REUTERS/Stringer

The two-week-long Dakar Rally is among the most intense off-roading events in the world.

Each year, nearly 600 drivers on motorcycles, quad bikes, cars, and trucks take on the challenge of this endurance ride through the South American wilderness.

This year’s perilous course began in Rosario, Argentina, taking racers more than 5,000 miles up through the desert of Bolivia and down the Chilean coast. 

The race is also notoriously dangerous. Heading into the final stages of the course, there were already three fatalities: Belgian motorcyclist Eric Palante and two spectators have died.

This year’s rally was filled with plenty of drama, highlighted in these jaw-dropping photos. 

They finished Jan. 18 in Valparaiso, Chile, with Spain’s Nani Roma taking first place.

Spectators stood in knee-deep water as they cheered on racers during the first stage.

DPPI

Spain’s Nani Roma pushed through dirt during the first stage, which ended in San Luis, Argentina.

REUTERS/Jean-Paul Pelissier

The mountains made for a beautiful backdrop and challenging terrain.

DPPI

Orlando Terranova of Argentina drove by cheering fans in his Mini.

REUTERS/Jean-Paul Pelissier

The car belonging to drivers Bauryzhan Issabayev and Gabdulla Ashimov of Kazakhstan went up in flames.

REUTERS/Jean-Paul Pelissier