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

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Road Details

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

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