Atacama Crossing
Six self-supported stages cover 250 km across high-altitude salt flats, dunes, canyons, and dry riverbeds around the remote Chilean Atacama Desert.
Quick facts
- Self-supported 250 km race divided into six stages.
- Runs near 2,400 metres across salt flats, dunes, canyons, and desert tracks.
- Runners carry food and mandatory gear while camps, water, and medical support are provided.
- Dry air and large day-to-night temperature swings shape pacing and kit choices.
Is registration open for the 2027 Atacama Crossing?
Registration for the 2027 Atacama Crossing is open.
About the Atacama Crossing
One of RacingThePlanet's long-running 4 Deserts races, the Atacama Crossing is a week of self-supported travel on foot rather than a single continuous push. Runners carry their food and mandatory gear while the organizer supplies water, medical support, marked routes, camps, and transport around San Pedro de Atacama.
Course
The six stages total 250 km across salt flats, sand dunes, slot canyons, dry riverbeds, and the foothills of the Andes. The course sits around 2,400 metres above sea level and finishes in San Pedro de Atacama. One longer stage breaks up the week, while daily cutoffs require steady progress rather than one all-night finish.
Race-day weather
April is dry and bright in the Atacama, with daytime temperatures commonly in the 70s Fahrenheit and nights near the upper 30s or low 40s. Strong sun, thin air, cold mornings, and occasional gusts matter more than rain.
Past Atacama Crossing dates and results
| Year | Date | Status | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | Sunday, April 4, 2027 | Upcoming | — |
| 2025 | — | Completed | Open results |
Atacama Crossing FAQ
When is the Atacama Crossing?
The 2027 Atacama Crossing is on Sunday, April 4, 2027.
Is registration open for the 2027 Atacama Crossing?
Registration for the 2027 Atacama Crossing is open. View the official registration details at racingtheplanet.com.
Found an official update?Send race details or links
Send us confirmed dates, registration links, results, live tracking, or course changes. Include the source link so runners can reach the right information.