Brazil
Argentina
Chile
Colombia
Peru
Germany
Belgium
Spain
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Switzerland
Dam · Salto, Salto
Represa de Salto Grande
The first binational hydroelectric power plant in Latin America, 15 km north of Salto, with guided tours on the Uruguayan side that include a lookout, the engine room and crossing the international bridge.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Represa de Salto Grande
The Salto Grande Dam impounds the Uruguay River about 15 km north of Salto and Concordia. It was the first binational hydroelectric plant in Latin America, operated by a joint Argentine-Uruguayan commission. Construction began in 1974, the first turbine started operating in 1979 and the last in 1983.
There are 14 turbines, seven on each side, with 1,890 MW of installed capacity. The power is shared equally between the two countries and covers, on average, about half of Uruguay's consumption. A road and rail bridge crosses the dam, inaugurated in 1982, linking Salto to Concordia.
The reservoir created by the dam submerged the old Salto Grande, the falls that gave the city its name, and extends about 140 km upstream. Its banks feature beaches, parks and yacht clubs.
The guided tour on the Uruguayan side includes a video, a model, entrance to the binational area, a lookout, a service bridge, the engine room and crossing the international bridge. There is also an environmental tour with a native plant nursery and the Laguna de las Garzas. Near the access point is Energimundo, an interactive museum about renewable energies.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About two hours for the guided tour. Add an hour if you want to include Energimundo.
Best time
Tours run every day of the year except May 1, December 24, 25 and 31, and January 1, in the morning and early afternoon. Clear-sky days offer the best views from the lookout.
How to get there
It is north of Salto via avenida Luis Batlle Berres, the former Ruta 3. At km 508, turn left onto the access road to Salto Grande. It's about 15 km from the city center. There is an excursion with transport that departs from Termas del Daymán and passes through the city.
Tip
The tour is free and reservations are made on the Uruguayan Salto Grande delegation's website. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Confirm the schedules before you set out.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Represa de Salto Grande
Is the visit to the Represa de Salto Grande paid?
No. The guided visit and the environmental visit are free of charge. Book through the Uruguayan delegation's website.
What do you see on the guided visit?
Institutional video, scale model, lookout, service bridge, engine room and crossing the international bridge over the dam.
How far is the dam from Salto?
About 15 km north of the center, via the access at km 508 of the old Ruta 3.
Is the dam open every day?
Yes, except on May 1, December 24, 25 and 31, and January 1. Confirm opening times before going.