The construction of the Calima reservoir was completed in 1966. The reservoir, which is 13 kilometers long and 1.5 kilometers wide, was mainly built for the production of electric energy but, over time, it has become a coveted tourist destination for travelers visiting Valle del Cauca. The area covered by the reservoir was once the seat of the indigenous Calima tribe and, according to the legends that have developed around the reservoir, the construction angered the Calima gods so much that so many deaths have occurred here. As quoted by the newspaper El Tiempo in its archives, “what used to be the seat of the Calima indigenous culture, this, it is said, offended its ancient inhabitants, whose anger has caused the death of some five hundred bathers in its 25 years of existence”.
HOW TO REACH THE CALIMA LAKE?
The Calima Reservoir is located in the department of Valle del Cauca, in Cali on the road from Buga to Buenaventura. To reach the Calima Reservoir from Cali there are approximately 100 kilometers, you can take one of the buses of the company Trans Calima S.A and it will take about an hour. Or from Buga, in the same way, you can take a bus from the company Trans Calima to Darien and it will take about half an hour. From Bogotá you can take a bus at the Bus Terminal to Buga and in Buga you must take a bus to the Darien.
GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE IN CALIMA LAKE
The 1934 hectares of the Calima Reservoir are located at 1,400 meters above sea level, the average temperature of the area is 22.8°C, it has a temperate-cold climate. This reservoir is known as the lake with the fastest winds in America since it presents strong and constant winds. If you are going to visit the Calima Reservoir it is recommended to take warm clothes, a bathing suit and sunscreen, however, the nights are usually cold, so it is also important to take warm clothes to have more pleasant nights.
ATTRACTIONS IN CALIMA LAKE
The Calima Lake has become an attractive tourist destination frequently visited by tourists thanks to the beauty of its landscapes, its climate and its strong winds that give the opportunity to practice extreme sports.
You will find hotels and cabins on the shore of the lake which will make your stay at the reservoir more comfortable. This tourist destination is located 100 kilometers from Cali, 150 kilometers from the Eje Cafetero and only 45 kilometers from the Basilica del Señor de los Milagros, which means that apart from being able to visit the lake, you will be able to tour and get to know its surroundings by finding different things to do , since Cali is a city that has everything for its visitors.
Maria Luisa Waterfall
WHAT TO DO IN CALIMA LAKE?
In Calima Lake you can find everything. You can do extreme water sports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing and water skiing. You can go for walks around the lake by jet ski, quad bike or boat. Besides this, visiting the Calima Reservoir is an experience of contact with nature, because you can make ecological walks around the lake, as well as hire a horse riding service that will take you to know the Mirador Tribunas where you can appreciate the fascinating view of the reservoir and its surroundings. The lake also offers the possibility of visiting the beautiful Maria Luisa waterfall where, according to legend, bathing brings good luck.
The reservoir is located near important archaeological sites, such as the Church of Perpetuo Socorro and the Calima Archaeological Museum, which you can visit in a few minutes.
Water sports in Calima.
GASTRONOMY IN CALIMA RESERVOIR
The Reservoir has become a vacation center, so it will be very easy to find where to enjoy a delicious dish in Lake Calima. In the surroundings of the reservoir you will find a restaurant where you will be served from typical Colombian food to international dishes. The restaurant is located on the shore of the lake, so while you are having lunch you will be able to appreciate the wonderful view of the lake.
WHERE TO STAY AT CALIMA LAKE?
If you are thinking that a single day is not enough to enjoy all that the Reservoir offers, you should take into account the different lodging options that Lago Calima has because you can spend the night on the shores of the Reservoir.
Calima Lake Camping
For example, Meson Ilama Hotel is located on the shores of Lake Calima, offers cabins and rooms, restaurant, swimming pool, game room. The rooms have television, private bathroom, refrigerator and balcony overlooking the lake.
Website: http://www.mesonilama.com
Telephone: 315 488 5599 – 321 867 0666 – 318 415 3681
Email: mesonilama@gmail.com
Cabaña del Lago Calima Hotel offers free parking, picnic and barbecue area, terrace. Its rooms have private bathroom, television, Blu-Ray and view of the lake. Pets are not allowed.
CAMPING IN CALIMA LAKE
If you are looking for a place to camp near the Calima reservoir, there are also different options. The Mystic Paradise campsite is located on the shores of the Calima lake, they offer 100% waterproof tents for rent, they have a swimming pool, a fishing lake, and if you are interested in other services such as jetski rental or boat rides, you will find them at this campsite. It also has a restaurant, bar and bathrooms.
Telephone: 316 375 3589
Email: mystic-paradise@hotmail.com
Ecolife Hostal located 3.8 kilometers from Lago Calima, besides offering cabins and rooms for visitors to the Calima Reservoir, also has a comfortable area for camping in Calima, where you can camp quietly, because it offers bathrooms and showers, restaurant and comfortable areas for your stay is completely quiet. The hostel offers thematic trails, canopy, horseback riding and mountain biking. Pets are accepted.
Phone number: 319 686 9669
Website: www.ecolifecalima.com
E-mail: info@ecolifecalima.com
COSTS
If you are asking how much does it cost to enter the Calima Reservoir, you should know that “Entrance 5” to the lake is public and free. This entrance is located 1.5 kilometers from the Darien.
