Nado con Causa Casa Colibrí

Francisco Ayala, a pivotal figure in the Mexican struggle for freedom, met his end in 1812 after being captured at the Temilpa ranch, a site whose ruins still stand in the shadow of the Tlaltizapán hills. These lands, named by the Nahuatl for the 'white powder' of the soil that forms the local topography, define the horizon for every swimmer entering the water at Las Estacas. While the history of the region is marked by the tactical maneuvers of Emiliano Zapata, who once used the local mill as his military headquarters, the river today serves a different, quieter mission of support and healing.

The river environment

The water here is sourced from a first-magnitude spring, delivering a steady flow that has carved this landscape over ten millennia. Swimmers often find themselves reflecting on the local culinary heritage, specifically the 'tamal de bagre', a catfish preparation wrapped in totomozcle leaves that has long tethered the community to the Yautepec River. This connection to the water is deep, historically intertwined with indigenous healing practices that once faced persecution during the colonial period. Today, the river maintains a constant thermal range, providing a stable, predictable environment for the Nado con Causa Casa Colibrí, held annually to fund pediatric palliative care.

Race day mechanics

Scheduled for August 22, 2026, the event offers two distinct formats: a 750m recreational swim that allows participants to travel with the current, and a 1km counter-current challenge for those seeking a more rigorous test. The entry fee of 955 MXN covers not just the swim, but the logistical coordination required for safety in a moving river, including mandatory buoy usage for every participant. The early morning check-in between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM is essential to ensure that all swimmers are accounted for before the day's activities begin. Those seeking additional challenges in the area can look to the longer 3km and 5km distances at Nado en río, which takes place just two weeks prior. Whether tackling the current or floating with it, each stroke helps sustain the Casa Colibrí facility.