Atacama Cross (Chile) 2013

The Atacama Crossing (Chile) is part of the 4 Deserts series that was named by TIME magazine as #2 on its list of Top 10 Endurance Competitions in the world. It is a seven-day, six-stage, 250-kilometer footrace across the Atacama Desert in Chile. Competitors must carry their own gear, food and clothing in this self-supported race. The entire event will be held at least 2.3 kilometers / 1.4 miles above sea level and cover the distance required to make a horizontal crossing of the country of Chile (250 kilometers / 150 miles).

The Atacama Desert is the archeological jewel of Chile. The rainless plateau stretches 960 kilometers (600 miles) south from the border of Peru and its average width is less than 160 kilometers (100 miles) wide between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains, and its centre is recognized as the driest place on earth.