Aguas Abiertas Lago La Candelaria

October brings open-water swimmers south of Buenos Aires to the sheltered waters of Lago La Candelaria in Tristán Suárez to launch the regional lake racing season. Known as Aguas Abiertas Lago La Candelaria, the gathering marks the opening round of the Campeonato de Aguas Abiertas organized by Lagos de Buenos Aires. The venue established itself as a regular fixture on the circuit after stepping in during a past October when neighboring Lagos del Rocío was occupied, quickly earning a permanent role on the regional racing calendar. Swimmers take on three distinct distances designed to suit different ambitions across the fresh water. A 500-meter course offers an accessible entry point for newcomers stepping away from the pool into open water, while the 1,500-meter distance serves as the core competitive test of the championship.

For endurance swimmers building their stamina over longer stretches, a 3,000-meter race completes the morning program. The course structure has evolved over successive rounds, having tested shorter 300-meter sprints and intermediate 1,000-meter and 2,000-meter loops in previous championship stops before settling into its established 500, 1,500, and 3,000-meter layout across spring and late-summer dates. Safety protocols are strictly observed across all waves, beginning with the mandatory use of an individual tow float buoy for every competitor on the lake. Far from being an obstacle, the buoy guarantees immediate visibility across the water surface, giving swimmers peace of mind whether navigating their very first mass start or pacing a longer effort.

Wetsuits are permitted for both the 1,500-meter and 3,000-meter events, a regulation established after organizers introduced a dedicated wetsuit category for men and women during earlier editions. Staggered starts send the sprint heat into the water first, followed shortly by the departures of the mid-distance and endurance fields. Every competitor races with an electronic timing chip, and upon touching the lakeside finish gate, swimmers receive a finisher medal before heading into the post-race recovery zone stocked with water, fresh fruit, and cereals.

Calm fresh water and the Hidden Lake of Tristán Suárez

Lago La Candelaria sits within the district of Tristán Suárez in the southern belt of Greater Buenos Aires, offering protected freshwater conditions. The enclosed nature of the lake provides predictable, smooth water that makes sighting straightforward and lets swimmers find an unbroken stroke rhythm from the opening buoy. Beyond the perimeter of the race venue, the surrounding landscape of Tristán Suárez conceals other tranquil water bodies tucked away among the flat pampa terrain. Among these local aquatic landmarks is a quiet natural curiosity known simply to regional visitors as the Hidden Lake. This network of inland basins reflects the hydrology of a suburban municipality where pockets of water remain sheltered by open countryside.

Querandí fisher roots and the 1888 Río de la Plata quake

Long before modern swimmers raced across these inland waters, the surrounding plains belonged to the indigenous Querandí nation. In the sixteenth century, the Querandí inhabited this fertile territory, relying heavily on the local streams and water bodies where they fished to sustain their communities. Centuries later, the quiet geology of the region was interrupted by an extraordinary natural event in the early hours of 5 June 1888. At 3:20 in the morning, the rare Río de la Plata earthquake shook the ground beneath Tristán Suárez and the broader river basin.

Parrillas, adventure circuits, and sandy shores at Lago La Candelaria

Once the swimming finishes, life at Lago La Candelaria shifts toward the extensive outdoor leisure park lining the water's edge. The shoreline features an artificial sand beach complete with seasonal water attractions and a fleet of kayaks for easy paddling across the shallows. Those with energy left after their swim can test themselves on dry land across an aerial adventure setup that includes hanging bridges, zip lines, and an outdoor climbing wall. The park grounds are fully equipped for a classic Argentine afternoon by the water, centered around traditional outdoor grills and dedicated picnic gazebos. Families and swim squads can pitch tents on the camping lawns, make use of the sports courts for volleyball and football, or grab a hot meal at the on-site canteen. With warm showers, shady resting areas, and the scent of parrillas drifting over the water, the venue invites swimmers to linger long after the awards ceremony concludes.