How to get to Gran Bajo de San Julián by car, the lowest point in the Americas?

How to get to Gran Bajo de San Julián by car, the lowest point in the Americas?

Argentina, south-america

Length

125 km

Elevation

105 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure seekers, get ready for a trip to the absolute BOTTOM of the Americas! We're talking about Gran Bajo de San Julián, nestled way down in the Patagonian wilds of Santa Cruz, Argentina. Forget about sea level – we're diving to -105 meters (-345 feet)!

Yeah, Death Valley's cool and all, but this place is lower, making it the ultimate low-rider experience in the Western and Southern Hemispheres. Think vast, desolate landscapes: a proper desert vibe with crazy temperature swings, salty ground, and hardy plants clinging to life. It's remote, so you won't be battling hordes of tourists, but you might bump into a scientist or a fellow traveler with a serious case of wanderlust.

The good news? The road in is fully paved! You'll cruise along Ruta Nacional 3, a sweet 125 km (77-mile) stretch from the historic coastal town of Puerto San Julián (Port St. Julian) to Comandante Luis Piedrabuena. So, pack your camera, fill up the tank, and prepare for a truly unique journey to one of the planet's hidden gems.

Where is it?

How to get to Gran Bajo de San Julián by car, the lowest point in the Americas? is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -35.4101, -63.4168

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Argentina
Continent
south-america
Length
125 km
Max Elevation
105 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
-35.4101, -63.4168

Related Roads in south-america

The wild road to Huayunca doesn’t drop below 4.900m for 25kmeasy

The wild road to Huayunca doesn’t drop below 4.900m for 25km

🇵🇪 Peru

Okay, adventure awaits at Huayunca Pass! Perched way up in the Peruvian Andes, right where the Cusco and Apurimac regions meet, this beast hits a staggering 5,115 meters (16,781 feet). Yeah, you're gonna feel that altitude! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a 25.1 km (15.59 mile) unpaved stretch kicking off from Abra Culipampa, heading east towards Abra Azuca. Think mind-blowing views in the Wansu range, especially on the initial climb. Seriously gorgeous! Heads up, though: The actual summit's a bit of a letdown. You've gotta check in at the Azuca silver mine (yep, at 5,000m!), and the views from the very top aren't the greatest. The descent isn't super scenic either. BUT that initial climb? Totally worth it. The road's generally in good shape, and the slopes aren't too crazy most of the way. Just make sure you're used to the altitude before you even think about tackling this one!

Abra de Porcuyahard

Abra de Porcuya

🇵🇪 Peru

Okay, folks, buckle up for Abra de Porcuya! This high-altitude mountain pass, sitting pretty at 2,137 meters (that's 7,011 feet for my American friends), is nestled in the Huancabamba province of Peru. You'll be cruising along Carretera 3N, also known as the Fernando Belaúnde Terry Highway, and yes, it's paved. But don't let that fool you, this road is STEEP. Seriously, maybe skip the extra helping of that delicious Peruvian food before you head out. The winding roads and high elevation might have your stomach doing somersaults. And a word to the wise: check the weather before you go – you don't want to be caught up here in a storm! But hey, the views are totally worth it.

Laguna Alcacochaextreme

Laguna Alcacocha

🇵🇪 Peru

Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're heading to Peru, ditch the tourist traps and make a beeline for Laguna Alcacocha. This unreal lake sits way up in the Andes Mountains, clocking in at a whopping 14,271 feet above sea level. The road to get there? Buckle up, buttercup, because Route 103 is no Sunday drive. We're talking gravel, narrow stretches, and mud – seriously slippery mud after it rains. Plus, Mother Nature likes to keep things interesting with potential avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides. And as if that weren't enough, the air gets thin real quick. This climb is STEEP, so be prepared to feel that altitude sickness kick in! But trust me, the views are totally worth the white-knuckle drive.

Abra de la Santa Cruz: Driving the 4,597m Jujuy-Salta Boundary (RP13A)extreme

Abra de la Santa Cruz: Driving the 4,597m Jujuy-Salta Boundary (RP13A)

🇦🇷 Argentina

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Wanna tackle a seriously epic road trip? Then you HAVE to check out Abra de la Santa Cruz, a crazy-high mountain pass nestled way up in the Argentinian Andes. We're talking a lung-busting 4,597 meters (15,082 feet!) above sea level, so yeah, it's not for the faint of heart. You'll find this beast straddling the border between Jujuy and Salta provinces in northern Argentina. Route 13A will lead you on this wild, 46-kilometer (28-mile) ride from Abra del Sauce to Casillas. Now, fair warning: this ain't your average Sunday drive. The whole thing is unpaved and throws EVERYTHING at you – think narrow stretches, seriously steep inclines, and more hairpin turns than you can count! A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's practically essential to conquer the ever-changing terrain of loose gravel and jagged rocks. But the biggest challenge? The altitude! At that height, altitude sickness is a real threat, so come prepared. Also, you're pretty much in the middle of nowhere, so don't expect to find gas stations or emergency services around every corner. Pack extra water, fuel, and a first-aid kit, and ALWAYS keep an eye on the weather forecast, because things can change on a dime up there. But hey, the payoff? Unforgettable, panoramic views of the stunning high-altitude Andes scenery that'll leave you breathless (literally!).