Welcome to SAOC2026 in Pucón, Chile!
With great enthusiasm, the Chilean Orienteering Federation and the Organizing Committee of the 2026 South American Orienteering Championship (SAOC2026) have the honor of inviting the entire international orienteering community to participate in this new edition of the continental event, which will take place in Pucón, Chile, from November 12 to 15, 2026.
SAOC2026 will be a true South American orienteering “fiesta”, with highly technical races in an incomparable natural setting: native forests, volcanic trails, lakes, and the mountains of the Araucanía. We look forward to the presence of national teams, clubs, elite, junior, and master athletes, as well as orienteering enthusiasts of all ages and levels.
SAOC2026 will bring together competitors of all ages and experience levels: elite athletes, juniors, masters, recreational runners, and families. Whether you’re representing your national team or participating recreationally, we welcome you with open arms!
In addition to the sporting competitions and challenges, many opportunities await you to exchange experiences and make new friends. We invite you to share maps, routes, and unique moments with us in an atmosphere of friendship and passion for sports.
See you in Chile – see you in Pucón!
Days left…
Be part of the orientation party in Pucón!
Event Program
Thursday 12-11-2026
The SAOC2026 adventure begins!
The first day of the championship will be marked by the arrival and accreditation of delegations and athletes from all over South America and the world.
It will be a time to reconnect, get to know the surroundings, and prepare for an unforgettable experience.
The day will culminate with the Opening Ceremony, where we will officially kick off SAOC2026 in the spirit that unites our community.
In addition, there will be a Model/Training Event, ideal for familiarizing yourself with the terrain and fine-tuning your compass before official competitions.
Friday 13-11-2026
The Long Distance Challenge awaits us!
The day begins with one of the most demanding and highly anticipated events of the championship: the Long Distance Competition. Athletes will face challenging terrain, precise navigation, and extreme endurance, amid the unique landscapes of the Araucanía.
At the end of the day, we will celebrate the effort and sporting excellence at the Long Distance Awards Ceremony, where the best in each category will be recognized.
Additionally, at the end of the day, the Meeting of South American Federations and CPL will take place, a key space for dialogue, cooperation, and the future development of sports in the region.
Saturday 14-11-2026
Speed and strategy at the heart of SAOC2026!
The day begins with the Middle Distance Competition, an event that will test each athlete’s mental and physical speed. With intense courses and technical navigation, it will be a spectacle full of excitement and precision.
At the end, we’ll gather to honor the day’s best at the Middle Distance Awards Ceremony, where we’ll celebrate the talent and hard work of our orienteering community.
And to top it all off, we look forward to seeing you at the SAOC BBQ Social Event: a relaxed and festive gathering for delegations to share, make new friends, and enjoy the spirit of the South together.
Sunday 15-11-2026
The SAOC2026 Grand Final is here!
The final day of competition brings the adrenaline rush of the Sprint, an explosive race where every second counts. The trails, meadows, and vegetation of the Pucón Ecopark will provide the perfect backdrop for this exciting event that will close out the championship with maximum intensity.
We’ll then honor the winners at the Sprint Awards Ceremony, recognizing their speed, precision, and competitive spirit.
Finally, we will gather for the SAOC2026 Closing Ceremony, where we will celebrate everything we have experienced, thank those who made it possible, and say goodbye with our eyes set on the next meeting: SAOC2028!
All the information details on the following pages…
Event
Here you can find all the information about the organization of SAOC2026.
Program
Find the official program details for SAOC2026 here.
For Competitors
This section contains all the additional information each competitor needs.
Registrations
Learn about the conditions for registering for the SAOC2026 competitions.
Our Sponsors: They are key allies of SAOC2026
We deeply appreciate the support of our sponsors, whose commitment makes this great sporting event possible.
Thanks to their trust, SAOC2026 will be an unforgettable experience for the entire orienteering community.
