Nado Nocturno LAS ESTACAS 26 DE SEPTIEMBRE

The riverbed here is a study in contrasts, where the darkness of the night is broken only by the rhythmic pulse of your chemical light bobbing on the surface. As you stroke through the water, you pass above the hidden history of this landscape; the name Las Estacas itself serves as a reminder of the wooden stakes once driven into these banks to manage the irrigation of the Yautepec River tributaries. While you navigate the steady pull of the current, it is easy to imagine the local history that unfolded along these banks, from the ancient agricultural practices to the more turbulent events of the 1916 Mexican Revolution, when the town of Tlaltizapán saw its population decimated by conflict and disease. The water beneath you remains a consistent 22°C to 24°C, a stable thermal comfort that feels almost surreal against the cool night air.

The environment and the swim

This is the setting for the Nado Nocturno Las Estacas 2026, a race that eschews the typical daytime chaos for a more meditative, starlit challenge. Participants can choose between 1km, 2km, and 4km distances, with the 1km course specifically designed to flow with the river current. The organization, which manages the logistics of this nocturnal navigation, provides a chemical light as part of the race pack to ensure visibility in the dark environment. If you find yourself craving a different perspective on these waters, you might consider how the summer season offers varied conditions, such as those found during the Nado en Río Las Estacas held just weeks prior in August.

As you swim, the silhouette of the San Miguel Arcangel monastery stands as a silent witness to the passage of time. Built by the Dominican Order around 1535, its distinct octagonal cupola and austere architecture offer a glimpse into the colonial influence in Morelos, and it remains a point of interest for those familiar with the area's deep roots. The river itself, sustained by a first-magnitude spring that has shaped this valley for 10,000 years, provides a constant flow that demands a steady, rhythmic pace. Whether you are aiming for a personal best or simply testing your endurance under the moon, the event creates a rare moment of stillness in an otherwise demanding environment.