Embalse de Camatagua
A vast reservoir and vital water source, offering serene mornings and opportunities for camping and fishing amidst stunning natural landscapes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calm waters, serene views
Embalse de Camatagua
Best Time
Calm waters, serene views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast reservoir and vital water source, offering serene mornings and opportunities for camping and fishing amidst stunning natural landscapes.
"It's worth it for the view and the scenery, but going in a rustic vehicle and in a group is a very potholed road."
🚗 Rustic Vehicle Recommended
The road is very potholed. A rustic vehicle is best for navigating to the embalse.
🤝 Travel in Groups
For safety and a better experience, consider visiting with friends or family.
Quick Facts
Rating
3.9 · 16 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Vast Reservoir
Main body of water
An immense body of water offering stunning views, especially calm in the mornings. A vital water source for the region.
Aliviadero Structure
Dam spillway
Key structure designed to safely release excess water, preventing dam overflow. An impressive feat of engineering.
Fishing Opportunities
Reservoir shores
Popular for fishing, with events like fishing competitions held here. A great way to connect with local activities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing the Reservoir
Current Conditions & Expectations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Rustic Vehicle Recommended
The road is very potholed. A rustic vehicle is best for navigating to the embalse.
🤝 Travel in Groups
For safety and a better experience, consider visiting with friends or family.
🎣 Bring Your Fishing Gear
Fishing is a popular activity here, with local events sometimes taking place. +2
🏕️ Great for Camping
The area is noted as an excellent spot for camping.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Rustic Vehicle Recommended
The road is very potholed. A rustic vehicle is best for navigating to the embalse.
🤝 Travel in Groups
For safety and a better experience, consider visiting with friends or family.
🎣 Bring Your Fishing Gear
Fishing is a popular activity here, with local events sometimes taking place. +2
🏕️ Great for Camping
The area is noted as an excellent spot for camping.
💧 Understand Its Importance
This reservoir is a primary water source for Caracas and surrounding towns.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Embalse de Camatagua offers stunning natural beauty and is a vital water source, but visitors note challenging road access and a current state of neglect with limited security. Despite these drawbacks, it remains a popular spot for camping and fishing, with many hoping for its future restoration.
"Many years ago it was a great place to visit. Now a days it seems it’s a forgotten place, as people say."
William G. Mora
"The Ingeniero Ernesto León Reservoir, better known as the Camatagua Reservoir, is the main source of water used by Hidrocapital to supply the city of Caracas. It is formed by an earth dam, with reinforced concrete structures. Its construction required the relocation of the former town of San Francisco de Cara, which was submerged and is only visible during periods of drought. It covers an area of over 7,000 hectares and has a storage capacity of 1.543 billion cubic meters of water. In addition to Hidrocapital, the water utilities Hidrocentro and Hidropáez draw water from the reservoir to supply the towns of El Sombrero, Camatagua, San Casimiro, San Sebastián, and San Juan de los Morros, among others. It also provides irrigation water for crops grown in the northern part of Guárico state. It was put into operation in 1968. Nearly all water sports and nautical activities are practiced there; for example, the state of Aragua has one of its canoeing centers located there. From jet skiing and fishing to sailing, these are the main activities that take place on this reservoir. It is an immense body of water that is calm in the mornings, while in the afternoon it experiences waves due to the strong winds in the area."
Jorge Barrios-Montilla
"It's worth it for the view and the scenery, but going in a rustic vehicle and in a group is a very potholed road with no pavement."
Nailen Escalante
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The journey to Embalse de Camatagua involves a road that is described as very potholed and unpaved. It's highly recommended to use a rustic vehicle and travel in a group for a safer and more manageable trip.
The road condition is a significant factor to consider. It's characterized by numerous potholes, making it challenging for standard vehicles. Traveling with a more robust, rustic vehicle is advised.
While the natural beauty is appealing, the road conditions and some reports of the site being abandoned suggest caution. Traveling in a group can enhance safety.
Information on public transport is scarce. Given the road conditions, it's unlikely to be a reliable or comfortable option. Private vehicles, preferably rustic ones, are the most practical choice.
A 'rustic vehicle' is consistently recommended due to the rough, potholed road. This implies a vehicle with good ground clearance and sturdy suspension.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no mention of entrance fees in available information. However, given the current state described by some visitors, it appears to be an open natural area.
As a natural reservoir, there are no official operating hours. Visitors can typically access the area during daylight hours, but it's advisable to check for any local advisories.
No advance booking is typically required for natural attractions like this. However, if any organized events are happening, like fishing competitions, specific registration might be needed.
Some reviews indicate a lack of security, describing the site as abandoned. Visitors should be aware of this and take personal safety precautions.
The reservoir is a natural body of water, so it's generally accessible year-round. However, weather conditions and road accessibility might vary, especially during rainy seasons.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Activities include enjoying the scenery, fishing, camping, and potentially water sports like jet skiing and sailing, though some of these may depend on local access and facilities. +1
It can be a beautiful spot for families, especially for picnics and enjoying nature. However, the challenging road and reports of lack of security might require extra planning and supervision.
The reservoir offers an immense body of water with impressive views. It's particularly serene and calm in the mornings before the winds pick up in the afternoon. +1
Based on visitor feedback, the site is described as abandoned and lacking amenities. It's advisable to come prepared with your own food, water, and any necessary supplies.
The Aliviadero is a crucial structure of the dam, designed to release excess water and maintain a safe water level, preventing the reservoir from overflowing.
🎫 🎣 Fishing & Water Sports
Yes, fishing is a popular activity at Embalse de Camatagua. There are even organized fishing competitions held here, indicating a healthy fish population. +2
While specific species aren't detailed, the mention of fishing competitions suggests a variety of fish are present. Pavón and Caribes are mentioned in one TikTok.
Historically, the reservoir has been a hub for water sports including jet skiing, sailing, and canoeing. Availability may vary depending on current conditions and facilities.
Mornings are generally calmer and might be more conducive to fishing. The reservoir is also known to host specific fishing events.
Information regarding fishing licenses is not readily available. It's advisable to check local regulations or inquire with locals if possible.
📸 📸 Photography
The vast expanse of the reservoir, the dam structures like the Aliviadero, and the surrounding natural landscape offer stunning photographic potential. Mornings provide beautiful light. +3
Absolutely. The immense body of water, especially during the calm mornings, creates picturesque scenes perfect for landscape photography.
Mornings are ideal for capturing the serene beauty of the reservoir with calm waters and soft light. Afternoons can be windy, creating different photographic opportunities.
The former town of San Francisco de Cara was submerged when the reservoir was built. It's only visible during severe drought periods, making it a rare photographic subject.
While specific viewpoints aren't highlighted, the dam area and the shores of the reservoir offer panoramic vistas. Exploring different points along the accessible areas will yield great shots. +1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit