Pan-American Highway route
Total length: 16,000 miles (25,750 km)
Note: This is not meant to be an official guide to traveling the Pan-American Highway. Always check into local seasonal conditions before planning to travel any significant stretch of the highway, especially south of the contiguous United States.
United States (Alaska)
Alaska
The Pan-American Highway unofficially begins in Circle, Alaska, following Alaska Highway 6 southwest to Fairbanks, Alaska.
From Alaska's third largest city, the Pan-American Highway and the
Alaska Highway become one in the same, following Alaska Highway 2 southeast to the Canadian border southeast of
Northway, Alaska and adjacent to the Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge.
''Note: The Pan-American Highway reenters the U.S. in Washington state.
Canada
Yukon
Crossing the border into Canada, Alaska Highway 2 turns into Yukon Highway 1. The first significant settlement along the way is Beaver Creek, Yukon.
At Haines Junction, Yukon Highway 1 turns east toward Whitehorse, the capital of the Yukon Territory.
At Whitehorse (probably a good place to rest), Yukon Highway 2 cuts south while Yukon Highway 1 piggybacks Yukon 2. Yukon Highway 1 cuts southeast toward McClintlock, Yukon. Eventually, Yukon Highway 1 intersects with Yukon Highway 6 in an uninhabited area while Yukon Highway 7 continues a southward path; continue on Yukon 1 (piggybacking Yukon 6) northeast of this junction.
At Johnsons Crossings, Yukon Highway 1 separates from Yukon 6 and travels southeast through Teslin. Continue on Yukon 1 as you cross over into
British Columbia. After several miles, the highway reenters the Yukon (once again as Highway 1); continue on Yukon 1 southeast of Watson Lake and once again enter British Columbia as B.C. Highway 97.
British Columbia
After travelling about 5 miles (8 km) past the B.C.-Yukon border, the Pan-American Highway reaches the first settlement in British Columbia at Lower Post. After travelling about 20 miles (32.4 km) roughly east, the highway
once again reenters the Yukon for roughly 8 miles
(13 km). The highway then reenters British Columbia (as B.C. 97) for the final time. The Pan-American Highway continues south to southeast through a long, uninhabited stretch until it passes through the villages of Fireside and Coal River. Keep following the highway east along the Rabbit River.
Roughly 8 miles (13 km) south of Liard River is Muncho Lake Provincial Park. Continue on B.C. Highway 97 as it passes through Toad River Post. Eventually, the highway passes through Summit Lake, which is nested between Stone Mountain and Mount Saint George. Further down the road, B.C. Highway 97 intersects with B.C. Highway 77; continue on B.C. 97 east to Fort Nelson.
From Fort Nelson, the highway travels south for roughly 180 miles (292 km) until it reaches Fort St. John.
Once the Pan-American Highway reaches Fort St. John, the highway traveler has already nearly completed a large stretch of their travels through North America. Continue on B.C. Highway 97 southeast for another 38 miles (62 km) to reach the end of the Alaska Highway at Dawson Creek.
From Dawson Creek, the Pan-American Highway follows B.C. Highway 97 (it does not enter
Alberta) due west to southwest. It is roughly 180 miles (292 km) to McLeod Lake. From McLeod Lake, it is roughly another 60 miles (100 km) south to
Prince George.
With a population of 72,406 , Prince George is the largest city on the Pan-American Highway so far (it is over twice the size of Fairbanks, Alaska). Prince George should be considered as a place to stop while traveling the Pan-American Highway through Northern British Columbia. Continue south on B.C. Highway 97; it is roughly 105 miles (170 km) to Williams Lake. From Williams Lake, B.C. 97 heads southeast about 42 miles (68 km) to 100 Mile House. Continue south another 60 miles (100 km) to the village of Cache Creek.
At this point, the weary traveler might be tempted to travel east on Trans-Canada Highway 1 to
Kamloops and then southwest on B.C. Highway 5, which is a four-lane limited access divided highway. To properly follow the Pan-American Highway, however, one must follow Trans-Canada 1 south instead. It is about 50 miles (81 km) to the town of Lytton and another 60 miles (100 km) to the junction of B.C. Highway 5 (far south of Kamloops) and Trans-Canada 1, where T.C. 1 heads west as a limited access divided highway.
From the town of Hope, head west on Trans-Canada 1 toward
Surrey, British Columbia. After traveling west 80 miles (130 km), the Pan-American Highway enters the Vancouver suburb of Surrey.
