Your ideal place for your next sports challenge
While open water swimming culture is still not widely diffused in the country, improvements have been made in the last years. Thanks to the efforts of organizations and individuals who have been implementing open water swimming competitions and activities, the interest and participation has increased.
Technically speaking, there are plenty of places where one could swim in Ecuador. However, in this post I will focus on the most popular spots, which have prior experience as a scenario for this type of activity, since they offer better logistical conditions for the swimmers and their companions.
San Pablo lake (Otavalo, Imbabura province)
This is one of the most iconic lakes of Ecuador, located in the base of the Imbabura volcano, at 2700 m of altitude, a 1-hour-and-30-minute drive from Quito. It has a longitude of 3,6 km, and its water temperature oscillates between 17ºC and 19ºC.
Every year, this lake is the scenario of the most popular Ecuadorian open water competition, The San Pablo Cross, which takes place during the “Yamor festivities”, held in September.
You can swim here throughout the year if you choose so, not only during that competition. For swimming there, you will have to arrange the logistics by yourself, which includes a permit and the registration with a local administrator (this should take a couple of working days at most.
Beware that a couple of years ago a study testing the Lake’s contamination level was published, concluding that San Pablo is mildly contaminated due to residual waters. Because of this, the swimming practice in this lake may have decreased a little. Some efforts to improve this situation have been made, so now authorities are working in recovering its image as an open water swimming scenario.
Cuicocha Lake (Imbabura Province)
Cuicocha is a crater lake with two forested islets in the middle, within the Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve, at an altitude of 3246 m. The lake is 3 km wide, with water temperature oscillating between 12ºC and 14ºC.
The trip to Cuicocha takes about 2 hours and a half going by car.
Since Cuicocha is within an ecological reserve, swimming is generally forbidden. Exceptions might happen when a competition is organized and has its due permits to be held in this lake. One of these few exceptions is the annual Cuicocha swim crossing, which takes place in July, with some distance categories: an 800 m., a 2 km., and a 5 km.
Yambo Lagoon
Yambo is a lagoon that belongs to the Cotopaxi Province, a 2-hour drive from Quito. It has a long shape, with a longitude of 1 km. One of its characteristics is its emerald-green water, due to a high concentration of algae and minerals.
During the last couple of years, a competition has been taking place during September. In addition, Yambo is also becoming a popular open water swimming practice spot, receiving many visitors from nearby cities every weekend.
The water temperature could vary, but it is generally considered a little less cold compared to San Pablo lake.
Bahia – San Vicente (Manabi)
Bahia de Caraquez and San Vicente are two different towns located in the Manabi province, in the Ecuadorian Coast. They are separated by the mouth of the Chone river. This is the place, where every end of the year (generally on November or December) a popular open water swimming competition takes place.
The San Vicente – Bahia cross, popularly called “Cachito Ramirez”after its founder, is a competition consisting of a swimming cross from the San Vicente town to the Bahia de Caraquez city, covering a distance of 1700 m. approximately.
Other Ecuadorian beaches
Some popular scenarios of swimming competitions or practices are El Murcielago (Manta), Chipipe (Salinas), Ayangue (Santa Elena), Pedernales (Manabi), Atacames (Esmeraldas), Jaramijo (Manabi).
El Murcielago (Manta) is possibly the most popular of them, holding a vast number of swimming and triathlon competitions every year.
Finally, wherever you decide to swim, keep in mind these recommendations:
- Unless you are swimming as part of a competition, logistics should generally be managed by yourself. Meaning that the safety boats, first-aid staff, permits and authorizations, and any other type of support you might need before, during, and after your swimming, must be arranged and confirmed by yourself.
- Water conditions might vary, so respect the signs and swim only if is allowed at that moment.
- In most Ecuadorian beaches, you will probably encounter jellyfish, so be prepared to treat those stings afterwards.
- Prioritize safety, procure swimming in group, avoid doing it by yourself.
- And finally, enjoy and make the most of your swimming experience!
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