Chivor reservoir is a hydroelectric power plant created in the department of Boyacá. Chivor is a word that comes from the language of the Chibcha indigenous tribe and means “green and rich land”. It took almost 30 years to build and covers the municipalities of Almeida, Macanal and Chivor.
HOW TO GET TO CHIVOR RESERVOIR
La Esmeralda dam is located 4 hours from Bogotá, approximately 138 kilometers in the municipality of Chivor. To get to the Chivor dam from Bogotá, you must take an inter-municipal bus at the Bogotá bus terminal of the company Flotas la Macarena to Valle de Tenza.
GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE IN CHIVOR RESERVOIR
The climate in the region covered by the Chivor Dam is very varied. The Reservoir is located at 1200 meters above sea level, its temperature can vary, there are days when it reaches 23°C and is the right climate for water sports in the Dam, however it also presents days of heavy rain and cold. For this reason, it is advisable to wear comfortable clothes, both warm and for hot weather, bathing suit and sun block, and shoes to cover the wide area covered by the dam.
ATTRACTIONS IN CHIVOR RESERVOIR
La Esmeralda Dam itself is a tourist attraction, with its 1260 hectares of land. It has a depth of 130 meters and a capacity of 178 million cubic meters of water, covering approximately 22 kilometers long and 1 kilometer wide.
The reservoir is located in the municipality of Chivor, a municipality that has been characterized by its emerald wealth, visiting the Chivor dam is a totally natural experience, because the landscape around it is charming, the green mountains and blue sky make this an amazing landscape. This tourist destination is little known by travelers, since until a few years ago Chivor began to venture into tourism. It is an ancient land of the indigenous tribe Chibcha, so it has an archaeological legacy of these pre-hispanic peoples and in turn from the colonial era.
La Setenta Waterfall
WHAT TO DO IN CHIVOR RESERVOIR?
Taking into account that Chivor Reservoir is so big, and the winds in the area are strong, the best plans to do in Chivor Dam are water sports, but there is one in particular that is the strongest in this area, it is Kitesurfing, which is a board that is powered by a kite that the adventurer will carry in his hands.
You can also cross the Dam in a rowing canoe. The dam has two boats and a ferry that circulate around the dam taking visitors on a totally free tour. Clearly you should take an ecological walk in this beautiful place to marvel at all the species of flora that live there.
The municipality of Chivor is surrounded by places that are really worth visiting, for example, La Laguna Encantada Esmeralda, Las Piedras de Púlpito, La Cascada la Setenta which are places where you can disconnect from the tedium of the city and breathe the purity of nature. At the Cascada de la Mula, besides appreciating its beauty and imposing nature, you will be able to enjoy an entertaining birdwatching experience.
Kitesurfing Chivor
GASTRONOMY IN CHIVOR RESERVOIR
In the region of Chivor you can find the native gastronomy of Boyacá, for example, you will be able to enjoy the chicken sancocho, the arepas a la laja, the malanga puree, and the sago and corn snacks that are gastronomic products that will leave you with a happy palate and with the desire to know more about the dishes of the region of Boyacá.
HOTELS AND CAMPING AREAS NEAR CHIVOR RESERVOIR
If the traveler wishes to spend the night in the vicinity of the Embalse el Chivor, he will have different options because near the reservoir there are several hotels that in addition to rooms offer area for camping.
For example, Sinaloa Boyacá Hotel is located at Kilometer 5 via Las Juntas, Municipality of Macanal, Vereda el Dátil, Embalse La Esmeralda. This hotel offers 24-hour service, WiFi, parking, restaurant, pool, swimming pool and free breakfast. The rooms are equipped with private bathroom with hot water and cable TV. Pets are allowed.
Hotel Sinaloa
Besides this, it has a space next to the reservoir that works as a camping area and has all the services to make your stay enjoyable.
Website: hotelsinaiboyaca.com
Telephone: 3156470034 – 321 488 88 93
E- mail: info@hotelsinaiboyaca.com – hotelsinai@outlook.com
Casa Chivor Hotel is located in Batá, offers WiFi, picnic area, terrace, barbecue area, free parking, its rooms include private bathroom and television. Pets are not allowed.
COSTS
There is no cost to enter the La Esmeralda reservoir in Chivor.
