Embalse Cerro Pelado sits at 876 meters above sea level in the Valle de Calamuchita, making it the highest lake in the valley and part of the Complejo Hidroeléctrico Río Grande. The dam itself stands 104 meters tall and 420 meters long, impounding 371 cubic hectometers of water across approximately 1,241 hectares of surface area. Construction began in 1974 and the facility entered operation in 1986. The reservoir functions as the upper component of a pumped-storage hydroelectric system: during off-peak hours, water is pumped up from the lower Contraembalse Arroyo Corto, roughly 12 kilometers away and 185 meters below, and released back through underground turbines during periods of high demand.

Motorized boats are prohibited on the reservoir, which keeps the water free of fuel contamination. Kayak and stand-up paddleboard are the primary paddling activities. The shoreline is largely undeveloped — native monte scrub and rocky terrain line the banks with no significant infrastructure, and some areas are accessible only by water. Several small islands exist within the reservoir, formed by hilltops that were submerged when the dam filled; Isla Arenas and Isla Amistad are named points that paddlers have used for camping stops. One tributary, Arroyo Tigre Muerto, enters the lake and can serve as a destination from the water.

Paddlers should be aware that weather on this large, open reservoir can change rapidly and without much warning. Wind can build significant waves, making conditions difficult for loaded touring kayaks. Cell phone coverage is poor or absent in much of the area. Spring and summer are considered the best seasons to visit.

The reservoir supports pejerrey fishing, with a minimum size of 25 centimeters and a daily bag limit of 25 fish per the current regulations. Diving is also practiced here, with recreational depth to 40 meters and visibility ranging from 3 to 8 meters; a submerged forest is the main underwater attraction. Camping is permitted in the area. Because the facility is a protected water reserve and active hydroelectric installation, access to certain areas requires authorization from EPEC, the provincial energy company. Emergency contacts include 911, 100, and the environmental police at 0800-777-0220.