Question: Which South American country is home to both the highest and lowest points in the Southern Hemisphere?
Show answer
Argentina.
Argentina is the South American country that is home to both the highest and lowest points in the Southern Hemisphere. This makes Argentina one of the most geographically diverse countries in the world.
The Highest Point: Aconcagua
The highest point in the Southern Hemisphere is Aconcagua, which stands at 6,961 meters (22,838 feet) above sea level. Located in the Andes Mountains, near Argentina’s border with Chile, Aconcagua is the tallest mountain in the Western Hemisphere as well. It is part of the Mendoza Province, and it is a major destination for mountaineers from around the world. Due to its extreme altitude, climbers must prepare for harsh weather conditions, including strong winds, freezing temperatures, and low oxygen levels. Despite these challenges, Aconcagua is one of the most sought-after climbs outside the Himalayas.
The Lowest Point: Laguna del Carbón
The lowest point in the Southern Hemisphere is Laguna del Carbón, which sits at 105 meters (344 feet) below sea level. This salt lake is located in Santa Cruz Province, in southern Argentina, within the Gran Bajo de San Julián basin. It is the lowest point in all of the Americas and the seventh-lowest point on Earth. The area surrounding Laguna del Carbón is largely uninhabited, and it has a dry, desert-like climate. Because of its extreme depth below sea level, the region has unique geological characteristics, including high salt concentrations.
Argentina’s Geographic Extremes
Argentina’s geography is incredibly diverse, ranging from the towering Andes Mountains in the west to the Pampas grasslands, Patagonian deserts, and the vast Atlantic coastline in the east. The combination of Aconcagua and Laguna del Carbón highlights Argentina’s dramatic landscape, making it one of the few countries in the world to have such extreme elevation differences within its borders.
These two landmarks also contribute to Argentina’s importance in climatology, geology, and tourism, attracting both adventurers and scientists interested in studying its unique terrain.
