Lake Calima

Lake Calima is in Valle del Cauca, Colombia. Also known as Calima Dam, it has become one of the major tourist sites in Colombia. With its strong and steady winds (up to 43 knots) all year round, Lake Calima is the best place in Colombia (third in the world) for water sports such as windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Understand

It offers a wide variety of accommodation options, hotels with cabins right on the lakeshore with restaurant and pool service, hotels in Darien's Downtown (nearest town), private villas with pool, jacuzzi, and other amenities, and camping sites also. If all this is added the landscape that meets and mixes jungle mountain peaks bathed in fog, sun glare on the mirror of the lake and architecture which highlights the Swiss chalet style, plus the warmth of its people smiling, you will know why you want to return to this paradise.

Located less than 100 km (62 mi) from Cali, 150 km (93 mi) from the coffee region, and just 45 km (28 mi) from Buga.

Get in

By car

Driving from all major cities around is the only way to get to Lake Calima: From Coffee Region, or Airport get the "Vía Panorama" (highway) to Buga. Take the exit to Buenaventura, When you get Media Canoa (Cross Road or Round Point), continue to Buenaventura. You will pass Reserva Natural de Yotoco (Natural Reserve), then take the Darién Detour (Watch for the small sign). Drive 18 km (11 mi) and you will get to Darién, the nearest town to Lake Calima (less than 2 km (1.2 mi) from public beach No. 5).

By bus

There is only one bus company (TransCalima S.A.) that will take you to Lake Calima. You will get it only in Cali or Buga Bus Terminal.

Do

Lake Calima has become a place for water sports and leisure activities. Vacation centers, restaurants and camping zones were built near the lake, and is a popular place frequented by national and international tourists, especially those from nearby cities and towns like Cali and Buga. The elevation of the lake is 1500 meters (4950 feet) above sea level.

Kitesurfing and windsurfing

Lake Calima has strong and steady winds all year round, ideal for kitesurfing lessons and practicing. Several Kitesurf schools offer courses and equipment rental.

Boat, ferry, banana rides

Several journeys to choose from and enjoy on boat, ferry or banana. Sail in between the mist and watch the windsurfers and kitesurfers. Rush into the waves riding a Banana.

Horseback riding

Experience nature while horseback riding under bushes and trees around Lake Calima. Watch birds and other species.

Sleep

• Casa del Viento, Calle 9 #2-20, ☏ +57-310-44-90-127. With breakfast. Dorms for COP$40,000, privates for COP$110,000. (updated Oct 2020)