Embalse La Paloma

Embalse La Paloma is a reservoir in Chile’s Coquimbo Region that provides water storage for the surrounding agricultural areas. It is one of the notable artificial lakes in the dry interior of the region.

The reservoir and its shores are used for water-based recreation such as boating and fishing where local conditions permit, and the surrounding landscape is typical of semi-arid Chilean interior valleys. It is primarily visited for day-use boating and birdwatching by people from nearby towns.

The reservoir was created by construction of a dam to capture seasonal runoff for irrigation and municipal supply, forming a managed water body that supports regional agriculture. Management is under regional water authorities and local agencies.

Embalse La Paloma is located in the Coquimbo administrative region of north-central Chile, inland from the Pacific coast and serving communities in the surrounding agricultural valleys.

• Primary use: Serves as an important regional water-storage reservoir used for agricultural irrigation and local water supply.

Drive from the regional center of the Coquimbo Region toward local towns that service agricultural valleys; the reservoir sits off regional roads and will be signed locally. A car is the most practical way to reach the site.

• Check local advisories for water levels - the reservoir's accessibility can change with seasonal irrigation needs.
• Birdwatchers should bring binoculars; the left embankments attract waterfowl in migration periods.
• If fishing, verify licensing requirements with regional authorities.