San Rafael Reservoir, reservoir in Colombia
San Rafael Reservoir is located near Bogotá in the town of La Calera and forms part of the Chingaza system that supplies water to the city. The dam stands approximately 60 meters high and extends over 680 meters long, holding around 75 million cubic meters of water within a natural landscape of green hills and open spaces.
Construction began in the late 1980s and the reservoir opened in 1996 as part of the city's water infrastructure. It became crucial during a 1997 crisis when a tunnel in the Chuza system failed, and the reservoir took on the responsibility of supplying the city while repairs were undertaken.
The reservoir represents a connection between the city and nature for Bogotá's residents. The name San Rafael links to themes of protection and care, values reflected in how the place serves both practical and spiritual needs for those who visit.
Access is via the Camino del Indio trail, which takes about one hour of walking through natural terrain. Wear comfortable clothes, bring water and sun protection, and stay on marked paths to make the most of your visit.
In 1997, the reservoir unexpectedly became the sole water supplier to Bogotá when a tunnel in the Chuza system collapsed, revealing how a single structure could save an entire city. This crisis demonstrated its hidden importance to the urban water system.
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