Aguas Abiertas Laguna de Gómez 2026 — Junín

The water here is heavy, a vast freshwater expanse that stretches towards the horizon of the Salado River basin. As you sight for the next buoy, the flat expanse of the 6,000-hectare Laguna de Gómez creates a sensory illusion of endless movement, despite the calm surface. This is the heart of the Aguas Abiertas Laguna de Gómez, where the silence of the stroke is occasionally broken by the memory of the area's history as a frontier chokepoint. Centuries ago, this precise stretch of water served as a transit point for cattle drives across the colonial boundary, a tactical crossing where the land and water merged in a constant struggle for control.

Historical landmarks and currents

Navigating the course, you are effectively swimming over a landscape that once defined the fate of the Fuerte de la Federación. The proximity to the historic Morote bridge area recalls the legacy of the indigenous leader Santiago Yanquelén, who defended these banks alongside his followers during the era of Juan Manuel de Rosas. While the water remains steady, the hydrological link between this lagoon and the neighboring Mar Chiquita and El Carpincho systems creates subtle current patterns that require attention during the longer segments. On the shore, the silhouette of the Eusebio Marcilla Autodrome reminds athletes that this venue has a longer history with speed than just the annual February race. The site, which hosted the inaugural 1972 'Six Hours of Motonautics', retains the energy of those early motorized races that first put Junín on the map for regional competition. Those looking for a different pace in the same water later in the year often return for the Maratón Acuática Los Flamencos, which takes place in December. The race is organized by the Circuito Lagos de Buenos Aires and is held annually every February, challenging swimmers to navigate these historically significant waters before the transition into the autumn season.