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San Roque Dam

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Landmark
—°14
San Roque Dam (Argentina)

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The San Roque Dam (Dique San Roque) is a significant hydro-engineering structure in the Córdoba province that creates the reservoir of the same name, crucial for the water supply of Córdoba city. The original dam was completed in 1891 by engineers Bialet Massé and Cassaffousth and was considered one of the largest masonry works in the world at the time. The current concrete dam was constructed between 1939 and 1944 to replace the original structure and ensure modern safety standards. An iconic feature of the site is the 'Embudo' (The Funnel), a spectacular bell-mouth spillway that drains excess water when levels are high, creating an impressive visual display. Lake San Roque is a major hub for tourism and water sports, with the famous city of Villa Carlos Paz situated along its shores. Besides providing drinking water, the dam is used for hydroelectric power generation and flood control for the surrounding region. It remains a landmark of Argentine civil engineering and a key element of the local landscape.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Oct, Nov.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C232220161310101215182123
Rain mm127131113612291073264108115

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
San Roque Dam is accessible from the outside, with viewpoints, but the inner operational area is usually not public. Visitors can explore the surroundings and the dam wall.
🕒
Typical hours
Access to the dam wall is usually possible during daylight hours, but gates may be locked at night. Exact hours are posted on site.
📷
Photography
Photography of the facility and landscape is allowed from public viewpoints. Drone flights are generally not permitted without a permit.
⏱️
Time needed
Allow about 30 minutes to 1 hour for a short visit to the viewpoints and surroundings. For a hike around the reservoir, plan 2-3 hours.
➕
Combine with
The dam is located in Córdoba province and can be combined with a visit to Villa Carlos Paz or a boat trip on the lake. The nearby mountains also offer hiking trails.
🧭
Getting there
The best way to get there is by car via Ruta 38, which runs along the lake. Regular buses run from Córdoba to Villa Carlos Paz, from where it's a few more kilometers.
💡
Insider tip
Visit the dam in the late afternoon to catch the best light for photos. The view of the lake and surrounding hills is especially appealing then.

Geography

Coordinates
-31.37890, -64.44280

Facts

  • The original dam was completed in 1891 using locally sourced materials.
  • The current concrete structure was built between 1939 and 1944.
  • The 'Embudo' spillway is a circular funnel with a 16-meter diameter.
  • Lake San Roque covers a total surface area of approximately 16 square km.
  • The dam's primary purpose is to provide drinking water to Córdoba city.
  • It was the first large-scale dam project in all of South America.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Pekos MultiparquePekos Multiparque4 km · SExplore →
Villa Carlos PazVilla Carlos Paz6 km · SExplore →
CosquínCosquín7 km · SEExplore →
House of Viceroy LiniersHouse of Viceroy Liniers13 km · WExplore →
La FaldaLa Falda15 km · EExplore →
La CumbreLa Cumbre20 km · EExplore →
Renault Santa Isabel PlantRenault Santa Isabel Plant22 km · NExplore →
Capilla del MonteCapilla del Monte26 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town San Roque Dam (14)

Capilla de Nuestra Señora De Los Dolores🏺 historical

These religious ruins are the remains of a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows in the Dique San Roque area.

Cerro Mogote🌿 nature

This notable mountain peak in the Sierras de Córdoba gives expansive views over the surrounding valley and Dique San Roque.

Mundo Cocoguana🎡 recreation

This lively water park features family-friendly swimming pools and recreational slides near Dique San Roque.

Último punto que puede llegarse en bicicleta. Luego se debe continuar a pie📍 landmark

This trail marker indicates the final accessible point for cyclists before the path continues exclusively on foot.

Viejos Carteles CBSé🏺 historical

These rustic ruins are the remnants of old vintage billboards for the CBSé yerba mate brand.

Dique San Roque;Paredón Dique San Roque📍 landmark

This massive concrete dam wall holds back the waters of the San Roque reservoir and gives impressive panoramic views.

