DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Carlos Fonseca Hydroelectric Plant

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Industrial site
—°
Carlos Fonseca Hydroelectric Plant (Nicaragua)

Weather…

The Carlos Fonseca Hydroelectric Plant, formerly known as Santa Barbara, is a key pillar of Nicaragua's renewable energy infrastructure. Located in the Jinotega department, it operates in a cascade system with the upstream Centroamérica plant, reusing the water that has already passed through the first facility. Commissioned in 1972, it represents the second stage of the hydroelectric development along the Tuma River basin. The plant is named after Carlos Fonseca Amador, a significant figure in Nicaraguan history. It is designed to efficiently capture the hydraulic head and flow of the mountainous terrain to produce electricity with a minimal environmental footprint. Together with the Centroamérica plant, it forms an integrated complex that is indispensable for the nation's energy security. Ongoing maintenance and upgrades to these hydroelectric facilities are critical for minimizing reliance on expensive imported fossil fuels and achieving national sustainability goals.

Best time to visit & climate

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

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C232425262624242424232322
Rain mm8710301661961121392352254918

📋 Practical info

🏭
What is this place?
The Carlos Fonseca Hydroelectric Plant, formerly Santa Bárbara, forms a cascade with the Centroamérica plant for power generation. It uses water from northern rivers and supplies clean energy to the national grid.
🚪
Visiting
As a working hydroelectric plant, the interior is generally not open to visitors. From the nearby bridge or shore, the dam and spillways can be observed.
👀
Where to view it
A viewpoint is located on the road above the plant, offering an overview of the entire cascade system. The reservoir also provides photo opportunities.
🧺
Local products
The plant itself produces only electricity. Surrounding villages offer agricultural products like coffee and maize, which benefit from irrigation from the reservoirs.
📆
Active season
Electricity production is stable year-round, but water flow is highest during the rainy season from May to October. The water masses are particularly impressive to watch then.
➕
Nearby
Combine the visit with a trip to the nearby reservoir for boating or fishing. The nearby city of Estelí is known for tobacco production and features tours of cigarette factories.

Geography

Coordinates
12.87140, -85.73280

Facts

  • Commenced operations in 1972 in the Jinotega department.
  • Formerly known as the Santa Barbara hydroelectric plant.
  • The second stage of the Tuma River hydroelectric system.
  • Uses water discharged from the upstream Centroamérica plant.
  • Total installed capacity is approximately 50 megawatts.
  • Managed by the state-owned energy company ENEL.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

El Tuma - La DaliaEl Tuma - La Dalia2 km · SEExplore →
San José de los RematesSan José de los Remates3 km · SWExplore →
Santa LucíaSanta Lucía4 km · NWExplore →
Muy MuyMuy Muy4 km · NExplore →
EsquipulasEsquipulas6 km · SExplore →
Mount KilambéMount Kilambé7 km · NEExplore →
El Chile Coffee FarmEl Chile Coffee Farm7 km · SExplore →
San LorenzoSan Lorenzo8 km · NWExplore →

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 nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Carlos Fonseca hydroelectric plant?
It is an important hydroelectric plant that contributes to the region's energy supply.
Can one visit the power plant?
The plant is generally not open to the public as it is an industrial facility.
Where is the plant located?
The facility is strategically located on a river in the region.
When is the best time to visit the area?
The area is accessible year-round, but best in the dry season.
What is there to see nearby?
Nearby you can find beautiful natural landscapes and local villages.
Carlos Fonseca Hydroelectric Plant: where is it located?
Carlos Fonseca Hydroelectric Plant is located in Nicaragua.
Carlos Fonseca Hydroelectric Plant: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Carlos Fonseca Hydroelectric Plant: why is it worth visiting?
The Carlos Fonseca Hydroelectric Plant, formerly known as Santa Barbara, is a key pillar of Nicaragua's renewable energy infrastructure.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
North America
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in North America
More places in Nicaragua →

