Where Can You Find the America’s Lowest Point?
Argentina, south-america
125 km
105 m
hard
Year-round
Ever dreamed of touching the absolute bottom? I'm talking about the lowest point in all of the Americas! Head to the wilds of eastern Santa Cruz province, Argentina, and seek out the Gran Bajo de San Julián.
This spot clocks in at a staggering -105 meters (-345 feet) below sea level! Forget Death Valley; this is where it's at for extreme low-lying exploration!
Getting there is half the adventure. The landscape is straight out of a desert movie: arid, salty soil, and tough vegetation clinging to life. Expect dramatic temperature swings between day and night! It's remote, rugged, and definitely not on the typical tourist trail, which adds to its allure.
The good news? You can drive there! Ruta Nacional 3 is paved and stretches about 125 km (77 miles) from Puerto San Julián (Port St. Julian) to Comandante Luis Piedrabuena. So, pack your bags, fill up your gas tank, and get ready for a surreal drive to the bottom of the Americas!
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 125 km
- Max Elevation
- 105 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in south-america
extremeWhen was the Chilean Carretera Austral built?
🇨🇱 Chile
The Carretera Austral in Chilean Patagonia: Prepare for the Adventure of a Lifetime! This isn't just a road; it's a 770-mile (1,240 km) north-south adventure snaking from Puerto Montt all the way down to Villa O'Higgins. Imagine yourself cruising through some of the most remote and stunning landscapes Chile has to offer! Opened in 1988, this route, also known as Ruta CH-7, throws you headfirst into the wild heart of Patagonia. Think mountains, glacial lakes, dense forests, and views that will leave you breathless. Now, let's talk about the road itself. About 70% of it is unpaved. So, buckle up for a bumpy ride! You probably don't need a 4x4, but be prepared for some serious dust clouds. You might even hop on a ferry or two along the way! The conditions mean you won't be speeding, but honestly, you won't want to, as you'll want to soak in the incredible scenery. Expect the unexpected weather-wise, and get ready for endless stretches of solitude punctuated by charming little villages, free campsites, and the occasional relaxing hot spring. The best time to hit this road is between November and April.
moderateDriving the curvy road to Mirador Cruz del Condor in the Andes
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're heading to Peru, you absolutely HAVE to check out Mirador Cruz del Cóndor in the Arequipa region. Perched way up at 3,794 meters (that's a whopping 12,447 feet!), this spot is legendary for condor watching. The road to get there, mostly paved but with some dirt sections to keep things interesting (route AR-109, if you're mapping it), winds for 22 kilometers (around 13.67 miles) between Pinchollo and Cabanaconde. Nestled high in the Andes, this isn't just any viewpoint. It’s THE place to soak in the Colca Canyon, arguably the second deepest canyon on the planet. And the real showstopper? The Andean Condors! These magnificent birds, the biggest flying birds *in the world*, put on an aerial display you won't forget. Aim to be there between 7 and 9 a.m. for the best viewing and fewer crowds. You'll also find a big cross and a little stone wall for safety while you're taking in the views. Prime time to visit? May through November for the best weather. Trust me, this is an experience you don't want to miss!
hardCan you drive to Refugio José Rivas?
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Refugio José Rivas is a high mountain refuge on Cotopaxi volcano, at an elevation of 4,639m (15,219ft) above sea level, located on the boundary between Pichincha and Cotopaxi provinces of Ecuador. It's one of the highest roads in the country Can you drive to Refugio José Rivas? Located about 50 km (31 mi) south of Quito, in the Andes Mountains, the road to the hut, locally known as Refugio Cotopaxi, is totally unpaved. It’s called Subida Parqueadero Refugio Cotopaxi. It’s a bumpy gravel road that has been eroded by rainstorms. It’s dusty in dry weather and muddy in wet. The road ends in the parking lot for the refuge. Is the road to Refugio José Rivas worth it? Set high on the northern flanks of Volcán Cotopaxi, the second-highest volcano in Ecuador, within Cotopaxi National Park, the refuge has a capacity for 86 people. It was built in 1971 and extended in 2005. It is owned and operated by Grupo Ascensionismo del Colegio San Gabriel. On a sunny day, you’ll get magnificent views of the peak and its famous conical shape. The hut used to be an overnight destination for mountaineering teams acclimatizing before making an ascent on the peak. Since 1738, records show Cotopaxi has exploded more than 50 times. It’s said to be the highest active volcano in the world. Be prepared for high-altitude sickness. Is the road to Refugio José Rivas difficult? The drive is not for the faint of heart. Weather conditions can pose a problem with bad weather conditions, wind, and thunderstorms. Make sure the gas tank is full. You’ll need a 4WD high-clearance vehicle. Your vehicle needs to be in good shape and prepared for a lag in power. At this altitude, the thin atmosphere can affect the car’s engine and decrease acceleration or climbing power. Is the road to Refugio José Rivas steep? The remote and exposed road to the refuge is very steep, hitting a 14% maximum gradient through some of the ramps. Starting at Ovejería, the ascent is 8.2 km (5.09 miles) long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 763 meters. The average gradient is 9.30%. Papallacta is one of the highest towns accessible by car on Earth Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
hardThe road to San José de Parac is said to be the scary of scaries
🇵🇪 Peru
# San José de Parac: Peru's Most Terrifying Mountain Drive Nestled high in the Andes at a breathtaking 3,815 meters (12,516 feet), the remote mountain town of San José de Parac in Huarochirí Province will test your nerves like nothing else. And getting there? That's half the adventure—if you can call it that. The Camino a San José de Parac is genuinely one of Peru's scariest roads, and for good reason. This 11.2-kilometer (6.95-mile) cliff-hugging route climbs 604 meters with an average gradient of 5.39%, but the numbers don't do it justice. Picture hairpin turns so tight you literally can't make them in one go—you'll need to reverse and try again. The road is unpaved, narrow enough that two cars can't pass each other, and bordered by hundreds of meters of sheer drop. Guardrails? Don't count on it. The scenery is genuinely surreal as the road weaves through rocky terrain high above the void, but the views come with a heavy dose of adrenaline. While passenger vehicles can technically make it through, this route absolutely isn't for beginners, nervous drivers, or anyone who breaks into a cold sweat at heights. One wrong move isn't just inconvenient—it's potentially catastrophic. Starting from San Mateo, this is a drive that demands respect, skill, and nerves of steel. It's navigable, sure, but it's definitely not for the faint of heart.