Atacama Crossing (4 Deserts) is a 250km / 7 stages ultra marathon in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile. Distance: 250km. Elevation: 3,000m D+. Difficulty: brutal (Challenge Rating 51/100). DNF rate: 15%. Time limit: 168h. Surface: sand. Established 2004.
Atacama Crossing (4 Deserts)
San Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta, Chile
"250km through the driest desert on Earth. Salt flats, volcanoes, and Martian landscapes at altitude."
Part of the 4 Deserts series — 250km self-supported through the Atacama, the driest place on Earth, at altitude.
The Course
A 250km self-supported multi-stage race through the Atacama Desert, the driest desert on Earth. The course runs through salt flats, volcanic landscapes, canyons, and high-altitude desert at 2,500-3,500m. The extreme dryness and altitude create unique physiological challenges.
rolling
point-to-point
3,500m
Runner Experience
Self-supported race — runners carry all supplies. Checkpoints for timing and safety only.
A legendary finish line atmosphere. Atacama Crossing (4 Deserts) is a bucket-list race with celebrations that match its reputation.
Race Day Weather
14°C
-5° – 30°
10%
1%
Atacama — the driest desert on Earth. Extreme temperature swings, intense solar radiation, and bone-dry air. Altitude adds to the challenge.
Stats & Records
2004
100
5:06:00:00
Entry
USD 4,000
January
months
Lore & Trivia
The Atacama Crossing is part of the 4 Deserts Race Series — 250km self-supported through the driest desert on earth. The Atacama Desert of Chile receives less than 1mm of rainfall per year in its hyperarid core — some weather stations have never recorded rain. Runners carry all their food and equipment across salt flats, volcanic sand, and rocky canyons at elevations between 2,400m and 3,500m. The landscape is so barren that NASA uses it as a Mars analogue for rover testing. Despite the extreme conditions, the Atacama's beauty is extraordinary: the world's clearest skies at night (the ALMA observatory is nearby), salt lakes ringed by flamingos, and volcanic peaks rising to 6,000m on the horizon.
- ▸ 250km self-supported through the driest desert on earth.
- ▸ Part of the 4 Deserts Race Series.
- ▸ Less than 1mm of annual rainfall in the hyperarid core.
- ▸ NASA uses the Atacama as a Mars analogue.
- ▸ Elevation ranges from 2,400m to 3,500m — altitude plus desert.
- ▸ The ALMA observatory nearby takes advantage of the world's clearest skies.
- ▸ Flamingos inhabit salt lakes along the route — surreal in a desert.
- ▸ Nights are bitterly cold despite daytime heat — temperature swings of 30°C+.
The Atacama is so dry that the silence hums. You hear your own blood circulating.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Atacama Crossing (4 Deserts)? +
Atacama Crossing (4 Deserts) is a 250km / 7 stages (250km) ultra marathon with 3,000m of elevation gain. The course is point-to-point on sand terrain.
How hard is Atacama Crossing (4 Deserts)? +
Atacama Crossing (4 Deserts) is rated brutal with a Challenge Rating of 51/100 (Challenging). The DNF rate is 15%. Runners have 168 hours to finish.
What is the weather like at Atacama Crossing (4 Deserts)? +
Average temperature is 14°C (range -5°C to 30°C) with 10% humidity and a 1% chance of rain. Atacama — the driest desert on Earth. Extreme temperature swings, intense solar radiation, and bone-dry air. Altitude adds to the challenge.
Are crew and pacers allowed at Atacama Crossing (4 Deserts)? +
No crew access is permitted. Pacers are not allowed. Mandatory gear is required.
What is the average finish time for Atacama Crossing (4 Deserts)? +
The average finish time is 5:06:00:00. About 100 runners finish each year. The DNF rate is 15%.
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