Maratón Acuática San Pedro — 20K

Simon Peter, a Galilean fisherman who cast his nets into the Sea of Galilee, serves as the namesake for the riverfront where the Maratón Acuática San Pedro begins. Long before this 20-kilometer marathon was established by the Club de Pescadores y Náutico, the Paraná River was already a theater of intense human activity. As you enter the water, you are not merely swimming; you are navigating a waterway defined by the 1845 naval engagement, where local defenders attempted to obstruct the passage of Anglo-French fleets. The remnants of these strategic clashes still weigh on the historical consciousness of the riverbank, mirroring the endurance required for such a long-distance swim.

Historical markers and river currents

As you push through the current, your path is marked by the presence of the ARA Irigoyen, a decommissioned United States Navy fleet tug that now rests as a museum ship in San Pedro. Its silhouette, visible from the water, serves as a modern landmark against the natural backdrop of the river. Further along the course, the riverbed sits near the site where, in 1965, archaeologists unearthed evidence of the Querandí settlement, reminding swimmers that the banks have supported human life for centuries before the colonial era. The route also offers glimpses of the prominent barranca cliffs and the complex network of islands that compose the Paraná Delta.

While this 20-kilometer event focuses on pure endurance, those seeking shorter distances often look to the Club de Pescadores y Náutico event held just a day prior. The region's connection to the past extends beneath the surface as well, with the riverbanks remaining a significant source for paleontological discoveries, including over twenty species of prehistoric mammals. By the time you approach the finish, the water temperature in November typically settles into a manageable range, though the river's flow demands careful navigation around the shifting channels of the delta.