From Surrey, the highway follows Trans-Canada 1 through much of the Vancouver metropolitan area, including Burnaby and North Vancouver. At West Vancouver, head south on B.C. Highway 99 towards the city of
Vancouver.
It is recommended that the Pan-American Highway traveler not simply pass through Vancouver, British Columbia. With a population of 545,000 , Vancouver is the largest city so far on the Pan-American Highway. Vancouver has the largest Chinatown outside of
San Francisco and also features Stanley Park, the third largest urban park in North America, and the Vancouver Aquarium. North of Vancouver (at Whistler) is the home of a world-class ski resort. From downtown Vancouver, travel south on B.C. Highway 99 about 31 miles (50 km) to the U.S.-Canadian border crossing.
United States
(revisited)
Washington
After clearing American customs at the border crossing, B.C. Highway 99 transforms into Interstate 5 at the border town of Blaine, Washington. The first major city south on Interstate 5 is Bellingham, some 21 miles (34 km) south of Blaine. From Bellingham to Seattle is another 90 miles (146 km) south on I-5.
Interstate 5 winds its way south through Seattle, the largest city in the state of Washington and the Pacific Northwest with 563,374 in the city alone. There are plenty of tourist activities in Seattle, such as Pike Place Market, Seattle Center, the Space Needle, and many shops in downtown Seattle.
The Pan-American Highway continues southward on Interstate 5 through the Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan area.
Tacoma, unlike the scenic Seattle, is a more industrial city with its downtown a considerable distance from I-5. Traveling through Tacoma, the traveler will see the Tacoma Dome and the Tacoma Mall. If one plans on spending any time in Tacoma, check out the Point Defiance Zoo.
Southwest of Tacoma, the Pan-American Highway travels into the city of Olympia, Washington's state capital located at the south end of
Puget Sound. Although not considered to be much of a tourist destination, Olympia has a bohemian feel that many people may enjoy, at least in the downtown area and at the well-known Evergreen State College west of town. Continue traveling south on Interstate 5 through
Longview-
Kelso (about 79 miles / 128 km south of Olympia) and
Vancouver, Washington, where I-5 reaches the Washington-Oregon border and the
Columbia River.
Oregon
The Pan-American Highway continues piggybacking Interstate 5 as it crosses the Columbia River into
Portland, Oregon. With a population of 529,121 in the city limits alone, Portland is the largest city in Oregon and the second largest city in the Pacific Northwest. Portland attractions include the
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI), the Portland Zoo, Powell's City of Books, and the historic Hollywood theater district. Continue south on I-5 through Portland; it is 47 miles (76 km) to
Salem, the Oregon state capital, and another 66 miles (107 km) to
Eugene.
South of the cities of Portland and Salem, Eugene is the largest city on Interstate 5 and the second largest city in Oregon. Eugene is the home of the
University of Oregon.
About 168 miles (272 km) south of Eugene is the city of
Medford, Oregon. While traveling the Pan-American Highway south, it is probably recommended that the traveler stop in
Roseburg for gas (petrol) and supplies, as it is about halfway between Eugene and Medford. Medford is the largest city in southern Oregon and, although not really a tourist destination, is located on the scenic
Rogue River, which provides for good recreational possibilities. Just south of Medford is
Ashland, Oregon, which is famous for its Shakespearean theaters. Ashland is also the last major town before Interstate 5 reaches the Oregon-California border.
Many people might dispute that the Pan-American highway actually leaves Interstate 5 at Grants Pass, Oregon on U.S. Highway 199 to Crescent City, California and then down the Pacific Coast of California on California Highway 1. Either way, the Pan-American Highway does travel through San Francisco.
California
The Pan-American Highway enters California as it climbs into the Siskiyou Mountains. From Ashland, Oregon to Yreka, California is about 38.5 miles (62 km). Between Yreka and Redding is plenty of natural beauty, as the highway passes right by Mount Shasta, the Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area, and Lake Shasta.
Redding is 98 miles (159 km) south of Yreka and is the largest city in the far northern part of California. Redding is a good place to stop for gas (petrol) and supplies while traveling down this section of the Pan-American Highway, as there aren't many populated cities south of Redding until the highway reaches
Sacramento. South of Redding is a large
agricultural area in California where most of the world's
rice is grown, as well as
olives and almonds.
Before Interstate 5 reaches
Woodland, California, the Pan-American Highway leaves I-5 in
Yolo County where Interstate 505 cuts south towards the city of
Winters, California. From the I-5/505 junction to
Vacaville is about 25 miles (40.5 km).
