The Pan-American Highway links the northernmost point of North America with the southernmost point of South America, making it the longest road globally. It stretches thousands of kilometers across the Americas.
Starting at Prudhoe Bay in Alaska and concluding in Ushuaia, Argentina, it covers approximately 30,600 kilometers (19,000 miles). This highway is notable for being a long, straight route without any U-turns or loops.
If a traveler drives 500 kilometers daily, it would take over 60 days to complete the highway.
The Pan-American Highway traverses 14 countries. In North and Central America, it passes through Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. As it moves into South America, it connects Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, and Argentina.
Aside from Alaska, no roads in the US or Canada are officially considered part of the Pan-American Highway. The route proceeds southward through Central and South America, officially commencing at the US-Mexico border in Nuevo Laredo.
This extensive network of interconnected roadways is maintained by the countries it crosses. It also holds the Guinness World Record for being the longest drivable road.
However, due to environmental issues, there exists a 100 km (60 mi) stretch between Panama and Colombia called the Darien Gap, where no road is present. Travelers must circumvent this part by air or sea.
The highway is a favorite among adventure enthusiasts. In 2024, cyclist Bond Almand IV completed the entire route in just over 75 days, while motorcyclist Kevin Sanders achieved it in 34 days in 2003, setting the record for the fastest motorcycle crossing.
Originally constructed in the 1920s to encourage tourism and connect nations across the Americas, the Pan-American Highway was formalized in 1937 when 14 countries agreed to develop and maintain it. It was fully opened to traffic in 1960.
