List of Lakes in Colombia

Colombia’s freshwater bodies span high Andean lagoons, lowland marshes, and coastal ciénagas, reflecting the country’s varied climates and ecosystems. From small glacial pools to expansive wetlands, these lakes support fisheries, wildlife and local communities across many departments.

There are 46 Lakes in Colombia, ranging from Amaní Reservoir to Zapatosa Ciénaga. For each entry you’ll find below Department, Type, Area (km2), which makes it easy to compare location, lake type and size—you’ll find below.

Which departments have the largest total lake areas?

The largest lake areas tend to be in lowland departments along the Caribbean and Amazon regions, plus some Andean valleys where reservoirs and natural lakes concentrate; scanning the Department and Area (km2) columns in the list quickly shows which regions hold the most surface area and helps prioritize places to study or visit.

Can I use this list to plan visits, and does it include access or protection status?

The list focuses on names, department, type and area, so it’s a good starting point for identifying lakes but does not provide detailed access, facilities or permit information; before visiting, check local tourism sites, park authorities or municipal offices for current access rules, safety advice and conservation restrictions.

Lakes in Colombia

Images and Descriptions

Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta

Is a large coastal lagoon and mangrove complex on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. Serves as an important wetland for birds, fisheries, and coastal protection. Fits the list as a major natural lagoon with high ecological and touristic value.

Zapatosa Ciénaga

Is a broad inland marsh in the Magdalena-San Jorge floodplain. Supports local fishing and riverine communities and floods seasonally. Belongs on the list as a major ciénaga in the Caribbean lowlands.

Ayapel Ciénaga

Is a shallow wetland in the San Jorge basin. Acts as a habitat for fish and migratory birds and links to surrounding rivers. Qualifies for the list as a notable inland ciénaga used by local communities.

Guavio Reservoir

Is a high-Andean hydroelectric reservoir near Bogotá. Provides power and stores mountain water for cities. Appears on the list as a major artificial lake in the Andes.

El Quimbo Reservoir

Is a large hydroelectric reservoir on the Magdalena River. Offers fishing and river regulation functions. Includes the site as a prominent energy and water resource lake.

Betania Reservoir

Is a hydroelectric reservoir on the Magdalena River system. Serves power generation, flood control, and local fisheries. Fits the list as a major man-made lake in a national river basin.

Urrá Reservoir

Is a reservoir on the Sinú river used for hydroelectric power. Supports local towns and alters river flow. Appears on the list as a significant reservoir in the Caribbean interior.

Topocoro Reservoir

Is a mid-sized reservoir used for water storage and power. Sits within Colombia’s river networks and supports local uses. Belongs on the list as an example of engineered lakes.

El Peñol-Guatapé Reservoir

Is a large tourist and hydroelectric reservoir in the Andes. Features the Guatapé rock and lakeside towns with water sports. Includes the site for its strong tourism and scenic value.

Lake Tota

Is Colombia’s largest natural lake, high in the Andes of Boyacá. Holds cold, clear water and supports trout farming and tourism. Appears on the list as the country’s best-known natural lake.

La Cocha Lagoon

Is a high Andean lagoon in Nariño with an island and wetlands. Serves as a cultural and bird-watching site. Fits the list as a scenic Andean lagoon with visitor access.

Prado Reservoir

Is a large reservoir on the Magdalena River used for irrigation and power. Controls river flows and supports local agriculture. Appears on the list as a major engineered lake in the central basin.

Tominé Reservoir

Is a reservoir near Bogotá used for recreation and water storage. Offers boating and views near mountain towns. Includes the site as a popular accessible lake for visitors to the capital.

Fúquene Lagoon

Is an upland lake in the Bogotá-Boyacá region with strong ecological value. Shows signs of shrinkage and pollution but remains important for birds. Fits the list as a historically large Andean lagoon.

Salvajina Reservoir

Is a hydroelectric reservoir on the Cauca River. Provides energy, water regulation, and local recreation. Appears on the list as a key reservoir in the Pacific-Andean corridor.

Palagua Ciénaga

Is a lowland wetland (ciénaga) that supports fisheries and bird life. Sits in a tropical river plain and floods seasonally. Belongs on the list as a representative coastal plain marsh.

Calima Lake

Is a man-made lake and wind-sports center in the Valle del Cauca highlands. Attracts kitesurfers and anglers and stores water for the region. Includes the lake for its recreation and tourism draw.

Amaní Reservoir

Is a smaller reservoir used for local water supply and fishing. Sits in an Andean valley and supports nearby villages. Appears on the list as an example of community-scale reservoirs.

Porce II Reservoir

Is a hydroelectric reservoir on the Porce river in the Antioquia Andes. Contributes to regional power and river control. Includes the site as a modern energy reservoir near Medellín.

Porce III Reservoir

Is the downstream hydroelectric lake in the Porce river project. Supports power generation and river management. Fits the list as part of a linked reservoir system.

