The Pan-American Highway holds the astonishing record of being the longest drivable road network in the world. Stretching nearly 30,000 kilometers, this incredible route connects the icy landscapes of Alaska to the southern tip of Argentina. In total, the highway passes through 14 different countries, offering one of the most unbelievable road journeys on Earth.
What makes this route even more shocking is that, in theory, you could keep driving for over 60 days straight without making a major turn, crossing mountains, forests, deserts and different climates, all on one connected highway system.
From Alaska to Argentina: A journey like no other
The Pan-American Highway begins in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska and travels through Canada, the United States, Mexico, Central America and South America before ending in Ushuaia, Argentina, the world’s southernmost city.
Along the way, the road takes you through snow-covered tundras, humid rainforests, volcanic regions, deserts and some of the highest motorable points in the world. One of the most challenging stretches is Costa Rica’s Cerro de la Muerte, rising over 3,450 meters above sea level.
Despite being a single route, there is one major break known as the Darien Gap, a dense and dangerous jungle between Panama and Colombia. No road exists here, so travelers must cross the gap by boat or air before continuing their drive.
An adventure that takes over two months
Driving the entire Pan-American Highway is not a quick road trip, it’s a massive expedition. Adventurers who’ve completed the journey say it can take two months or more, depending on weather, terrain and stops along the way.
This extraordinary road remains one of the world’s greatest travel challenges, combining breathtaking landscapes with a once-in-a-lifetime sense of adventure.