Colectivo Abandonado📍 landmark

This weathered, abandoned public bus stands as a quirky, rust-covered landmark along the roadside.

Pro Racing Park🎡 recreation

Motorsport enthusiasts visit this theme park to experience its dedicated go-kart tracks and racing attractions.

Parque Temático Super Especial Rally🎡 recreation

This large dirt track arena was purpose-built to host thrilling Super Special stages of international rally racing.

Casa Bamba🏛 museum

Set against the scenic Sierras, this local museum operates near an old historic railway stop connected to local folklore.

Museo Usina Molet (MUM)🏛 museum

Housed in a historic hydroelectric power plant, this museum preserves early 20th-century electrical generators and industrial machinery.

🕒 We-Su 10:30-16:30

El Gauchito Gil⛪ religious

Recognizable by its bright red flags, this roadside shrine is dedicated to the popular Argentine folk saint Gauchito Gil.

La Rosa Mística⛪ religious

This peaceful outdoor Marian shrine is a dedicated place of prayer and devotion to the Mystical Rose.

Despensa - Rotiseria🎭 culture

This local neighborhood shop provides everyday groceries and freshly prepared hot deli foods for travelers.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What can one do there?
Water sports, picnic, or walks on the shore.
How is the weather there?
Usually mild and sunny, convenient for trips.
Are there restaurants by the lake?
Yes, there are some catering establishments in Villa Carlos Paz.
Is it suitable for families?
Yes, it is a popular destination for day trips.
When is it most beautiful?
In spring and summer, the nature there is magnificent.
San Roque Dam: where is it located?
San Roque Dam is located in Argentina.
San Roque Dam: what is there to see?
Highlights include Capilla de Nuestra Señora De Los Dolores, Cerro Mogote, Mundo Cocoguana.
San Roque Dam: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Oct, Nov.
San Roque Dam: why is it worth visiting?
The San Roque Dam (Dique San Roque) is a significant hydro-engineering structure in the Córdoba province that creates the reservoir of the same name, crucial for the water supply of Córdoba city.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
South America
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History & landmarks

Jesuit Block of Córdoba — San Roque Dam (Argentina)
Jesuit Block of Córdoba
A collection of historic Jesuit buildings in Córdoba, listed as a world heritage site.

Nature

Mar Chiquita — San Roque Dam (Argentina)
Mar Chiquita
A large endorheic salt lake in Córdoba Province, important for migratory birds.

More places

Pekos Multiparque — San Roque Dam (Argentina)
Pekos Multiparque
A family amusement park in the Córdoba province featuring rides, mazes, and small animal enclosures.
House of Viceroy Liniers — San Roque Dam (Argentina)
House of Viceroy Liniers
A historic colonial house associated with Viceroy Santiago de Liniers, reflecting colonial history.
Jesuit Estancia of Alta Gracia — San Roque Dam (Argentina)
Jesuit Estancia of Alta Gracia
A historic Jesuit estancia in Córdoba, reflecting colonial agricultural and cultural practices.
Renault Santa Isabel Plant — San Roque Dam (Argentina)
Renault Santa Isabel Plant
A traditional auto plant in Córdoba that has been operating for decades.
Jesuit Block — San Roque Dam (Argentina)
Jesuit Block
A historical block in Córdoba featuring buildings from the Jesuit period, including the oldest university in Argentina.
Chapel of Santa Teresa (Orphans) — San Roque Dam (Argentina)
Chapel of Santa Teresa (Orphans)
A historic chapel with religious and community importance, reflecting colonial social structures.
Jesuit Estancia of Santa Catalina — San Roque Dam (Argentina)
Jesuit Estancia of Santa Catalina
A former Jesuit ranch, representative of the religious order's historical economic impact in the region.
Embalse Nuclear Power Plant — San Roque Dam (Argentina)
Embalse Nuclear Power Plant
A significant nuclear power plant in Córdoba that produces electricity and medical isotopes.