01·Course Characteristics
An Andean descent coupled with a flat, hot urban run, defined by dry desert heat, altitude, and unpredictable, gusty crosswinds.
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02·Course by Section
A single-loop freshwater swim in the clean, flat reservoir of the Punta Negra Dam. Surrounded by beautiful mountain peaks, the water is exceptionally calm with virtually no currents.
A fast point-to-point course descending from the dam down to the city, passing through rural towns and vineyards. Strong and gusty Andean crosswinds present a significant handling challenge on the smooth asphalt.
A flat, three-loop urban run winding through the streets of downtown San Juan under direct sunlight. While the local crowds provide high-energy support, there is almost no shade to protect from the dry heat.
03·AVG beginners' Training Timeline
This 16-week progression systematically prepares you for San Juan's unique environmental challenges. We focus early on building baseline aerobic capacity for the altitude, transition into wind-resilient bike handling, and conclude with targeted heat-exposure training to ensure your hydration and pacing strategies are fully dialled in for the desert run.
Aerobic Base & Altitude Prep
Build a strong aerobic foundation and baseline endurance to handle the moderate altitude demands.
Strength & Wind Resilience
Develop core stability and bike handling strength to manage high Andean crosswinds.
Heat & Dry Climate Build
Incorporate heat-adaptation training and high-intensity pacing for the hot, dry run course.
Taper & Race-Day Strategy
Reduce training volume while keeping intensity high to peak for race day.
Adapts to your fitness, schedule & recovery every week.
Personalize this timeline04·Race-Day Execution
Expect cool morning temperatures around 12-18°C warming rapidly to a dry, arid peak of 32°C. With high UV and low humidity, use sponge stations at every opportunity to lower core temperature even if sweat evaporates instantly.
With zero humidity masking sweat loss, establish a strict hydration protocol aiming for 800-1000ml of fluid per hour. Prioritize high-sodium electrolytes to combat dehydration and prevent cramping at 650m-900m altitude.
Do not over-cook the fast, net-downhill bike start; save energy to fight the heavy Andean crosswinds. Keep the flat, three-loop run steady, factoring in the performance impact of the dry heat and moderate altitude.
Prepare for a split transition by taking the official race-morning shuttle to T1 at Punta Negra Dam. Choose a mid-depth front wheel rather than a deep section to maintain stable bike handling in the gusty desert winds.
The swim takes place in the pristine, calm freshwater of the Punta Negra Dam reservoir, where average water temperatures range from 68°F to 70°F (20°C to 21°C). Under standard IRONMAN regulations, this makes the swim wetsuit-legal. The single-loop course features a rolling start format in exceptionally clean water surrounded by beautiful, arid mountain peaks.
The 56-mile point-to-point bike course is fast and net-downhill, descending from the Punta Negra Dam at 900 meters down to San Juan city at 650 meters, with a total elevation gain of 562 meters. However, the main challenge is high wind exposure, as the region is famous for strong and gusty Andean crosswinds, including the hot Zonda wind. While disc wheels are permitted, you must use them with caution due to these unpredictable mountain gusts.
The run is a flat and fast 13.1-mile, 3-loop urban course that takes you through the downtown streets of San Juan, starting from Parque del Bicentenario and heading along Avenue Libertador General San Martin. Because there is almost no shade on the course, you will be exposed to direct sunlight and temperatures that can exceed 90°F (32°C). To help you through the heat, the local community gathers in mass to provide incredible, high-energy spectator support.
Because of the extremely dry desert climate of the Tulum Valley, your sweat will evaporate almost instantly, which can dangerously mask heavy fluid and electrolyte loss. You must follow a strict, proactive hydration schedule with high-sodium electrolytes rather than drinking only when you feel thirsty. Additionally, you should consume high-carbohydrate nutrition steadily, as both the altitude and dry heat can increase gastrointestinal distress.
You can fly into San Juan Airport (UAQ) for domestic connections from Buenos Aires, or fly into the larger Mendoza Airport (MDZ) and take a scenic 2-hour shuttle north. It is highly recommended to stay in downtown San Juan near the Plaza del Bicentenario for easy access to Transition 2 and the finish line. On race morning, official shuttles will transport you from downtown to the swim start at Punta Negra Dam, which is located about 30 kilometers away.
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