The longest road in the world spans across two continents, covering thousands of miles. It starts in Alaska and ends in South America. The Pan-American Highway is about 15,000 miles long and passes through many countries and cities like Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
The idea for this highway began in 1923 by the US to bring nations closer together and possibly boost car sales and exports. In 1937, many countries including Argentina, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, and others agreed to build it.
Construction took a long time. The main section goes from Laredo in Mexico to Buenos Aires in Argentina. There are also other branches to continue the journey.
The road offers great sights and stops along the way, but there’s one dangerous part called the Darién Gap, between Panama and Colombia. It’s about 100 miles long and covered with dense jungle, wildlife, and Indigenous communities.
Because of the dangers like armed groups and drug trafficking, it’s not safe to drive through the Darién Gap. So, travelers have to take a different route.
Although it may feel disappointing to detour, it’s safer. You can still continue your journey by flying over the gap with your vehicle in a shipping container.
Even though you can’t drive through the Darién Gap, the Pan-American Highway still holds the record as the longest drivable road according to Guinness World Records.