This Is Why the Americas Aren’t Still Connected by a Road

Summary

The Pan-American Highway, stretching 19,000 miles across North and South America, is the world's longest highway but is interrupted by the perilous Darien Gap. This 60-mile stretch between Panama and Colombia is a formidable barrier, traversed by thousands seeking a better life, facing treacherous terrain, wildlife, and human predators. Despite its dangers, the Gap remains unbridged due to environmental concerns, political tensions, and the illegal nature of many crossings. The video explores the history, challenges, and future prospects of this daunting natural and man-made divide.

Takeaways

• 🌉 The Pan-American Highway is recognized by the Guinness World Records as the longest highway in the world, spanning approximately 19,000 miles across North and South America.
• 🚧 The highway does not connect North and South America due to a break in the road known as the Darién Gap, located between Panama and Colombia.
• 🗺️ The idea for the Pan-American Highway originated in 1937 with an agreement among Canada, the US, and 12 Latin American countries to build a continuous road from Alaska to Patagonia.
• 🌳 The Darién Gap, covering 60 miles of dense rainforests, swamps, and mountains, is considered one of the most dangerous routes in the world for travelers.
• 🌍 In recent years, the Gap has become a perilous 'super highway' for migrants attempting to reach the US, with over 520,000 people crossing it in 2023 alone.
• 💸 The cost of crossing the Gap varies widely, from approximately $300 for the cheapest, most physically demanding route to over $11,000 for a boat trip.
• 🐍 The Gap is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including the bushmaster, the largest venomous snake in the world, and other dangerous species.
• 🏞️ Environmental concerns, including the impact on wildlife and indigenous peoples, have been a significant factor in halting the construction of a road through the Gap.
• 🛣️ Political tensions, changing economic priorities, and the rise of other transportation methods have diminished the motivation to complete the highway.
• 🌎 Despite the challenges, the potential for a rail connection is discussed as a possible alternative to a road, although it currently lacks political and public support.

Q & A

What is the Pan-American Highway?

The Pan-American Highway is a network of roads stretching across both the North and South American continents, spanning a total of 19,000 miles. According to Guinness World Records, it is the longest highway in the world.

Does the Pan-American Highway fully connect North and South America?

No, there is a section called the Darien Gap between Panama and Colombia where the road stops. This area has no official roads and is one of the most dangerous and difficult routes to cross.

Why wasn’t the Pan-American Highway completed in the Darien Gap?

The road wasn’t completed due to engineering challenges, including dense rainforests, swamps, steep mountains, unstable soils, and rivers. Additionally, environmental concerns and political opposition halted construction efforts in the 1970s.

What makes crossing the Darien Gap so dangerous?

The Darien Gap presents numerous dangers such as thick jungle, mudslides, rapid rivers, venomous wildlife, and criminal organizations. Migrants often face dehydration, disease, and attacks from predators or criminals as they traverse the difficult terrain.

How many people crossed the Darien Gap in 2023, and how is this number changing?

In 2023, around 520,000 people crossed the Darien Gap on their way to the United States, which is more than double the number from the previous year. This figure is expected to increase to over 800,000 in 2024.

Why haven’t governments built a road through the Darien Gap to make migration safer?

Governments have avoided building a road through the Darien Gap due to environmental concerns, opposition from local tribes, and the political desire to deter illegal migration. Additionally, constructing the road would be costly and difficult.

What are some of the main dangers posed by wildlife in the Darien Gap?

The Darien Gap is home to dangerous wildlife such as venomous snakes like the bushmaster and coral snakes, venomous frogs and spiders, as well as large predators like jaguars and pumas. These animals can pose serious threats to travelers.

What role do criminal organizations play in the Darien Gap?

Criminal organizations control the migration route through the Darien Gap, extorting money from migrants and engaging in thefts, assaults, and smuggling operations. These criminals exploit the migrants’ vulnerability in this lawless region.

Why did some environmentalists and health experts oppose building the highway through the Darien Gap?

Environmentalists opposed building the highway due to concerns about deforestation and damage to the region's biodiversity, which is one of the most biologically diverse areas on the planet. Health experts also raised concerns about the spread of hoof and mouth disease through livestock movement.

How do migrants typically navigate the Darien Gap without roads?

Migrants usually trek through the Darien Gap on foot, often hiring guides or smugglers for assistance. Some opt to travel by boat, but this can be costly. The journey takes about 10 days and involves navigating through dense jungle, rivers, and mountains.