In Vacaville, the Pan-American Highway heads southwest on Interstate 80 through the California wine country. From Vacaville to San Francisco is about 54 miles (87.5 km).
In the northwest corner of
Oakland, California just south of
Berkeley, the Pan-American Highway crosses with Interstate 80 on the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge over
San Francisco Bay. San Francisco, with a population of 776,773 in the city limits alone, is the largest city on the Pan-American Highway north of
Los Angeles and the
San Francisco Bay Area has over 7 million inhabitants. There is plenty to do in San Francisco and the Bay Area, from crossing the
Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf, the Embarcadero shopping district,
Lombard Street, as well as several theme parks and the
Winchester Mystery House.
South of San Francisco is the
San Francisco Peninsula, consisting of many suburbs in
San Mateo County and
Silicon Valley along the
San Andreas Fault. From San Francisco south on Interstate 280 to San Jose is about 40 miles (65 km). In San Jose, switch to California Highway 17, and then to Highway 1 southbound entering Santa Cruz.
The Pan-American Highway continues down California's scenic Pacific Coast on CA Highway 1. From San Jose southward, the highway passes through
Monterey,
Salinas, and
Santa Maria. The entire stretch from San Jose to Santa Barbara is about 278 miles (450 km).
From Santa Barbara southward, the Pan-American Highway heads 87 miles (141 km) toward Santa Monica and the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Fortunately, the highway avoids downtown
Los Angeles but, traveling along Interstate 405, it does not avoid South Central Los Angeles and
Long Beach. Continue another 56 miles (91 km) down Interstate 405 toward
Irvine in
Orange County.
A few miles (or km) past Irvine, I-405 reconnects the Pan-American Highway to Interstate 5. If the traveler has time, they can visit some of the world-famous beaches such as
Huntington Beach or
Laguna Beach. From Irvine to San Diego is about 88 miles (142.5 km). San Diego is home to the world-famous
San Diego Zoo and the original
Sea World. Here, the Pan-American Highway leaves Interstate 5 for the final time and heads east on Interstate 8. Continue on I-8 for 113 miles (183 km) to the town of
El Centro, California in the Imperial Valley. Its about another 70 miles to the California-Arizona border.
Arizona
After crossing the border into Arizona, the Pan-American Highway arrives in
Yuma, Arizona. This is a good rest stop on this stretch of the highway as there are few populated areas between Yuma and the junction of I-8 and Interstate 10. Not much to look at beyond Yuma except lots of desert. The highway travels east of Yuma about 220 miles (356 km) to the junction of I-8 and I-10, and travels southeast another 67 miles (108.5 km) along I-10 to
Tucson.
The city of Tucson is the second largest city in
Arizona with a population of 486,699. It is the last large city along the United States portions of the Pan-American Highway. Tucson is the home of the
University of Arizona. The Pan-American Highway continues south, splitting off of I-10 and onto Interstate 19 toward
Nogales, Arizona and the U.S.-Mexican border. It is interesting to note that I-19's mile distance guide signs are in
metric rather than U.S. customary units of measure.
From Tucson to Nogales is 67.5 miles (109 km). At the customs border checkpoint, the traveler needs to be prepared to have the proper documentation upon entering Mexico, such as a birth certificate, US-issued driver's license, and possibly a passport. Note that US car insurance
does not provide coverage in Mexico.
Mexico
After doing the border stop, Interstate 19 transforms into Mexican Federal Highway 15 in Nogales, Sonora. If the traveler is from a "first world" nation like the United States, Canada, or many western European nations, try not to be surprised by the third world nature of Mexico. Mexico is a country of highs and lows, so be prepared for anything. Be advised that Mexican gasoline (petrol) is sometimes refined at a lower standard than in the USA. The Mexican Federal highway system is quite good, but don't be surprised if there are less guide signs than one would normally expect on a freeway or motorway in North America or Europe. Lastly, DO NOT drink water from local sources, as it often contains bacteria and other microorganisms that can make people from developed nations seriosly ill. Bring lots of bottled water and if one plans on traveling much of the remaining Pan-American Highway, a water purification pump and salt tablets are reccomended. Good quality bottled water can be obtained in most major cities.
Note that Mexico Highway 15 is a toll road, so bring some dinero (money) to pay the tolls.
