Travesía La Ruta de Olaya

For generations, the residents of La Punta have looked toward the sea not just for sustenance, but for the protection of the cross placed upon the peninsula. Following the catastrophic 1746 tsunami, this symbol was anchored to the shore as a sentinel against the volatile surges of the Pacific. It became a focal point of local devotion, repeatedly reclaimed from the sea after waves battered the coast in 1915 and 1920. Today, swimmers who take on the 22,000-meter course find themselves tracing a path that history has repeatedly tested, moving from the shores of Playa Pescadores toward the final destination at La Punta.

The cold currents of the Pacific

Navigating this distance requires more than endurance; it demands an understanding of the El Niño current. Despite the tropical latitude, these waters remain notoriously frigid, a sensory reality that forces a quick acclimation for any athlete entering the water. As you swim, the coastline reveals the silhouette of the Real Felipe Fortress, the 18th-century pentagonal structure that once shielded the port from corsairs and later stood firm during the 1866 bombardment. The horizon is further defined by the islands of San Lorenzo and El Frontón, which serve as natural barriers, creating a unique acoustic environment where the waves strike the pebbles of Cantolao beach, creating the 'singing' sound that gives the area its name.

A path through history

The route passes through waters that were the site of the 1948 naval uprising. On October 3 of that year, the Cantolao area became the center of a conflict involving the lower ranks of the Peruvian Navy, an event that remains etched into the local narrative of the harbor. As you approach the finish, the sight of the BAP Abtao museum submarine serves as a reminder of the region's long-standing naval identity. This marathon swim is a primary test of strength in the Peruvian calendar, often serving as a precursor for those preparing for the shorter Reinas del Mar held just weeks later. The event is organized by Perú Swimmers, who manage the complex logistics of a 22km stretch, ensuring safety through the same channels once navigated by the early Pitipiti fishermen. Encountering the local sea lion colonies near the islands is common, providing a natural spectacle that accompanies the final kilometers of this long-distance challenge.