Atacama Spirits Gravel Race

Atacama Spirits is a seven-day mountain bike stage race that crosses one of the world’s most extraordinary landscapes. Starting in the coastal town of Taltal, riders travel approximately 650 kilometres across the Atacama Desert, climbing around 7,300 metres before finishing in San Pedro de Atacama.

The route takes competitors from the Pacific coast into the high Andes, reaching an incredible 5,700 metres above sea level—making Atacama Spirits the highest mountain bike race in the world. Along the way, riders traverse salt flats, volcanic terrain, remote mining roads, and some of the driest landscapes on Earth.

While the climbing is significant, the real challenge comes from the environment. Extreme altitude, dry desert air, intense sun, freezing nights, and huge temperature swings make every stage a test of endurance and preparation.

Unlike a self-supported bikepacking race, Atacama Spirits is a fully organised multi-stage MTB event, with logistics and camps managed by the organisers so riders can focus on racing through one of the planet’s most spectacular deserts.

Combining high-altitude riding, breathtaking scenery, and an unforgettable crossing of the Atacama Desert, Atacama Spirits is one of the most unique endurance mountain bike events in the world.