Laguna del Carbón
Lake Argentina's saline basin, lowest point in Southern Hemisphere
Laguna del Carbón in Santa Cruz Province is a low-lying salt lake in Patagonia and Argentina’s lowest natural point; visitors and researchers note its flat salt pans, sparse vegetation and remote landscape.
Laguna del Carbón is a salt lake and depression in Santa Cruz Province, Argentina. It marks the country’s lowest natural point and is among the lowest continental points in the Southern Hemisphere.
The site is notable for its extensive salt flats and the dramatic drop below sea level within the Gran Bajo de San Julián depression; it is of interest to geographers and visitors seeking extreme natural points.
The basin is a geological depression formed by regional tectonic and climatic processes; there is no record of major urban development associated with the site and it remains a sparsely visited natural area.
Located in southern Patagonia inside Santa Cruz Province, the depression lies within the Gran Bajo de San Julián system of salt pans and dry basins in Argentina.
- Lowest point in Argentina and the Americas: Lies within the Gran Bajo de San Julián depression and is a saline lake occupying the lowest point in Argentina and the Americas.
- Approximate elevation: The surface sits at approximately 105 metres below sea level, making it one of the lowest continental points in the Southern Hemisphere.
Tips for Visiting Laguna del Carbón #
- Laguna del Carbón is the lowest point in Argentina and the Americas - plan to visit specifically for that landmark and for wide-open salt-flat vistas rather than for facilities or services.
- Access is remote and roads can be rough; confirm current road conditions and local access rules in Santa Cruz Province and consider booking a local guide or 4x4 transfer to avoid getting stranded.
- There are essentially no visitor facilities on site, so schedule arrival and departure during daylight and inform your base (town or operator) of your expected timings - this helps avoid being caught out by sudden weather changes or mechanical issues.
Best Time to Visit Laguna del Carbón #
Best visited in the austral summer (December-February) when conditions are mildest and access is easiest.
Weather & Climate near Laguna del Carbón #
Laguna del Carbón's climate is classified as Cold Desert - Cold Desert climate with mild summers (peaking in January) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 0°C to 23°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall.
January
January is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 11°C. Light rainfall and breezy conditions.
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February
February is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 10°C. Light rainfall and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 8°C. Light rainfall.
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April
April is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 5°C. Light rainfall.
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May
May is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. Light rainfall.
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June
June is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 0°C. Light rainfall.
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of 0°C. Light rainfall.
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August
August is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 1°C. Light rainfall.
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September
September is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 3°C. The driest month with just 12 mm.
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October
October is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 5°C. The driest month with just 12 mm and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. Light rainfall and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C. Light rainfall and breezy conditions.
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