Covering El Cruce was one of the most intense and exciting experiences of my career. Not only was it my first trail running event, but it also challenged me in every possible way—physically, mentally, and artistically. For seven days of pure adrenaline, I immersed myself in the heart of the competition, capturing the effort, emotion, and majesty of Patagonia’s landscapes.
Each stage took me to a different location, from stunning lakes to the slopes of a volcano, and every photo I took reflected the story that the runners were writing with every stride.
Day 1: Arrival at Base Camp – Lago Huechulafquen
The first day began at base camp, located on the shores of the Lago Huechulafquen, a breathtaking lake surrounded by mountains and forests. Here, hundreds of runners arrived, filled with excitement and nervousness, ready to take on one of the most challenging races in South America.
The atmosphere was electric. Colorful tents spread across the terrain as athletes prepared to spend the night outdoors. Temperatures during the day hovered around 10 degrees Celsius or lower, and at night, they dropped even further, testing everyone's endurance. Capturing these moments was incredible—faces of deep focus, eyes lost in the horizon, the sound of the wind rustling through the trees, and the moon reflecting on the lake... everything had a special magic.
That night, I set up my base in a beautiful nearby forest, a natural refuge where I prepared for the action ahead.
Days 2-5: On the Slopes of the Majestic Lanín Volcano
The next stage was a true challenge. For four consecutive days, my mission was to capture the action on the slopes of the Lanín Volcano, a towering giant of Patagonia. Climbing up and down every day was exhausting, but every shot was worth it.
The scenes in this area were intense: runners pushing forward on trails of rock and volcanic ash, with the snow-capped colossus looming in the background. The morning light illuminated faces full of determination and effort, while the afternoon sun painted the sky with golden and violet hues.
I remember the sound of heavy breathing, the crunch of the earth beneath their feet, and the icy wind hitting my face. This was the pure essence of trail running, and my mission was to immortalize it in every shot.
Final Days: The Last Stretch in San Martín de los Andes
As the days passed, the competition neared its grand finale. I was assigned new key locations, this time closer to the finish line in San Martín de los Andes, a charming town surrounded by mountains and crystal-clear lakes.
Here, the atmosphere was different: exhausted but determined, the runners pushed through their final strides with their eyes fixed on the finish line. Some arrived with victorious smiles, others with tears of emotion, but they all shared the same sense of accomplishment.
The sound of applause, the warm embraces between trail companions, and the satisfaction reflected on every face made each captured image deeply emotional. This was more than just a race—it was a personal journey for each runner.
Final Reflection: The Sacrifice and Passion Behind Every Image
I’ve covered many landscapes and events as a photographer, but El Cruce became an unforgettable experience. Not just because of the stunning scenery, but because I got to witness firsthand the effort, resilience, and passion of the runners.
Seven intense days of extreme temperatures, long hikes, and countless hours behind the lens, but every photo was its own reward. This experience reaffirmed my love for adventure photography and my desire to keep telling stories through my images.
If you love trail running or simply enjoy nature, this is an event you must experience at least once in your life. And if you can’t run it, at least see it through the eyes of a photographer who had the privilege of being there.
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