El Cadillal

El Cadillal, formally the Celestino Gelsi reservoir, was built where the Salí river cuts through a gorge in the hills north of Tucumán, and the lake it created has become the city's weekend water playground. Its shores have small beaches and campsites, boats and jet skis run on the open water, and the fishing is decent for pejerrey and dorado. The dam wall itself is used for zip lines and rappel descents, and there is a small archaeological museum near the visitor area. Around the lake the subtropical forest comes down to the shore, and short trails and viewpoints look along the water toward the mountains. In summer it is loud and lively; out of season it is close to deserted.

What you actually see

• The lake and beaches - swimming and picnic areas along the shore.
• The dam wall - zip line and rappel activities on the structure.
• The boats - hire craft, jet skis and fishing on the open water.
• The forest shore - subtropical woodland and short trails around the lake.

When to go

October to April for warm water and full services; January and February weekends are extremely busy with families from Tucumán. Winter is cool and most facilities close or reduce hours. Weekdays in the shoulder season are the sweet spot.

Honest expectations

This is a recreational lake and it looks like one, with concrete, kiosks and crowds rather than wilderness. Water levels and clarity vary through the year. Facilities are basic and can be run down outside the summer season.

Nearby

Tucumán city is half an hour south; the Tafí valley road climbs west from the city.