From Nogales to
Hermosillo is about 150 miles (243 km). If one's vehicle starts having problems, the
Angeles verdes ("Green angels") patrol major highways such as Mexico Hwy. 15 for stranded vehicles. If at all possible, DO NOT stray from the Mexican Federal Highway system, as back roads are poorly signed (if at all), poorly maintained (again, if at all), domestic farm animals may block the road, have no services, and are not patrolled by the Green Angels. Also, DO NOT drive at night as it is very unsafe. Upon reaching Guaymas, the Pan-American Highway briefly follows the
Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California). From Hermosillo south to Ciudad Obregón is about 160 miles (249 km).
The Pan-American Highway continues piggybacking Mexico Hwy. 15 southward. From Ciudad Obregón to the next major city,
Los Mochis, is about 160 miles (249 km). This stretch of highway is pretty barren; it also takes the traveler from the Mexican state of
Sonora to the state of
Sinaloa.
From Los Mochis to near
Culiacán is about 120 miles (194 km). Note that Mexico Highway 15 ceases to be a toll road at the end of this stretch of highway. The Pan-American Highway splits from Mexico 15 for awhile and piggybacks south on Mexico Highway 15D, continuing as a divided limited-access highway.
From near Culiacán to Mazatlán is about 130 miles (210 km). Mazatlán is a great place for northerners to spend some time as it is a popular "tourist trap" resort area with much better accommodations and services than in many parts of Mexico, especially where drinking water is concerned. Take some time to take in the beautiful scenery of the beaches and the
Pacific Ocean.
Continue south once again on Mexico Highway 15, which is now simply a two-lane road, until the junction with Mexico Highway 40 at Villa Unión. Head northeast on Mexico 40.
From Mazatlán to
Durango is roughly 170 miles (275 km). The Pan-American Highway now crosses over the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains. For about 50 miles (81 km) past Durango, Mexico Highway 40 becomes a divided limited-access highway, ending at the village of Ignacio Allende; about there the Pan-American Highway crosses the Continental Divide. From there, it is about 90 miles (146 km) to
Torreón.
The Pan-American Highway continues east from Torreón to
Saltillo for on Mexico 40 for about 180 miles (292 km). Starting in Torreón, Mexico Highway 40 becomes a divided limited-access highway again as it enters the Mexican state of
Coahuila.
From Saltillo to Santa Catarina is about 50 miles (81 km); from Santa Catarina to
Monterrey is about another 10 miles (16.2 km). At Santa Catarina, the highway enters the Mexican state of
Nuevo León. Note that there are mountains just west of Monterrey.
Monterrey is the third largest city in Mexico after
Mexico City and
Guadalajara. Monterrey is a largely industrial city with approximately 4.5 million people. It may be advisable not to stay too long in Monterrey if at all possible. The Pan-American Highway continues south on Mexico Highway 85, which is a divided limited-access highway until just past the village of Hualahuises. This is the beginning of the stretch of the Pan-American Highway known as the Inter-American Highway, which parallels (and may cross into) the Sierra Madre Oriental mountains.
From Monterrey to Hualahuises is about 65 miles (105.3 km). Continue south on Mexico 85 for another 85 miles (138 km) until the highway reaches Ciudad Victoria. About 15 miles (24.3 km) past the village of Linares, the Inter-American Highway enters the Mexican state of Tamaulipas.
Ciudad Victoria is probably a good place to stop since there isn't much south of the city for quite a distance. From Ciudad Victoria, continue south on Mexico 85; it is about 80 miles (129.6 km) to the next village, Ciudad Mante. About 55 miles (88 km) south of Ciudad Mante is the village of Ciudad Valles;
about halfway to Ciudad Valles, the Pan-American Highway enters the Mexican state of
San Luis Potosi.
From Ciudad Valles to Zimapán is about 122 miles (198 km) of winding mountain road; Zimapán is in the Mexican state of Hidalgo. From Zimapán to the Hidalgo state capital of Pachuca is about 76 miles (123 km).
Once the Pan-American Highway enters Pachuca, the going should get a bit easier, at least in terms of road travel as the road becomes a divided limited-access route. About 25 miles southwest of Pachuca, the highway transforms from Mexico Highway 85 to Mexico Highway 85D as it enters the state of
México; for about another 25 miles (40.5 km), the highway is a toll road, so be prepared to pay the tolls. Consider visiting the
Teotihuacan ruins along the roadside. Another 20 to 25 miles (32.5 to 40.5 km) and the highway enters the Mexico City metropolitan area in the suburb of Ecatepec de Morelos.
