Circuito TH5 Travessia 2026 — Etapa 4 (Bertioga)

In 1552, the German mercenary Hans Staden found himself at the Forte de São João in Bertioga, thrust into a harrowing captivity among the local Tupinambá people. His eventual survival and the subsequent publication of his account transformed this coastal stretch into a landmark of early colonial history, forever linking the site to tales of endurance. Today, swimmers arriving at Praia do Indaiá follow a less treacherous but equally storied path, setting out from the very sands where Portuguese outposts once monitored the horizon to secure the burgeoning coastline of Brazil.

The waters here carry a distinct historical weight that extends far beyond the colonial era. Most notably, the 1979 death of the Nazi war criminal Josef Mengele occurred while he was swimming in these same waters, a dark footnote that remains part of the local lore for those who look toward the shoreline. As you prepare for the race, the silhouette of the fort—the oldest remaining Portuguese fortification in the country—serves as a constant reference point, having stood guard since 1547. It is a striking sight from the water, grounding your effort in a landscape defined by centuries of struggle, from the early Jesuit pacification efforts to the later, more industrial era of the regional whale oil trade.

Organized by TH5 Eventos, the fourth stage of the 2026 circuit invites participants to test their limits across distances of 150, 700, 1,200, and 2,200 meters. The event, scheduled for July 19, 2026, welcomes the use of wetsuits, providing a practical advantage as you navigate the open sea conditions of Praia do Indaiá. For those seeking to build their season, this stage offers a distinct profile compared to the nearby Travessia do Porto de Santos, which brings a different nautical character to the coastal calendar. Whether you are aiming for the shorter sprint or the full 2,200-meter course, the experience is defined by the unique intersection of Atlantic rainforest, the protected ecosystems of the nearby Restinga de Bertioga State Park, and the enduring history of the Bertioga shore.