Atacama Crossing

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Sports & AdventureSan Pedro de Atacama
DatesDates TBACheck locally before booking
DurationAnnualEstimate from available data
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forCompetition, enduranceFew ultramarathons combine self-supported
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: CLP
CategorySports & AdventureFestival type
The story

Atacama Crossing in San Pedro de Atacama

Part of the 4 Deserts Ultramarathon Series since 2004, this self-supported, six-stage, 250-kilometer race crosses the Atacama Desert from the multicolored Valle Arcoiris through slot canyons and the Valle de la Muerte to a finish in San Pedro de Atacama. Runners carry their own food and gear across roughly seven days, including a rest day and a single long stage of about 74 kilometers.

The Atacama Crossing has run since 2004 as one of the four flagship races in the 4 Deserts Ultramarathon Series, a self-supported, multi-day stage race that sends competitors across roughly 250 kilometers of the Atacama Desert over six stages spread across seven days, finishing in the adobe town of San Pedro de Atacama.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Few ultramarathons combine self-supported logistics, carrying your own food and gear for a week, with terrain as varied as the Atacama Crossing's route through rainbow-colored valleys, slot canyons, towering dunes and restricted land near the ALMA observatory

02

The mystery stays covered

As part of the globally recognized 4 Deserts series alongside races in the Gobi, Sahara and Antarctica, it carries a reputation within the ultrarunning world specifically for testing self-sufficiency rather than simply distance or speed

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The race's self-supported format

Water and renewal

Living ritual

competitors carrying their own food and equipment while organizers provide only water and camp tents

The sacred route

Living ritual

is the defining tradition shared across all 4 Deserts Ultramarathon Series races

The local code

Living ritual

The route's fixed landmarks

Tradition 5

Living ritual

Valle Arcoiris

Tradition 6

Living ritual

the Inca Road

Tradition 7

Living ritual

Valle de la Muerte and the ALMA observatory land

Tradition 8

Living ritual

have remained consistent reference points across editions even as exact daily stage distances shift slightly year to year

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA

Getting around

For route-based days, arrive early and expect normal streets around San Pedro de Atacama to work differently.

What to wear

The Atacama Desert swings from intense daytime sun and heat to near-freezing nights, so competitors need layered technical clothing, sun protection including a wide-brim hat and high-SPF...

Safety

For Atacama Crossing, choose safe viewing points, watch weather and leave extra time around starts, finishes or releases.

Where to stay

Base yourself where the last trip of the day stays easy, especially if Atacama Crossing runs late.

Tickets/cost

Official ticket link is available. Confirm access rules before booking.

Language/currency

CLP

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map22.91 S, 68.20 WOpen in Google Maps

San Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta, Chile

Nearest airportCJC — El Loa
TransportFor route-based days, arrive early and expect normal streets around San Pedro de Atacama to work differently.
Stay areaBase yourself where the last trip of the day stays easy, especially if Atacama Crossing runs late.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to San Pedro de Atacama via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near San Pedro de Atacama, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for festival season.Compare faresFestival gearThe Atacama Desert swings from intense daytime sun and heat to near-freezing nights, so competitors need layered technical clothing, sun protection including a wide-brim hat and high-SPF sunscreen, and a proper sleeping system rated for cold desert nights. Footwear needs to handle sand, rock and long daily distances without breaking down, and gaiters help keep sand out of trail shoes across dune and canyon stages.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Chile and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Atacama Crossing?

Atacama Crossing is listed for Multiple months. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Atacama Crossing take place?

The festival is listed in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

Annual is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

San Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta, Chile

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLbordercrossinghub.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA
Source statusOfficial source linked
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