In short
Topocoro is the reservoir of the Sogamoso hydroelectric plant (Hidrosogamoso), operated by ISAGEN on the Sogamoso River. Filling began on June 7, 2014, the plant started operating in December that year with 820 MW, and today the reservoir covers about 7,000 hectares of water shared by six towns in Santander.
Key facts
- Topocoro is the reservoir of the Hidrosogamoso, operated by ISAGEN power plant, on the Sogamoso River.
- The reservoir has about 7,000 hectares of water surface.
- The plant has an installed capacity of 820 MW, three Francis turbines in an underground powerhouse.
- The dam is 190 m high.
- Filling began on June 7, 2014, and the plant has been in operation since December 2014.
Key facts
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Water surface | About 7,000 hectares |
| Reservoir volume | About 4,800 million m³ |
| River | Sogamoso |
| Power plant | Hidrosogamoso, operated by ISAGEN |
| Installed capacity | 820 MW, three Francis turbines in an underground powerhouse |
| Dam | 190 m high |
| Average generation | About 5,056 GWh per year |
| Filling began | June 7, 2014 |
| In operation since | December 2014 |
| Department | Santander, Colombia |
| Towns | Girón, Betulia, Zapatoca, Los Santos, Lebrija and San Vicente de Chucurí |
| Surroundings | Serranía de los Yariguíes |
The Sogamoso power plant (Hidrosogamoso)
The reservoir was created by building the Sogamoso hydroelectric plant, known as Hidrosogamoso, which is operated by ISAGEN. Its 190-metre dam holds back the Sogamoso River and created the body of water known today as Topocoro. Power is generated in an underground powerhouse with three Francis turbines totalling 820 MW.
Filling began on June 7, 2014, and the plant was inaugurated in December of the same year. It is one of the largest hydroelectric plants in Colombia.
From reservoir to travel destination
Over the years, the reservoir has become a destination for boat tours, pontoon outings, fishing and nature. According to Vanguardia (March 2026, in Spanish), there is an association of Topocoro tourism businesses and a community birding project supported by ISAGEN; Santander received 38,458 international tourists in 2025, 5.5% more than the previous year.
The reservoir's Management Plan (Plan de Ordenamiento) defines which uses are allowed on the water, including kayaking, canoeing, sailing and windsurfing. In 2026 Comfenalco opened a water park in Betulia and Cajasan announced a tourism project in Girón: see the Comfenalco and Cajasan guide.
Questions about history and facts
What is the Topocoro reservoir?
It is the reservoir of the Sogamoso hydroelectric plant (Hidrosogamoso), operated by ISAGEN on the Sogamoso River, in Santander, Colombia.
When was the Topocoro reservoir filled?
Filling began on June 7, 2014, and the plant was inaugurated in December 2014.
How much power does Hidrosogamoso generate?
It has 820 MW of installed capacity and an average output of about 5,056 GWh per year, according to the plant's builder.
How big is the Topocoro reservoir?
It covers about 7,000 hectares of water and holds about 4,800 million m³.
Which towns share the reservoir?
Girón, Betulia, Zapatoca, Los Santos, Lebrija and San Vicente de Chucurí.
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