- Mexico City (La Ciudad de México)
Upon entering Mexico City, the traveler may want to consider how badly they
really want to exactly follow the Pan-American Highway; although there are certainly many attractions in Mexico's national capital, it is also an extremely large city with poor air quality and a fair amount of crime against tourists. Mexico City is one of the world's largest conurbations, with a population of over 30 million people. If the traveler wishes to avoid downtown Mexico City, they can attempt to bypass the city on Mexico Highway 136 (a divided limited-access route) and Mexico Highway 115, which reconnects to Mexico Highway 95D south of the Mexican Federal District.
Mexico City does have many tourist attractions. These include Zocalo, the central plaza with Spanish Cathedral and Aztec ruins, the wide elegant avenues of Paseo de la Reforma and Insurgentes, Chapultepec, a hill with a palace museum on top surrounded by a park with many attractions, the National Museum of Anthropology, the Palace of Fine Arts, the Plaza of Three Cultures in the neighborhood of Tlatelolco, and the shrine and Basilicas of Our Lady of Guadalupe. There are also many museums, art galleries, and concert halls. It is highly recommended that the traveler obtain a city map of Mexico City before leaving either Canada or the United States.
As the Pan-American Highway continues south of Mexico City and the
Distrito Federal (
Federal District), the road arrives in the city of
Cuernavaca about 15 miles (24 km) south of the Mexican capital. Here, the Inter-American Highway section of the Pan-American Highway heads east along Mexico Highway 190; for about 20 miles (32.5 km), it is a limited-access divided highway. Continue on Mexico 190 for the near duration; the road leaves the state of
Puebla and enters the Mexican state of
Oaxaca. Keep traveling as there isn't much on this stretch of road. From Huajuapan de León to the Oaxaca state capital of
Oaxaca is about 90 miles (146 km).
From the city of Oaxaca, continue southeast on Mexico Highway 190. From Oaxaca to the village of Juchitán de Zaragoza is about 142 miles (230 km). The Pan-American Highway is now in southern Mexico, which is a combination of small mountains, hills, and jungle areas. It is another 56 miles (91 km) to the border with the Mexican state of
Chiapas and another trip across the
Continental Divide.
From the Oaxaca-Chiapas state border, it is 100 miles (162 km) to the Chiapas state capital of
Tuxtla Gutiérrez. Note that Chiapas, even by Mexican standards, is an extremely impoverished region so don't expect many services, especially outside of Tuxtla Gutiérrez. A large number of Chiapas residents are partly or completely of
Mayan descent and do not speak Spanish, let alone English. DO NOT stray from Mexican Federal Highways while in Chiapas, as Chiapas is also the home of the anti-Mexico City
Zapatista Army of National Liberation rebel group. Consult your nation's embassy for updated information on dangerous areas in foreign nations before planning any travels.
On a lighter note, there are several areas in Chiapas with historic Mayan ruins. Continue on Mexico Highway 190; it is 242 miles (392 km) from Tuxtla Gutiérrez to the Mexico-Guatemala border.
Guatemala
Upon crossing into Guatemala, Mexico Highway 190 transforms into Central America Highway 1. From the border village of La Mesilla to the city of Huehuetenango is about 50 miles (80 km).
A short distance from the Huehuetenago are the Maya ruins of Zaculeu.
By the time the Pan-American Highway reaches Huehuetenango, the traveler has to once again cross over the Continental Divide and into the Sierra de los Cuchumatanes mountains. It may be advisable to stop here for any necessary supplies to be had and lodging, as there isn't much beyond here for quite some distance. Continue south on CA Highway 1.
From Huehuetenango to
Chimaltenango is roughly 100 miles (160 km). On the way to Chimaltenango, there are some Maya ruins at Iximché just north of Tecpán Guatemala. From Chimaltenango, it is only about 22 to 25 miles (35 to 40 km) to
Guatemala City.
- Guatemala City (La Ciudad de Guatemala)
Guatemala City is the capital and largest city in Guatemala with a population between 1 and 2.5 million people; it is also the largest city in Central America. Guatemala City is, in many ways, a typical large city, but it does have several attractions, such as the
Centro Cívico (Civic Center),
Centro Cultural Miguel Angel Asturias (live theater), the
Jardín Botánico (Botanical Garden), Lake Amatitlán (with a view of active volcanoes), the
Mercado Central (Central Market with fruits and vegetables),
Kaminal Juyú Mayan ruins, and the
Zoológico La Aurora (Aurora Zoo).
