Surface area 70 km (27 sq mi) Surface elevation 1,500 m | Area 70 km² | |
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Location Darién, Valle del Cauca Similar Lake Tota, Chicamocha Canyon, National Coffee Park, Serranía de la Macarena, Casa Museo Hacienda | ||
Colombia kitesurf calima lake kite surfing en el lago calima colombia
Calima Lake (Spanish: Lago Calima) is the largest artificial lake in Colombia with an area of 70 km2. It is located in the municipality of Darién in the Valle del Cauca Department.
Contents
- Colombia kitesurf calima lake kite surfing en el lago calima colombia
- Map of Calima Lake Calima Valle del Cauca Colombia
- Routes
- Weather
- Festivals
- Sports
- References
Map of Calima Lake, Calima, Valle del Cauca, Colombia
The lake is part of a hydroelectric project for generating power for the department. C.V.C (Corporación Autónoma Regional del Valle del Cauca) started construction of the lake by 1961.
Calima Lake has become a place for water sports and leisure activities. Vacation centers, restaurants and camping zones were built near the lake, and is currently a popular place frequented by both national and international tourists, especially those from nearby cities and towns like Cali and Buga. The elevation of the lake is 1,500 meters (4,900 feet) above sea level.
Routes
There are three major routes to arrive to Darién from Cali, the closest city, by road/
Weather
The average annual temperature is 18.8 °C, although by afternoon and in the night can be colder. The temperature ranges from 14.0 °C to 28.8 °C. The weather is classified as humid meso-thermal with a rain period of 189 days.
Festivals
By the end of August, some cultural festivals and parties are celebrated in the town of Darién and near the lake. The "Black and White Sensations" electronic music festival is notable because it resembles a similar event hosted in Amsterdam. It is one of the most well-known outdoor events of its kind inland and gathers music lovers from all over the country.
Sports
Thanks to the strong and constant winds, Calima Lake is the best place in Colombia for all types of water and extreme sports. At certain points, the wind can reach up to +30 knots. Kitesurfing is one of the most popular sports, since the wind is frequent and strong all year long. There are different kite spots and schools one next to the other that make this place one of the most desired spots in Colombia for the kiters. Windsurfing is also practised. Additionally, the most recent event is the Triathlon.
Different types of kitesurf and windsurf contests take place in this lake during the whole year, where people from different countries also participate.
Since this large lake remains warm throughout the year, there´s no need of wetsuit generally.