About the Atacama Crossing and UltraLite (Chile)

The Atacama Crossing is a 7-day, 250 km / 155 mile footrace that takes place in the incredible Atacama Desert of Chile. Over the seven days, competitors traverse salt flats, run down unforgettable sand dunes, go through narrow slot canyons, and experience starry nights under the watchful eye of Volcan Lincancabur in the foothills of the Andes mountains. The race takes you through Moon Valley, the Valley of Mars the Salar de Atacama and finally ends in the Town Square of the desert oasis of San Pedro de Atacama. UltraLite (Chile) is held alongside the Atacama Crossing for those who seek the challenge of an ultramarathon but with a more flexible format. The race offers adventure, endurance, and community—all in an awe-inspiring setting.

Itinerary

  • 02 Apr 2027

    Competitors Arrive in the host town (hotel provided)

  • 03 Apr 2027

    Race Check-In at Race Hotel

  • 04 Apr 2027

    Race Starts

  • 04 Apr 2027 - to - 10 Apr 2027

    Stage 1 - To - Stage 6 takes place

  • 10 Apr 2027

    Awards Banquet (hotel provided)

  • 11 Apr 2027

    Event Ends (travel home)

Featured Video

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Headlines

  • 29 Apr 2026 Pay in Installments

    Don't forget you can pay your entry fee in installments - for example 7 x $600 or 3 x $1,400.  The full entry fee is due by 5 December 2026.  Contact us if you would like this option.

  • 22 Apr 2026 Be Inspired by the Photos

    The Atacama Desert is an amazing place and the photos from the last 18(!) editions of the Atacama Crossing show this best. 

  • 13 Apr 2026 The Atacama Crossing Changed My Life

    Karina from Canada joined and completed the Atacama Crossing 2025. After completing the race, she wants people to know that they don't have to wait eight years to hear the drums. Read more in her race summary.

  • 01 Apr 2026 One Year until the Atacama Crossing

    This time next year we will be in San Pedro for the Atacama Crossing! Updates are starting this week. It's good time to register.  A monthly payment plan can be set up. 

  • 25 Mar 2026 An Exciting Line Up

    There is already an exciting line up for the Atacama Crossing 2027. More than 100 competitors, representing 33 countries, 70% are taking on their first RacingThePlanet / 4 Deserts Ultramarathon  See who is set to take on this adventure. 

  • 11 Mar 2026 Planning Your Travel

    The host town for the Atacama Crossing is the desert oasis of San Pedro de Atacama. The closest airport is Calama.  The most common way to get there is fly into Santiago followed by a short domestic to Calama. There are more than 20 flights per day to choose from. See more details in the travel information document. 

  • 04 Mar 2026 Putting in Place a Training Plan

    It is never too early to start thinking about putting in a place a training plan.  This video gives some great tips about how to do that. 

  • 18 Feb 2026 The Amazing Host Town of San Pedro de Atacama

    One of the higlights of the Atacama Crossing is the desert oasis of San Pedro de Atacama which is also the host town and meeting place for the race.  Find out more about this little gem. 

  • 08 Feb 2026 Setting Up Your Training - Zoom Call Recording

    The Zoom call about Training by qualified trainer and 4 Deserts Club member Kristina Huffman will be very helpful as you start to plan for the Atacamca Crossing. You can listen to the recording. 

  • 28 Jan 2026 Competitor List

    Still over one year to go and we already have an exciting field of competitors. 

Photos

Experience a race through these
incredible photos