through a public tender, won by the Brazilian multinational Mendes Júnior e Associados S.A. The concessionaire, Embalse Illapel S.A., stores water for holders of permanent water rights, who may also sell unused water to the company or to third parties.