Your Ultimate Guide to Conquering the 2025 XTERRA South American Championship
Event Overview
Here's what you're signing up for: The 2025 XTERRA South American Championship is scheduled for April/May 2025 at the stunning D'Acosta Hotel Sochagota in Paipa, Boyacá, Colombia. This isn't your neighborhood triathlon. This is the premier off-road triathlon championship for South America, where 58 qualification slots to the XTERRA World Championship in Molveno, Italy are up for grabs.
The Numbers That Matter
- Swim: 1.5 km in the mineral-rich waters of Lake Sochagota
- Bike: ~30 km of technical mountain biking
- Run: ~10 km of trail running
Registration opens with no qualification requirements—course difficulty is the real gatekeeping. Costs range from approximately 26 EUR to 107 EUR. Refund policy: 100% until December 31, 2024; 50% until February; non-refundable after.
Technical Specifications
The Altitude Reality Check
2,500 meters (8,200 feet) of elevation. At this height, there's 25-30% less oxygen availability.
Course Breakdown
The Swim
Lake Sochagota features consistently cool temperatures due to the altitude. Invest in quality anti-fog goggles.
The Bike
Technical single-track and double-track with mixed surfaces. Invest in a quality MTB helmet.
The Run
Rolling trails at altitude on already fatigued legs.
Rules You Can't Ignore
- Mountain bikes are mandatory
- ANSI/SNELL-certified helmets required
- Drafting is prohibited
- Cut-off times enforced
Logistics and Support
Race Day Operations
Mandatory bike racking the day before. Transition area within D'Acosta Hotel grounds.
Aid stations along the course offer essentials. Be self-sufficient and carry tools and spares. Stock up on fast-acting electrolyte chews.
Environmental Factors
The weather is unpredictable, ranging from cool mornings to hot afternoons. Plan accordingly.
Athlete Preparation
The Acclimatization Strategy
Arrive 7-10 days early for acclimatization. Alternatively, arrive 2-3 days before to avoid acute symptoms.
Training That Actually Matters
For new off-road racers, learn essential drills from game-changing triathlon drills.
Bike Focus
- Sustained climbing power
- Technical descending skills
- Power endurance
Run Focus
- Hill repeats
- Technical trail running on fatigued legs
Race Strategy
Use heart rate and perceived exertion to guide pace. Increase nutrition and hydration. Consider magnesium and potassium supplements.
Equipment Recommendations
- Well-maintained mountain bike
- High-quality sunglasses, riding gloves, trail shoes
- A reliable heart rate monitor—try the waterproof heart rate monitor chest strap.
Post-Race Information
58 qualification slots to the XTERRA World Championship are awarded immediately. Use the thermal pools at D'Acosta Hotel for recovery.
Your Home Base: D'Acosta Hotel Sochagota
The official race venue with on-site transition zones, swim start/finish, and festival grounds. Book immediately to secure a spot.
What Makes It Perfect
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Distance to venues | 0 km—everything happens here |
| Parking | On-site (arrive early) |
| Altitude | ~2,500m—perfect for acclimatization |
| Bike storage | Secure transition area with mandatory racking |
| Training facilities | Lake access, thermal pools, nearby gym |
| Recovery | Mineral-rich thermal pools |
The Booking Reality
Book immediately. Contact the hotel directly or through XTERRA Colombia/XPORTIVA for athlete packages.
Getting There
Fly into El Dorado International Airport (BOG), then drive 2.5-3 hours to Paipa. Arrange private transfer in advance. Plan bike transport carefully. Discover other races nearby in our guide to Mexico's epic coastal triathlon challenges.
Information Gaps & Critical Updates
The race date and Athlete Guide are pending release from XTERRA Global. Prioritize obtaining the official guide for up-to-date information.
The Bottom Line
This race will challenge you like no other, with altitude and technical terrain posing unique challenges. Prepare strategically and start altitude-specific training early. For insights into challenging races, read our article on extreme triathlons.
What is the XTERRA South American Championship?
The XTERRA South American Championship is a premier off-road triathlon event taking place in Paipa, Boyacá, Colombia in 2025. It features a 1.5 km swim, 30 km mountain bike ride, and 10 km trail run, offering 58 slots for qualification to the XTERRA World Championship in Italy.
How should athletes prepare for high altitude at the event?
Athletes are advised to arrive 7-10 days before the race to acclimatize to the altitude of 2,500 meters (8,200 feet). If unable to do so, arriving 2-3 days before can help avoid acute altitude sickness symptoms. Training should focus on sustained climbing power, technical descending skills, and hill repeats at altitude.
What are the registration refund policies for the XTERRA South American Championship?
Participants can receive a 100% refund until December 31, 2024, a 50% refund until approximately two months before the race, and no refunds are available afterward. It's important to mark these dates and register accordingly.
What logistical considerations should athletes be aware of?
Athletes should arrange for a private transfer from El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá as it is a 2.5-3 hour drive to Paipa. Mandatory bike racking occurs the day before the race, and it's essential to be self-sufficient with equipment and nutrition on race day.
Why is D'Acosta Hotel Sochagota recommended for participants?
D'Acosta Hotel Sochagota is the official race venue, providing close proximity (0 km) to the transition zones and race start/finish areas. It offers amenities like secure bike storage, thermal pools for recovery, and convenient access to training facilities, reducing logistical stress for participants.
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