Plizio Visual Lab

Hatillo Dam

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Lake

Weather…

Lake Hatillo is a man-made reservoir created by the construction of the Hatillo Dam on the Yuna River in the Sánchez Ramírez province. It is ranked as one of the largest freshwater reservoirs in the Dominican Republic and the broader Caribbean region, with a storage capacity of hundreds of millions of cubic meters. The dam was primarily engineered for hydroelectric power generation, the irrigation of agricultural lands in the fertile Cibao Valley, and flood mitigation. The surrounding hilly landscape is characterized by lush greenery and significant mineral deposits, with the nearby Pueblo Viejo gold mine playing a vital economic role in the area. Beyond its industrial utility, the lake has evolved into a popular site for recreational activities such as fishing and boating. Numerous small islands and inlets within the reservoir provide essential habitats for fish and aquatic bird species, enhancing the region's ecological diversity.

Location: Dominican Republic
Nearby: Pimentel (6 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	24	24	25	26	27	28	28	28	28	27	26	25
Rain mm	35	25	29	41	62	39	50	55	56	54	71	50

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

The expansive reservoir is typically accessed via regional roads connecting to the town of Cotuí, with several local points along the shoreline offering direct approaches to the water's edge.

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Best season

Visiting is generally pleasant year-round, but the periods outside the heaviest rainy seasons ensure clearer local roads and better conditions for enjoying lakeside activities or boat trips.

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Terrain & paths

The surrounding environment consists of gently sloping banks, grassy areas, and mixed vegetation bordering the massive body of fresh water, with mostly informal, natural pathways near the shore.

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What to bring

Comfortable casual clothing and walking shoes are sufficient for the banks, while those planning to fish or take a boat should bring appropriate aquatic gear, hats, and reliable sunblock.

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Parking

Informal parking areas are widely distributed near the most popular viewpoints and boat launch sites around the lake, usually allowing visitors to leave their vehicles quite close to the water.

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Safety

While the shoreline is tranquil, swimming can be risky due to submerged structures and unpredictable currents; visitors should always wear life vests when participating in any boating activities.

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Time needed

Visits can range from a quick one-hour scenic stop for photography to a relaxed half-day outing if combining a leisurely lakeside picnic with a locally chartered boat tour of the reservoir.

Geography

Coordinates

19.03330, -70.08330

Facts

The dam was officially inaugurated and put into service in 1984.
The lake has a maximum storage volume of approximately 710 million cubic meters.
It is primarily fed by the Yuna River, the country's second-longest river.
The hydroelectric plant has an installed capacity of about 8 megawatts.
The lake is well-known for its abundance of bass and other freshwater fish.
It covers a surface area of approximately 40 square kilometers.