How to get to Gran Bajo de San Julián by car, the lowest point in the Americas?
Argentina, south-america
125 km
105 m
hard
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
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
extremeWhere is Carirriñe Pass?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Paso Carirriñe, nestled high in the Andes at 1,150m (3,772ft), marks the border between Chile and Argentina. It's one of those lesser-known routes that's absolutely bursting with beauty! This pass links the Los Ríos region of Chile with the stunning Patagonian landscapes of Argentina. The adventure stretches for 133 km (82.64 miles), from the Chilean town of Coñaripe (right on Lake Calafquén) to San Martín de los Andes in Argentina. Expect seriously amazing scenery! Think hot springs, rivers of solidified lava, and all sorts of evidence of volcanic activity. Heads up: the pass is usually open from November 15th during the summer months, from 8 am to 8 pm. Snow, landslides, and road work can close it for much of the year, though. On the Chilean side (Ruta CH-201), the road's mostly paved but pretty narrow. The final 15km are gravel, but keep an eye out, it might be paved soon. Once you cross into Argentina (Ruta Provincial 62) get ready for a bumpy ride! It's a narrow, unpaved forest road and hasn't been maintained in a while. It's doable, but maybe not in your average sedan. Weather's a big factor here too, especially in winter. Locals with 4x4s use it often, though!
moderateAbra El Arenal: an epic road on a lunar landscape
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Alright adventure junkies, buckle up for Abra El Arenal, a sky-high pass straddling Guaranda and San Juan in Ecuador's Chimborazo Province! We're talking seriously high – 4,407 meters (14,458 feet) above sea level, making it one of the country's loftiest routes. Snuggled within the Cordillera Occidental range of the Andes and the Reserva de Produccion Faunistica Chimborazo, this 32.5 km (20.19 mile) beauty is paved the whole way. Picture this: you're cruising from Route E491 to Ruta E492, with incredible views of the surrounding mountains. Plus, it’s your gateway to tackling Chimborazo, Ecuador's colossal, active volcano! Just a heads-up: winter brings snow, which can make things a little slick. But hey, a little challenge never hurt anyone, right? Get ready for some seriously epic scenery!
hardHow to get by car to the antennas at the Summit of Cerro Atacazo?
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a road for you: Cerro Atacazo in Ecuador's Pichincha province. This stratovolcano clocks in at a whopping 4,155m (13,631ft), making this one of the highest drives in the country. Find it southwest of Quito, smack-dab in the north-central part of Ecuador. Trust me, the views of the city from up here are worth the climb, especially with all those cool antennas at the summit. Now, let's be real: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road is entirely unpaved – think bumpy gravel, eroded by epic rainstorms. It's dusty when dry, a muddy mess when wet. This is a tough, remote mountain road, and the altitude will test you. So, bring your trusty 4WD, high-clearance vehicle. Make sure your ride is in tip-top shape because you *will* notice the power lag up here. The climb to those antennas is *steep*. We're talking 9.5km (5.9 miles) from Guamani, gaining 943m in elevation. That's an average gradient of almost 10%! Get ready for an unforgettable experience.
hardHow to drive the road from Abra del Sauce to Nazareno in Salta?
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! If you're anywhere near Salta Province, Argentina, and you're itching for a drive that'll test your mettle, check out the new road connecting Abra del Sauce and Nazareno. Picture this: a recently built, totally unpaved road snaking its way through the raw, untamed landscape of northwestern Argentina. This isn't your Sunday drive; it's a 25 km (15 mile) rollercoaster of narrow passages clinging to the mountainside. If you're not a fan of heights, be warned – there are some serious drop-offs overlooking the river below! Starting from Abra del Sauce, the road winds toward Molino, and from there, it follows the Nazareno riverbed all the way to Nazareno itself, passing through Cuesta Azul. Oh, and did I mention you'll be topping out at a lung-busting 3,464 m (11,364 ft) above sea level? The views are absolutely epic, but keep your eyes on the road!