4 Deserts | Atacama Crossing

6-day 250 km desert ultra in Chile

September

Month

Kilometers

Runners

6 Stages

Desert

Pt-to-Pt

Extreme

Elevation

About the Race

WHY RUN IT?

250 kilometers may seem like an impossibly long distance to cross on foot, but when it’s broken into stages over a week and you have some of the most interesting landscapes in the world to distract you, you’d be surprised how quickly it goes. Just be sure to include some time at altitude in your training plan. Most of the course is higher than 8,000 feet! It may make for some tough days, but the starry nights more than make up for it.

“On your journey to your dream, be ready to face oasis and deserts. In both cases, don't stop.”

- Paulo Coelho

Walking through the center of town in San Pedro de Atacama – the jumping off point for the Atacama Crossing – is like visiting a Bohemian-version of the old Wild West. Tumbleweeds roll by, everyone is dusty, and no one seems in a hurry. Dried mud buildings contrast with bright tapestries and Artisan jewelry, while very other block has an adventure outfitter offering trips to the Tatio geysers and the Uyuni salt flats. Just beyond the town’s last building, the desert starts abruptly and it’s like you’re standing at the edge of Mars. For a thrilling experience, you can set off into this otherworldly landscape and go mountain biking or sandboarding. The terrain here is unforgiving, with many steep sand dunes to tackle, but it’s worth the effort to explore.