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Cerron Grande Reservoir

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Lake
—°1
Cerron Grande Reservoir (El Salvador)

Weather…

The Cerrón Grande Reservoir, frequently referred to as Lake Suchitlán, is the largest man-made body of water in El Salvador. Formed between 1973 and 1976 following the construction of the Cerrón Grande Dam on the Lempa River, its primary purpose is hydroelectric power generation for the national grid. The reservoir spans approximately 135 square kilometers and borders the departments of Chalatenango, San Salvador, Cuscatlán, and Cabañas. Beyond its industrial utility, the lake is a vital resource for local artisanal fishing communities and has become a significant hub for eco-tourism. In 2005, it was designated as a RAMSAR site of international importance due to its role as a critical habitat for migratory birds and local aquatic species. The colonial town of Suchitoto, perched on its southern shore, provides scenic overlooks and boat access to various islands within the lake. Despite environmental pressures, the reservoir remains a cornerstone of El Salvador's ecological and economic infrastructure in the central region.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C232526272624252424232223
Rain mm989321521861511892181744318

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
Reachable by road from surrounding municipalities, which often serve as a starting point for lake excursions. These towns offer the most convenient entry to the water.
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Best season
Generally best visited during the dry season for clearer skies and safer navigation. In these months, water activities are significantly more predictable and enjoyable.
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Terrain & paths
The surrounding areas consist of rolling hills and wide, open shorelines. Depending on the current water levels, the coastal spots can become quite muddy and soft.
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What to bring
Standard outdoor clothing, strong sun protection, and plenty of water are usually recommended. Comfortable walking shoes are well-suited for navigating near the soft banks.
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Parking
Visitors typically leave their vehicles in the centers of nearby towns. Alternatively, designated spots near local boat docks provide secure places to park.
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Safety
Always exercise extreme caution near deep water and any hydroelectric infrastructure. It is highly advisable to consult locals about safe, calm swimming areas before entering the water.
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Time needed
Expect to spend at least a few hours to half a day enjoying the expansive views. This timeframe provides ample opportunity for a scenic boat ride if tours are currently available.

Geography

Area
135 km²
Coordinates
13.90000, -88.90000

Facts

  • The construction of the dam was completed in 1976.
  • The lake covers a surface area of about 135 square kilometers.
  • The hydroelectric plant has a capacity of 172.8 megawatts.
  • The site was officially listed under the RAMSAR convention in 2005.
  • It can hold up to 2,180 million cubic meters of water at full capacity.
  • Suchitoto is the most prominent historical settlement along the shore.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

TenancingoTenancingo<1 km · WExplore →
Chalatenango Textile FactoryChalatenango Textile Factory3 km · SExplore →
Cathedral of Our Lady of the Poor, ZacatecolucaCathedral of Our Lady of the Poor, Zacatecoluca3 km · NExplore →
Río Dulce National ParkRío Dulce National Park4 km · EExplore →
Santiago Nonualco IndustrySantiago Nonualco Industry5 km · SExplore →
Sarstoon RiverSarstoon River5 km · SEExplore →
Río DulceRío Dulce5 km · NEExplore →
Big FallsBig Falls5 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Cerron Grande Reservoir (1)

Jutiapa, El Salvador📍 landmark

Jutiapa is a municipality in El Salvador, located in the Cabañas department.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is Cerrón Grande?
A huge reservoir, good for water sports and nature observation.
Can you go boating there?
Yes, there are many boat docks for excursions.
Are there birds there?
Yes, especially many migratory birds winter here.
Is fishing allowed?
Yes, fishing is one of the main activities on the lake.
How is access?
The access roads are partly unpaved.
Cerron Grande Reservoir: where is it located?
Cerron Grande Reservoir is located in El Salvador.
Cerron Grande Reservoir: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.
Cerron Grande Reservoir: why is it worth visiting?
The Cerrón Grande Reservoir, frequently referred to as Lake Suchitlán, is the largest man-made body of water in El Salvador.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

San Salvador — Cerron Grande Reservoir (El Salvador)
San Salvador
The populous capital city and political center.
San Miguel — Cerron Grande Reservoir (El Salvador)
San Miguel
Important city in the east, famous for its November carnival.
Santa Ana — Cerron Grande Reservoir (El Salvador)
Santa Ana
Second largest city, known for its gothic cathedral.
Santa Tecla — Cerron Grande Reservoir (El Salvador)
Santa Tecla
Lively city near San Salvador, known for the Paseo El Carmen district.
La Libertad — Cerron Grande Reservoir (El Salvador)
La Libertad
Coastal town famous for its fish market and surfing.
Playa San Diego — Cerron Grande Reservoir (El Salvador)
Playa San Diego
Playa San Diego is a long, straightforward beach known for its proximity to San Salvador and uncrowded, wide sands.

History & landmarks

Devil&#39;s Door — Cerron Grande Reservoir (El Salvador)
Devil's Door
A striking rock formation offering panoramic views of the countryside.
Monumento al Divino Salvador del Mundo — Cerron Grande Reservoir (El Salvador)
Monumento al Divino Salvador del Mundo
A major landmark and symbol of the capital and the country.
El Boquerón National Park — Cerron Grande Reservoir (El Salvador)
El Boquerón National Park
A park located on the crater of the San Salvador Volcano with cool weather.
El Tunco Beach — Cerron Grande Reservoir (El Salvador)
El Tunco Beach
Famous beach with distinct rocks and excellent surfing conditions.
Cathedral of Santa Ana — Cerron Grande Reservoir (El Salvador)
Cathedral of Santa Ana
A beautiful neo-Gothic cathedral located in the city of Santa Ana.

Nature

Lempa River — Cerron Grande Reservoir (El Salvador)
Lempa River
The longest and most important river in El Salvador.
Lake Ilopango — Cerron Grande Reservoir (El Salvador)
Lake Ilopango
A large volcanic crater lake located near the capital city.

More places

🗺️
Cerro El Coyol
A small mountain near the capital.
San Vicente Volcano — Cerron Grande Reservoir (El Salvador)
San Vicente Volcano
An impressive double-peaked volcano.
Cerro de Oro — Cerron Grande Reservoir (El Salvador)
Cerro de Oro
A distinct hill near Lake Ilopango.
🗺️
Cerro Las Pavas
A viewpoint overlooking the valley.
🗺️
Cerro Coyolito
A mountain in the north of El Salvador.
🗺️
Cerro El Mico
A peak near the coast.
Cerro El Pital — Cerron Grande Reservoir (El Salvador)
Cerro El Pital
The highest point in El Salvador, located on the border with Honduras.
Cihuatan — Cerron Grande Reservoir (El Salvador)
Cihuatan
One of the largest archaeological sites in El Salvador.