Chivor Reservoir

Is a deep Andean reservoir used for major hydroelectric generation. Sits in the eastern mountain range and feeds national power grids. Appears on the list as a key engineered lake with high capacity.

Riogrande II Reservoir

Is a managed reservoir on a regional river system used for power and water. Supports local irrigation and flood control. Belongs on the list as a representative river-reservoir site.

Neusa Reservoir

Is a reservoir near Bogotá that supplies water and offers recreation. Sits in the Andean highlands and attracts weekend visitors. Includes the reservoir for its role in metropolitan water supply and leisure.

Playas Reservoir

Is a multiuse reservoir serving irrigation and local communities. Sits in a river basin and supports fisheries. Fits the list as a functional mid-sized lake in regional water systems.

Muña Reservoir

Is a water supply reservoir near Bogotá used for urban needs. Controls mountain runoff and supports nearby towns. Appears on the list as part of the capital region’s water network.

Sisga Reservoir

Is a reservoir north of Bogotá used for recreation and water storage. Offers boating, birding, and weekend visits. Includes the site as an accessible Andean lake near the capital.

Punchiná Reservoir

Is a small reservoir in the Andean coffee region. Supports irrigation and local farming communities. Belongs on the list as an example of agricultural water infrastructure.

Ciénaga de Mallorquín

Is a coastal or near-coastal marshland that supports birds and fisheries. Shows seasonal flooding patterns and traditional uses. Appears on the list as a named ciénaga in the Caribbean zone.

Chingaza Reservoir

Is a protected high-mountain reservoir that helps supply Bogotá. Sits inside a national park and protects páramo water sources. Includes the lake for its crucial ecological and water-supply role.

Miraflores Reservoir

Is a reservoir used for local water and energy services. Sits within an Andean or foothill river system. Fits the list as one of many medium reservoirs that shape regional water use.

San Rafael Reservoir

Is a dammed lake used for hydroelectric power and river control. Lies within a river valley and supports nearby towns. Appears on the list as a representative engineered reservoir.

Luruaco Lagoon

Is a coastal lagoon in the Atlántico region near the town of Luruaco. Supports fishing, traditional uses, and local transport. Includes the lagoon as a named inland coastal wetland.

Guarinó Reservoir

Is a regional reservoir in the Andean foothills used for irrigation and power. Serves local agriculture and towns. Fits the list as a mid-sized water infrastructure site.

Troneras Reservoir

Is a reservoir created for water storage and local needs. Sits in a river basin and supports fisheries. Appears on the list as another managed lake of regional importance.

San Lorenzo Reservoir

Is a reservoir that provides water for irrigation, power, or towns. Sits within a basin and changes with seasonal flows. Belongs on the list as a named man-made lake.

Sochagota Lake

Is an Andean lake near towns in Boyacá. Offers recreation, bird life, and scenic views. Includes the lake as a local natural site in the highlands.

Otún Lagoon

Is a high mountain lagoon in the Los Nevados area or nearby páramo. Holds fragile ecosystems and native species. Appears on the list as a protected Andean lagoon.

El Hato Reservoir

Is a mid-sized reservoir that serves irrigation and community water needs. Sits in a local river valley. Fits the list as a common example of regional water management.

Cúcuta Lagoon

Is a lagoon near the city of Cúcuta in Norte de Santander. Functions for local fishing and seasonal wetlands. Belongs on the list as an urban-adjacent lagoon in the northeast.

La Fe Reservoir

Is a reservoir used for water supply, irrigation, or power. Sits in a river basin and serves nearby communities. Appears on the list as a typical managed lake.

Florida II Reservoir

Is a secondary reservoir serving local water or agricultural needs. Sits in an Andean or foothill region. Includes the site as an example of smaller infrastructure lakes.

Cumbal Lagoon

Is a high-altitude crater lake on Volcán Cumbal in Nariño. Holds cold, clear water and sacred local value. Fits the list as a volcanic Andean lagoon with ecological interest.

La Magdalena Lagoon

Is a named lagoon linked to regional river or coastal systems. Supports local fisheries and seasonal wetlands. Appears on the list as a noteworthy named lagoon in Colombia.

Guatavita Lagoon

Is a sacred Andean lagoon in Cundinamarca tied to Muisca legend and El Dorado. Offers restricted access and cultural importance. Includes the lagoon for its historical and tourist significance.

Verde Lagoon

Is a small lake often noted for greenish water or highland setting. Supports local wildlife and occasional tourism. Fits the list as a named natural lagoon of note.

Iguaque Lagoon

Is a high mountain lagoon inside Iguaque Fauna and Flora Sanctuary in Boyacá. Holds cultural value for indigenous stories and protects páramo ecosystems. Appears on the list as a key protected Andean lagoon.

Lakes in Other Countries