Where does the Pan-American Highway start and finish? How long is it?
If you are thinking of going on a prolonged journey on the road, driving along the lengthy Pan-American Highway might be an experience to consider.
The Pan-American Highway, which connects North and South America, has been called the longest road network in the world. It’s a system of roads that stretches from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska in the United States, all the way to Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego in Argentina, at the southern tip of South America. It passes through 14 countries in total, and this is the list, in order from north to south.
Countries along the Pan-American Highway
- United States
- Canada
- Mexico
- Guatemala
- El Salvador
- Honduras
- Nicaragua
- Costa Rica
- Panama
- Colombia
- Ecuador
- Peru
- Chile
- Argentina
How long is the Pan-American highway?
The exact length of the highway is difficult to determine, as there are multiple routes and variations, but it is estimated to measure around 19,000 miles. The road passes through a diverse range of landscapes and countries, including dense forests, deserts, mountains, and cities.
The highway is not continuous, with several interruptions including the Darien Gap, a 60-mile stretch of undeveloped swampland and forest between Panama and Colombia, which prevents continuous travel along the route.
The Pan-Am Highway serves as a vital artery for the movement of both people and goods. It’s a transportation route for agricultural products, manufactured goods, and natural resources.
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Tourism and international relations
The road is an important route for tourism, with many travelers using the road to explore different countries and discover the diverse cultures and vistas of the Americas. Through it, they can access many popular destinations, such as beaches, national parks, and historical sites.
The highway also plays a role in international relations, promoting economic cooperation and cultural exchange between the countries it passes through. It has been the venue of numerous international events, such as the Pan-American Games, which are held every four years and bring together athletes from across the Americas.
Despite the interruptions that exist along the road, the Pan-American highway continues to be an important transportation network, as well as a symbol of the connections between American nations.