Information
Landmark: Dique de UllumCity: San Juan
Country: Argentina
Continent: South America
Dique de Ullum, San Juan, Argentina, South America
Overview
In Argentina’s San Juan Province, the Dique de Ullum is a vast, blue reservoir formed when the Ullum Dam rose across the river.The reservoir and dam mainly provide irrigation, drinking water, and power, yet their sweeping views and boating spots now draw crowds of visitors.Built in the early 1980s, the Dique de Ullum was part of a larger push to manage the region’s scarce water, where sunbaked hills and dry winds define the arid landscape.The dam and its wide, still reservoir keep the fields alive, especially the rows of sun-warmed grapevines, and provide fresh water for the nearby towns.It also produces hydroelectric power, turning rushing water into steady electricity.Dique de Ullum isn’t just an industrial site-it’s a favorite getaway, drawing visitors with its clear blue waters, rugged hills, and plenty of spots for swimming, boating, and other outdoor fun.Number one.With the dam and reservoir framed by rugged mountains, the scene is stunning-water glinting in the sun, perfect for a photograph.Blue skies stretch overhead, rocky slopes frame the shore, and the reservoir’s clear water glints in the sun-perfect for snapping photos or just taking in the view.The reservoir’s edge feels calm and still, perfect for stretching out on the grass and taking in the shimmer of the water against the hills.Number two.Water Sports and Recreation The reservoir invites visitors to enjoy a range of activities on the water, from kayaking to canoeing, perfect for those who want to drift quietly across its glassy surface.If you’re after a thrill, try sailing or windsurfing-the wind whips across the reservoir, sharp and cool against your face.Fishing at the Dique de Ullum draws crowds for both the thrill of sport and the quiet pleasure of casting a line into its clear, sunlit waters.Many visitors love spending a day by the reservoir’s sandy shores, where they can spread a blanket for a picnic, take a swim in the cool water, or stretch out under the warm sun.Number three.The hills and mountains nearby are perfect for hiking, with winding trails that cut through pine-scented air.Several trails wind through the desert, where you can wander past sunbaked rock, take in sweeping views of the reservoir, and catch sight of jackrabbits darting through the brush.Number four sits there, small and plain, like a single pebble on an empty path.You can camp near the dam and reservoir, where pine-scented air drifts over the water for anyone eager to soak in the outdoors.You can camp nearby, waking up to the rustle of leaves and the quiet calm of nature all around you.The best time to visit Dique de Ullum is in spring or summer, from October to March, when the sun’s warm on your skin and the days are ideal for swimming, kayaking, and exploring outdoors.From April to September, the cooler air and thinner crowds make for a quieter visit-perfect for travelers who’d rather skip the tourist rush.Dique de Ullum sits about 15 kilometers-just nine miles-north of San Juan City, an easy drive or bus ride past low, sun‑baked hills.You can get there by taking Route 20, the road lined with old oak trees.You can also hire a guide to lead you through the dam, sharing its history, the wildlife that flits through the trees, and the plants that carpet the riverbank.Calingasta, a charming town in San Juan Province, sits near the towering Andes and is loved for its sweeping views and rugged, sunlit landscapes.San Juan City, the province’s capital, buzzes with cultural spots-from small museums filled with local history to lively restaurants where the scent of grilled seafood drifts through the air.About 300 kilometers from Dique de Ullum, Valle de la Luna (Ischigualasto) dazzles with jagged red cliffs, strange wind-carved shapes, and ancient dinosaur fossils-and it’s recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.In San Juan Province, Dique de Ullum feels like a tucked‑away treasure, where rugged hills meet sparkling water and you can spend the day hiking, kayaking, or just soaking up the view.Whether you’re paddling across the glassy water, hiking the rugged trails, or just soaking in the quiet, the reservoir has something for everyone.With breathtaking cliffs and easy access to nearby sights, it’s a spot you can’t miss if you’re exploring San Juan.
