Plizio Visual Lab
Lake Calima
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Lake
Weather…
Water temperature…
Lake Calima is a significant man-made reservoir located in the Valle del Cauca department of southwestern Colombia, created between 1961 and 1966. The lake was formed by the construction of a 115-meter-high dam on the Calima River to provide water for the Calima I hydroelectric power plant. Covering an area of approximately 19.34 square kilometers, it sits at an elevation of 1,450 meters above sea level within the Western Cordillera. The lake is globally recognized for having some of the most consistent and powerful winds in South America, generated by thermal drafts between the Pacific coast and the Andean highlands. Consequently, it has become a premier destination for international windsurfing and kitesurfing competitions. Beyond its industrial and recreational utility, the area is historically vital as the ancestral home of the Calima culture, with numerous archaeological finds preserved in the nearby Darién Museum. The lake's surroundings offer a temperate climate with average temperatures of 20°C, making it a popular weekend getaway for residents of Cali and international travelers alike.
- Location: Colombia
- Nearby: Yumbo (8 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Jul, Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 18 | 19 | 19 | 19 | 19 | 18 | 19 | 19 | 19 | 18 | 18 | 18 |
| Rain mm | 73 | 86 | 114 | 160 | 136 | 80 | 66 | 67 | 81 | 157 | 171 | 118 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Traveling to this popular artificial reservoir is typically straightforward via well-maintained regional highways connecting to nearby cities. Most visitors arrive by personal car or public buses that stop near the primary water sports hubs.
Best season
Conditions are broadly favorable year-round, but the dependably strong winds make specific months particularly handy for sailing and kite surfing. The dry season generally has the most predictable weather for extended outdoor activities.
Terrain & paths
The shorelines are generally a mix of accessible beaches, paved recreational areas, and grassy banks facing the water. Navigating the immediate perimeter is typically very easy, with paths designed to accommodate a high volume of weekend visitors.
What to bring
Packing wind-resistant clothing is highly logical due to the famous breezes that sweep across the reservoir. Standard beachwear, sun protection, and any personal water sports equipment are typically essential for a complete visit.
Parking
Abundant parking options are generally available near the main beaches, marinas, and local recreational facilities. During busy holiday weekends, these spots can fill rapidly, making early arrival a practical choice.
Safety
Always adhere to standard water safety guidelines, especially given the strong currents and winds typical of this reservoir. If participating in kite surfing or sailing, ensuring equipment is secure and utilizing local expertise is highly advised.
Time needed
Most visitors find that a full day is required to properly enjoy the water sports, scenery, and local amenities. Weekend trips or multi-day stays at nearby accommodations are exceptionally common for this destination.
Geography
Facts
- Constructed between 1961 and 1966 for power generation.
- Covers a total surface area of 19.34 square kilometers.
- The dam structure reaches a height of 115 meters.
- Sits at an altitude of 1,450 meters in the Andes.
- Renowned for consistent winds ideal for water sports.
- Feeds the Calima I hydroelectric power station.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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 Lake Calima (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Is it a natural lake?
No, it is one of Colombia's largest man-made reservoirs.
What is it famous for?
For its strong and constant winds, handy for water sports.
What sports can you do?
Windsurfing, kitesurfing, and sailing are very popular.
Where is the lake located?
In the Valle del Cauca department, near the town of Darién.
Can you camp there?
Yes, there are many campsites and vacation homes along the shore.
Lake Calima: where is it located?
Lake Calima is located in Colombia.
Lake Calima: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Jul, Aug.
Lake Calima: why is it worth visiting?
Lake Calima is a significant man-made reservoir located in the Valle del Cauca department of southwestern Colombia, created between 1961 and 1966.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in South America
More places in Colombia →
Nearby cities
Cali
The third largest city and the salsa capital of the world.
Palmira
Called the agricultural capital of Colombia due to its farming.
Buenaventura
Colombia's most important seaport on the Pacific Ocean.
Tuluá
Centrally located city in Valle del Cauca, known as the heart of the valley.
Cartago
Known as the city of the sun with colonial architecture.
Buga
One of the most important religious pilgrimage destinations in Colombia.
Yumbo
The industrial heart of the Valle del Cauca department.
Jamundí
City located south of Cali with strong growth.
Nuquí
Nuquí is a wild and untamed spot on Colombia's Pacific coast, renowned for its incredible humpback whale watching and hot springs.
History & landmarks
Solidarity Monument
The Solidarity Monument is an iconic sculpture in Cali representing collective cooperation and the drive for progress.
Cali Tower
Torre de Cali is the tallest building in Cali and a symbol of the city's modern development.
Cristo Rey Statue Cali
The Cristo Rey Statue on Cerro los Cristales is an iconic monument in Cali.
Tatacoa Desert
A stunning arid landscape featuring striking red and gray rock formations and excellent stargazing.
Nature
More places
🗺️
Argos Yumbo Cement Plant
A large cement and concrete factory belonging to the Colombian multinational Argos, important for the construction sector in the southwest.
Arroyohondo Industrial Zone
A major industrial corridor in Yumbo near Cali, considered the main production center in western Colombia.
Pacific Free Trade Zone
A strategically located economic zone in Palmira, focusing on logistics and foreign trade for the Pacific region.
Cali Zoo
A renowned zoo in Cali known for its conservation and research programs.
Cordillera Occidental (Colombia)
The Cordillera Occidental is the westernmost branch of the Colombian Andes, stretching parallel to the Pacific coast.
🗺️
Providencia Sugar Mill
A major agro-industrial complex in Valle del Cauca, dedicated to sustainable sugar and energy production.
Farallones de Cali
The Farallones de Cali are prominent rock peaks in the Western Cordillera, forming an impressive backdrop for the city of Cali.
Valle del Cauca Sugarcane Plantations
The fertile Cauca Valley is Colombia's most important agricultural region for the large-scale cultivation of sugarcane.