14 Countries. Zero U-Turns. This Road Trip Is So Long, It Takes Over 2 Months To Finish

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The Pan-American Highway travels through several North American nations, including the US, Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama
Road trips are a dream for many, with winding highways, mountain passes, coastal drives, and the thrill of exploring new places. In India, scenic routes such as those in Ladakh or the Pamban Bridge road to Rameshwaram are hugely popular among travellers. But have you ever wondered which is the longest road in the world? There is one epic highway that connects 14 countries without a single U-turn, offering a journey like no other.
When it comes to the longest road in the world, the numbers are staggering. Even if you travel 500 kilometres a day, it would still take more than two months to complete the journey. Stretching across 14 countries without a single U-turn, the Pan-American Highway is the longest continuous motorable road in the world.
It starts from Prudhoe Bay in Alaska and runs all the way to Ushuaia in Argentina, covering approximately 30,000 km, depending on the chosen route.
Which Countries It Passes Through
The Pan-American Highway travels through several North American nations, including the US, Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. It then continues through South America, passing through Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, and Argentina. This route exposes travellers to diverse terrains, from snow-covered peaks and tropical jungles to arid deserts and bustling cities. It's not just the longest but also one of the most scenic and culturally rich highways in the world.
How Long Does It Take?
According to reports, most people take around 60 days to complete the entire route, but this depends on travel speed and stopovers. For instance, Carlos Santamaría, who completed the journey, took 117 days.
The majority of the highway runs through Spanish-speaking countries, so it's helpful for travellers to know some basic Spanish to communicate smoothly along the way.
A Journey That Began a Century Ago
Construction of the Pan-American Highway began in the early 1920s with the goal of boosting tourism in the United States. In 1937, 14 countries signed an agreement to build and maintain this monumental road. By 1960, it was officially open for public transport.
Today, it stands not just as a record-breaking highway in the Guinness Book of World Records but also as a dream road trip for adventure seekers across the globe.
First Published:
June 05, 2025, 11:38 IST