Cruz de Piedra Dam

Location (click to view):  Argentina  »  San Luis  »  El Volcán
Published in Travel
Last updated: 09-29-2025
Image: Cruz de Piedra Dam
Image: Cruz de Piedra Dam

Information

The Cruz de Piedra dam is located in the Argentine province of San Luis, right at the beginning of the mountain range that shares its name (the Sierras de San Luis). It sits strategically between two highly visited tourist areas: about 3 kilometers from the town of El Volcán and approximately 7 kilometers from Potrero de los Funes. Its reservoir spans around 154 hectares. It receives water from the Los Puquios Stream and the El Volcán River, the watercourse along which the well-known El Badén and La Hoya recreational areas of El Volcán are found.

There are several ways to visit and explore the dam, each with its own charm. One option is via a paved road that runs along the northern side of the reservoir. Along the way there are viewpoints equipped with benches and parasols, perfect for stopping to take in the panoramic view of the water surrounded by mountains.

In another area a dirt road opens up, allowing access to the shore where there is a small natural beach (there is no lifeguard service).

You can also reach the dam wall from Cruz de Piedra Avenue, which is paved. From there, a concrete staircase begins and later becomes a pedestrian path that leads directly to the dam wall, offering a closer experience of its structure and the surrounding landscape.