Santa Cruz: The wind-swept Patagonian province that holds the lowest point in the hemisphere.

Countries & Cities · Published 30 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Spanning over 240,000 square kilometers, Santa Cruz is Argentina’s second-largest province but its least densely populated. From the prehistoric cave art of Cueva de las Manos to the massive Southern Patagonian Ice Field, this rugged landscape hides extreme geography, including the lowest elevation in the Western and Southern Hemispheres.

Santa Cruz is a land defined by its harsh, windswept environment and its isolation. Located in southern Patagonia, the province is divided into two distinct regions: the Andean west, characterized by glaciers and high-altitude lakes, and the arid, basalt-stepped plateaus that stretch toward the Atlantic coast. This geography creates a unique climate where the Andes block incoming moisture, leaving much of the interior dry while the west receives abundant precipitation. The province is notably the windiest in Argentina, with gusts reaching 200 kilometers per hour.

The province's history is marked by the indigenous Tehuelches, who maintained independence until the late 19th century, and a subsequent influx of European immigrants drawn by gold rushes and the wool industry. This development was not without conflict; the 1922 labor strikes, known as the 'Patagonia Trágica,' saw the execution of dozens of workers who protested sub-human conditions. By the late 20th century, the region became a political powerhouse, notably launching the career of Néstor Kirchner, who served as governor before becoming president of Argentina in 2003.

Economically, Santa Cruz is heavily reliant on the extractive sector, which accounts for half of its output. Petroleum, gas, and mining operations, such as the Cerro Negro gold mine and the Río Turbio coal mine, drive the economy. Despite its small population of 337,226 as of the 2022 Census, the province has historically maintained high per capita income levels. Today, it remains a frontier for both industry and tourism, with visitors drawn to the iconic Perito Moreno Glacier and the trekking hubs of El Chaltén, even as the province continues to navigate border disputes with Chile in the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.

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