Maguaca Dam

(La Presa de Maguaca)

Maguaca dam impounds the Maguaca river. The resulting Maguaca reservoir provides water to irrigate approximately 14,220 tareas (2,210 acres) of fertile farm land used to grow export bananas, plantains, rice, vegetable and leafy vegetables and as a means of flood control. The dam impounds Maguaca lake, and it has a storage capacity of 15. 6 million m³ of water, when it is full. The reservoir water is typically crystal clear which makes Maguaca lake a superb ecotourism attraction. Here is a sample of things you can do:

• Birdwatching: It is home to many endemic water fowl and migratory birds.
• Fishing: The dam is full of many different freshwater fish.
• Camping: Sleeping under the stars and a lake go hand in hand.
• Stargazing: There is no electricity and no lights. The pitch dark nights are ideal for searching for constellations, planets and meteor showers.
• Fossil hunting: A number of fossilized prehistoric remains have been found in the hills.
• Boat tours, kayaking and stand up paddle boarding: Where there is water, there has to be boats and boating activities.
• Swimming: Cool off and refresh yourself with a nice cool swim.
• Scuba diving and Snorkeling: These are not just saltwater activities. Before the dam was built, the are used to be a habitable land and forest. The hills and tree skeletons create an interested underwater scape.
• Hiking: There are no marked trails, but you can create your own and explore the area surrounding the lake.
• Horseback riding: Not into hiking? Explore the lake surroundings on horseback is another option

How to arrive

There is no public transport directly to the dam. You will need your own vehicle, a car or a motorcycle is fine. The roads are not very good if you travel on the Maguaca road from Copey.