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

View All View All

Headlines

  • 01 Jul 2026 Photos To Inspire

    The Photo Slideshow from the last edition of the Atacama Crossing will help to inspire and motivate you. 

  • 27 Jun 2026 RacingThePlanet History Made at the Gobi March 2026

    The 20th edition of the Gobi March concluded on Saturday and what a great week it was.  Relive all the action. watch the final film and find out about the milestone achieved. The Namib Race is up next. 

  • 20 Jun 2026 Follow the Gobi March 2026 Live Now

    The 20th edition of the Gobi March is underway. Follow the race to see results, photos, videos, blogs and more. Or sign up to receive breaking news to your email. 

    This will give you an idea of what your friends and family can see when you take on the Atacama Crossing. 

  • 10 Jun 2026 Find Out Everything You Need To Know At A Glance

    The itinerary, the logistics, the course, the highlights, the background, the average speeds, , the cost, what's included - find out everything in one place. 

  • 27 May 2026 UltraLite (Chile) is held alongside the Atacama Crossing

    If you seek the challenge of an ultramarathon seeking adventure, endurance, and community, but with a more flexible format, consider UltraLite (Chile):

    > Complete up to half the distance each Stage (up to 125km total over 7 days)

    > You don't have to carry a full pack

    > If you complete 50km in 7 days you are a finisher

  • 20 May 2026 Next Edition is in April 2027

    Have a look at the full itinerary and start planning your time off. 

  • 06 May 2026 Explore the Incredible Course

    Competitors will go through magnificent salt flats stretching as far as the eye can see, run down huge sand dunes which will literally take your breath away and go through canyons where you can touch the walls on both sides and sleep. See the distances, elevation, altitude and a description of the terrain and scenery for each Stage as well as a flyover the course.

  • 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.

Photos

Experience a race through these
incredible photos