Aquamundo Capitólio 2026

Aquamundo Capitólio 2026 takes place on March 28, 2026, within the vast Furnas reservoir in Minas Gerais. This freshwater event involves multiple distance categories set across the deep, canyon-fed waters that characterize the region. Swimmers face a controlled environment shaped by the hydroelectric infrastructure that flooded the local basin in 1961, displacing thousands and permanently altering the geography of the Rio Grande valley.

The landscape beneath the surface

Navigating these waters means crossing over the submerged remnants of towns like Guapé, where original structures remain under the reservoir depth. Along the course, participants pass near the canyon walls where the 2022 rockfall occurred, a stark reminder of the quartzite instability that fundamentally changed how local authorities manage tourist access to the cliffs. The hydraulic flow here is influenced by the proximity of the Piumhi canal, which dictates specific reflux patterns as water is directed away from the central dike. These currents require consistent sighting and awareness of the reservoir's vertical depth, which drops sharply near the canyon edges.

Logistics for this race are dictated by the environmental conditions of the Rio Verde inflow, which serves as the primary water source for this section of the lake. Athletes should anticipate water temperatures typical of the Brazilian highlands in late March, with conditions strictly monitored by the Desafios AQUAMUNDO technical team to ensure safety regarding the reservoir's variable water quality. The town itself, which originated as an 1830s settlement known as Arraial dos Franciscos, provides the base for the event, ensuring that the start and finish lines remain within the historic vicinity of the Saint Sebastian chapel grounds.