La Esmeralda Dam, Embankment dam in Santa María, Colombia
Description
La Esmeralda Dam is a large embankment dam that holds back water on the Batá River in the Colombian highlands. The structure creates a substantial reservoir that supplies water for electricity production downstream.
History
Work on this major infrastructure project started in 1960 as Colombia developed its hydroelectric capacity. The structure was finished in 1982 after going through several construction phases.
Culture
The dam represents Colombia's commitment to sustainable energy production, providing 8 percent of the nation's electrical power through the Chivor Hydroelectric Project.
Practical
The dam sits in a mountainous area where visitors can view the reservoir and surrounding valley. Access is best during the dry season when mountain roads are passable and visibility is clear.
Did you know?
Water travels through two extensive tunnels carved into the mountain to reach separate pipe systems downstream. These hidden waterways allow the facility to make efficient use of the elevation drop.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Colombia).
Puente de Boyacá
63 km
Chingaza National Natural Park
59.4 km
Represa del Sisga
50.6 km
Hunzahúa Well
70.8 km
El Abra
73.7 km
Guavio Reservoir
32.9 km
Embalse de Chivor
6.4 km
Cathedral Basilica of St. James the Apostle, Tunja
70.8 km
Autódromo de Tocancipá
72.4 km
Basílica del Santo Cristo de Ubaté
73.1 km
Plaza de Bolívar
70.7 km
La pila del mono
70.8 km
Paja Formation
70.4 km
Páramo de Guacheneque
40.4 km
Paredón de los Mártires
70.2 km
Cojines del Zaque
70.8 km
Iglesia de Santo Domingo
71.1 km
Monumento a la Raza Indígena
70.8 km
Plaza Real de Tunja
70.8 km
Claustro de San Agustín
71.1 km
Bosque de la República
70.8 km
Iglesia de las Nieves
71.1 km
Alto de San Lázaro
71.2 km
Colombian Aerospace Museum
73.9 km
Palacio de la Torre
70.8 km
Columna a los mártires
70.8 km
Lac del Guavio
31.7 km
Tominé Reservoir
60.5 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes