Campeonato Nacional de Aguas Abiertas Primavera 2026

The Campeonato Nacional de Aguas Abiertas Primavera 2026 takes place on November 6-8 at Laguna Esmeralda, Melipilla. This competition, organized by the Fechida, utilizes a technical course set within an artificial basin. The lake originated between 1990 and 1992 as a byproduct of aggregate extraction for the Autopista del Sol, which resulted in the flooding of local groundwater aquifers.

Historical context and landscape

Swimming here connects athletes to a landscape defined by both modern infrastructure and deep historical roots. To the northwest lies the historical area of Pago de Pico, once a center for the Picones people before its transition into a colonial hacienda. Centuries earlier, the surrounding region of Talagante saw the establishment of an Inca mitimae under Prince Tala Canta Ilabe, marking the area as a frontier of imperial expansion long before the colonial era. During the swim, participants can observe the horizon toward the Andes, where the summit of Cerro Horcón de Piedra offers a vantage point spanning from the high peaks of Aconcagua to the coastal bay of San Antonio on clear days.

Environmental features

The water quality and temperature are influenced by the lake's hydrographic connection to the nearby Maipo River basin. While maneuvering through the water, the proximity to Pomaire—a town globally recognized for a ceramic tradition utilizing local clay with a distinct reddish hue—serves as a cultural backdrop to the event. The 2026 edition follows the 2025 season, where clubs like the Stade Francais dominated the scoring, underscoring the competitive nature of this national event. Participants should prepare for a venue that functions as a managed water system, ensuring a controlled environment for the federation's sprint and endurance distances.