The Pan-American Highway, stretching from the northernmost point of North America down to the southernmost tip of South America, holds the title of the world’s longest road. It traverses thousands of kilometres throughout the Americas.
The highway commences at Prudhoe Bay in Alaska and concludes in Ushuaia, Argentina, covering an impressive distance of around 30,600 kilometres (19,000 miles). This route is distinctive due to its long, straight path that avoids any U-turns or loops.
Even if a traveler manages to cover 500 kilometres each day, it would take over 60 days to complete the journey along the highway.
The Pan-American Highway crosses through 14 countries. In North and Central America, it runs through Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. Upon entering South America, it connects Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, and Argentina.
Aside from Alaska, no roads in the United States or Canada are officially recognized as part of the Pan-American Highway. The highway continues south through Central and South America, officially starting at the US-Mexico border in Nuevo Laredo.
This extensive network of interconnected roads is maintained by the countries it passes through. It also holds the Guinness World Record for being the longest motorable road.
However, due to ecological concerns, there exists a 100 km (60 mi) gap between Panama and Colombia, referred to as the Darien Gap, where no road is present. Travelers must circumvent this section by air or sea.
Favored by adventure enthusiasts, the highway saw cyclist Bond Almand IV complete the entire route in just over 75 days in 2024, while motorcyclist Kevin Sanders accomplished it in 34 days in 2003, setting a record for the fastest motorcycle crossing.
The inception of the Pan-American Highway dates back to the 1920s, aimed at enhancing tourism and connecting countries across the Americas. An agreement to develop and maintain the highway was signed by 14 countries in 1937, and it was finally fully opened for traffic in 1960.
