El Cadillal (officially Dique Celestino Gelsi) is a reservoir located 26 km north of San Miguel de Tucuman, Argentina (lat -26.6233, lng -65.2014), surrounded by Yungas cloud forest. The dam creates a scenic lake popular for kayaking, jet skiing, sailing, fishing, swimming, and zipline adventures. An archaeological museum on site displays pre-Hispanic artifacts from the region. It is the most popular day trip from Tucuman city, especially on weekends and in summer.
Getting there — distances & times
| From | Distance | Flight | Bus | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York (JFK) | 8500 km | 11 h via Buenos Aires | — | — |
| Miami (MIA) | 7100 km | 9 h + 2 h domestic | — | — |
| Madrid (MAD) | 10000 km | 13 h via Madrid + AR domestic | — | — |
| Buenos Aires (EZE) | 1240 km | 1 h 45 | 14–16 h | — |
| Salta | 300 km | — | 4 h | 3 h 30 |
| Córdoba | 570 km | — | 7 h | 6 h |
Month-by-month climate
| Month | Temp. | Rain | Crowds | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 19° / 31°C | 210 mm | Rainy summer | |
| Feb | 19° / 30°C | 180 mm | ||
| Mar | 17° / 28°C | 160 mm | ||
| Apr | 14° / 25°C | 50 mm | ||
| May | 11° / 22°C | 15 mm | ||
| Jun | 8° / 19°C | 8 mm | ||
| Jul | 7° / 19°C | 8 mm | ||
| Aug | 9° / 21°C | 8 mm | ||
| Sep | 12° / 24°C | 15 mm | ||
| Oct | 15° / 27°C | 50 mm | ||
| Nov | 17° / 29°C | 120 mm | ||
| Dec | 19° / 31°C | 180 mm |
How to Get to El Cadillal
By Car
26 km north of San Miguel de Tucuman on RN 9, then a clearly signposted turnoff to the dam. 30–40 minutes total. Roads are fully paved. Free parking near the dam access points.
By Bus
Empresa La Estrella and La Nueva Estrella run regular services from Tucuman’s main terminal. Around USD 2 per ride, multiple departures daily. The bus stops near the village of El Cadillal, a 5-minute walk from the main reservoir access.
By Tour
Many city tour operators include El Cadillal as a half-day add-on (USD 30–45 with transport and an activity). Combined day tours add a Yungas trek or visit to Sierra de San Javier.
What to See and Do
Water Sports
The 11-square-km reservoir is the main attraction. Kayaks (USD 10–15/hour), stand-up paddle (USD 12/hour), jet skis (USD 50–80/hour), sailing lessons, motorboat rides and water skiing. Equipment rentals along the shore. The northern arm of the lake is calm and beginner-friendly.
Canopy Zipline
A 4–6 station zipline circuit running over the lake and surrounding Yungas forest. USD 15–25 per person for the full circuit. Safety equipment provided, brief instruction included. Suitable for adults and children 8+.
Fishing
The reservoir holds pejerrey (silverside), tararira and dorado. Fishing licence required (USD 5/day, sold locally). Best at dawn from the shore or from a boat. Tackle rentals available.
Archaeological Museum
The Museo Arqueologico Provincial de El Cadillal displays pre-Hispanic artifacts found during the dam’s construction in the 1960s, plus exhibits on the Yungas ecosystem. Small but well-curated. Entry approximately USD 2.
Hiking and Picnics
Several easy trails climb into the surrounding Yungas (1–3 hours). Picnic areas with grills, sunshade pavilions and playgrounds for families. Bring your own asado supplies — supermarkets in El Cadillal village sell basics.
Lakeside Dining
Several restaurants line the shore serving regional cuisine: trout from the reservoir, pejerrey ceviche, locro, empanadas tucumanas. Lunch around USD 8–15 per person.
When to Visit
- Best for water sports: September-May (warm enough for swimming and watersports).
- Best for hiking and the museum: April-November (cooler, drier).
- Summer weekends (Dec-Feb): Very busy with Tucuman families. Arrive early.
- Weekdays and off-season: Almost empty — peaceful and recommended.
Practical Information
Cost
Free access to most of the dam area and shoreline. Activities and rentals charged separately. Budget USD 30–60 per person for a full day with one major activity (zipline, jet ski) plus lunch.
What to bring
Swimsuit, towel, sun protection, hat, change of clothes, cash for activities and rentals, sandals plus closed shoes for the trails. Sunscreen is essential — the lake reflects strong sun.
Distances from El Cadillal
- San Miguel de Tucuman: 26 km (30 min)
- Tucuman airport (TUC): 35 km (45 min)
- Sierra de San Javier (Yungas): 50 km (1h 15m)
- Tafi del Valle: 130 km (2h 30m)
