Peñitas Dam
Reservoir Hydroelectric dam and reservoir in Chiapas, Mexico
Peñitas Dam in Chiapas impounds a section of the Grijalva river; the reservoir supports boat trips, local fishing and river scenery along nearby roads.
Peñitas Dam is a dam and associated reservoir on the Grijalva River in the state of Chiapas, Mexico. It forms part of the river’s cascade of reservoirs used for hydroelectric power generation and water regulation.
The site includes dam infrastructure, a reservoir behind the structure and power-generation facilities that contribute to local and regional electricity supplies. The reservoir also affects river navigation and local riverine ecosystems.
Construction and operation of the dam are tied to mid-20th century development of hydroelectric resources on the Grijalva, with changes in water management and local land use following its completion. The dam is one component of larger basin management projects in the region.
Peñitas Dam is located in central Chiapas on the Grijalva River; it sits within a landscape of river valleys and reservoirs that extend through the state.
- Purpose: Functions as a hydroelectric and river-regulation structure on the Grijalva river system in Chiapas.
How to Get to Peñitas Dam #
Reaching the dam is typically by road from regional centers in Chiapas. Major nearby towns are accessed via state highways; local roads lead to viewpoints and service gates. Expect limited public transport - arrange private transport from nearby municipalities.
Tips for Visiting Peñitas Dam #
- If visiting the dam area, coordinate with local municipal authorities - access to certain service roads may be restricted.
- Bring a camera with a telephoto lens: the downstream river and spillways create dramatic contrasts between still reservoir surface and fast-moving water below.
- Combine a visit with nearby river towns to get local context about how the dam changed agriculture and transport in the valley.
Best Time to Visit Peñitas Dam #
The dam and reservoir are most easily surveyed in the dry season when roads and viewpoints are accessible.
Weather & Climate near Peñitas Dam #
Peñitas Dam's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with hot summers (peaking in May) and warm winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 18°C to 35°C. Heavy rainfall (3284 mm/year), wettest in September.
January
January is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 18°C. Heavy rain (224 mm).
Comfort
Weather
February
February is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (181 mm).
Comfort
Weather
March
March is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 20°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm).
Comfort
Weather
April
April is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 22°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).
Comfort
Weather
May
May is the hottest month with highs of 35°C and lows of 23°C. Significant rainfall (129 mm).
Comfort
Weather
June
June is hot with highs of 33°C and lows of 23°C. Heavy rain (324 mm).
Comfort
Weather
July
July is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 22°C. Heavy rain (327 mm).
Comfort
Weather
August
August is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 22°C. Heavy rain (395 mm).
Comfort
Weather
September
September is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 22°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (486 mm).
Comfort
Weather
October
October is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Heavy rain (472 mm).
Comfort
Weather
November
November is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Heavy rain (311 mm).
Comfort
Weather
December
December is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 19°C. Heavy rain (241 mm).
.jpg?width=600)
.JPG?width=600)