Nearby cities

Matagalpa — Carlos Fonseca Hydroelectric Plant (Nicaragua)
Matagalpa
The heart of Nicaragua's coffee industry in the central highlands.
Río Blanco — Carlos Fonseca Hydroelectric Plant (Nicaragua)
Río Blanco
A commercial town on Nicaragua's 'agricultural frontier'.
Ciudad Darío — Carlos Fonseca Hydroelectric Plant (Nicaragua)
Ciudad Darío
Birthplace of the famous poet Rubén Darío.
Matiguás — Carlos Fonseca Hydroelectric Plant (Nicaragua)
Matiguás
A municipality known for its cattle ranching and dairy production.
Muy Muy — Carlos Fonseca Hydroelectric Plant (Nicaragua)
Muy Muy
A small, rural municipality in the Matagalpa department.
San Dionisio — Carlos Fonseca Hydroelectric Plant (Nicaragua)
San Dionisio
A municipality in the coffee regions of Matagalpa.
San Ramón — Carlos Fonseca Hydroelectric Plant (Nicaragua)
San Ramón
A municipality near Matagalpa known for ecotourism and coffee.
Terrabona — Carlos Fonseca Hydroelectric Plant (Nicaragua)
Terrabona
A rural municipality between the departments of Matagalpa and Boaco.
El Tuma - La Dalia — Carlos Fonseca Hydroelectric Plant (Nicaragua)
El Tuma - La Dalia
Twin towns that are an important center for coffee and commerce.
Esquipulas — Carlos Fonseca Hydroelectric Plant (Nicaragua)
Esquipulas
Mining town in the department of Matagalpa.
La Dalia — Carlos Fonseca Hydroelectric Plant (Nicaragua)
La Dalia
An important coffee-growing municipality in the Matagalpa department.
Rancho Grande — Carlos Fonseca Hydroelectric Plant (Nicaragua)
Rancho Grande
A municipality on the agricultural frontier with a focus on cacao.
Sébaco — Carlos Fonseca Hydroelectric Plant (Nicaragua)
Sébaco
Important agricultural center in a fertile valley.
San Isidro — Carlos Fonseca Hydroelectric Plant (Nicaragua)
San Isidro
Transportation hub on the Pan-American Highway in the Matagalpa department.

History & landmarks

San Pedro Cathedral of Matagalpa — Carlos Fonseca Hydroelectric Plant (Nicaragua)
San Pedro Cathedral of Matagalpa
The impressive religious center of Matagalpa, notable for its massive structure and bright white facade.

Nature

Tuma River — Carlos Fonseca Hydroelectric Plant (Nicaragua)
Tuma River
A significant river that feeds Lake Apanás.
🗺️
Grande de Matagalpa River
One of the longest and most important rivers crossing the country from west to east.

More places

🗺️
El Chile Coffee Farm
A rural community near Matagalpa known for its weaving traditions and coffee.
El Arenal Hill — Carlos Fonseca Hydroelectric Plant (Nicaragua)
El Arenal Hill
A nature reserve and mountain near Matagalpa.
🗺️
Pancasán Historic Site
Site of a decisive combat considered the birth of the modern FSLN guerrilla.
🗺️
Finca Esperanza Verde
An eco-lodge and coffee farm dedicated to conservation and community.
Selva Negra — Carlos Fonseca Hydroelectric Plant (Nicaragua)
Selva Negra
A sustainable coffee farm and eco-lodge in the mountains of Matagalpa.
🗺️
El Platanal Cacao Farm
A farm specializing in the cultivation of high-quality cacao, offering tours.
Devil's Mountain Range — Carlos Fonseca Hydroelectric Plant (Nicaragua)
Devil's Mountain Range
A rugged mountain area.
Birthplace of Rubén Darío — Carlos Fonseca Hydroelectric Plant (Nicaragua)
Birthplace of Rubén Darío
The actual house where the poet was born, in the city that now bears his name.