From Guatemala City to Cuilapa is about 31 miles (50 km) and another 35 miles (56 km) to Jutiapa. Again, keep following CA Highway 1.
From Jutiapa, the Pan-American Highway isn't too far from the border with
El Salvador. It is 32 miles (52 km) to the border crossing at San Cristobal Frontera.
El Salvador
El Salvador is the smallest country (in area) that the Pan-American Highway travels through. Like Guatemala, El Salvador is a very poor nation that exists in the aftermath of past civil warfare, lack of foreign investment, and Hurricane Mitch. After crossing into El Salvador at Candelaria de la Frontera, the Inter-American Highway continues on toward Santa Ana as Central America Highway 1. From the border crossing to Santa Ana is about 8 miles (13 km).
From Santa Ana to San Salvador is about 28 miles (45 km). At Nueva San Salvador, the traveler will pass near the Volcano de San Salvador.
San Salvador, with a population of 402,448 , is the capital and largest city in El Salvador. Some attractions are the New World Museum, Dixon Hill Lighthouse, and Watling's Castle, which is an old pirate hangout.
From San Salvador to Cojutepeque is about 9.3 miles (15 km); following the highway southeast to San Miguel is about 40 miles (65 km). From San Miguel to the El Salvador-Honduras border is about 19 miles (30 km).
Honduras
From the border with El Salvador, the Pan-American Highway doesn't spend much time in Honduras. The highway's total distance in the second poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere is about 65 miles (105 km). Honduras is a fairly dangerous place, as the crime rate is high and many people wander around armed with guns, so the traveler must be extra cautious.
From the border crossing to Nacaome is only about 25 miles (40.5 km). Just past Nacaome is a highway traveling north to Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras. It is about another 25 miles (40.5 km) to Choluteca, the second largest city in Honduras. It is recommended to avoid staying in Choluteca if at all possible. From Choluteca to the border crossing just past San Marcos de Colón is about 42 miles (68 km).
Nicaragua
From the border crossing at the Honduras-Nicaragua border, continue following Central America Highway 1. From the border to the town of Ocotal is about 26 miles (42 km); from Ocotal to Estelí is about 36 miles (58 km).
From Estelí to the village of Sébaco is about 28.5 miles (46 km); the Inter-American Highway turns from southeast to south towards Ciudad Dario, which is 9.3 miles (15 km) from Sébaco. From Ciudad Dario to the village of San Benito is 34 miles (55 km).
From San Benito, it is about 23.5 miles (38 km) to the Nicaraguan capital and largest city of Managua. Managua is located on the shores of Lake Managua and is about 35 miles (56.6 km) west of Lake Nicaragua. Unfortunately, Managua is also located on an active fault line and has been devastated by several large earthquakes, the most recent one having hit the city in 1972. Attractions include the Plaza de la República, which includes a lakeside cathedral, the Palacio Nacional (National Palace),
the Huellas de Acahualinca museum, and the Museo de la Revolución (Museum of the Revolution).
From Managua south to the town of Jinotepe is about 30 miles (48 km).
From Jinotepe to the town of Rivas is about 43.4 miles (70 km). From Rivas, the Pan-American Highway traveler should be able to see the shores of Lake Nicaragua, which is the largest lake in Central America.
From Rivas to the Nicaragua-Costa Rica border is about 22.3 miles (36 km).
Costa Rica
Costa Rica contrasts sharply to the other nations in Central America, as it is a "second world" developing country compared to its underdeveloped, poorer neighbors. Costa Rica also has a history of relative peace and neutrality compared to other Central American countries. Costa Rica is the second smallest Central American country in area (after El Salvador).
From the Nicaragua-Costa Rica border to the town of Liberia is about 45 miles (73 km). In the region of Costa Rica, the Pan-American Highway (still CA 1) is just west of the Cordillera de Guanacaste (Guanacaste Mountains), which includes the active volcanoes of Rincón de la Vieja and Miravalles.
From Liberia to the town of Barranca is about 65 miles (105 km). From Barranca, the Cordillera de Tilarán (Tilarán Mountains) can be seen from the Pan-American Highway. The Tilarán range includes Arenal, one of the world's most active volcanoes. From Barranca, the highway heads east across the mountains and the Continental Divide once again. From Barranca, it is roughly 44 miles (71 km) to the town of Alajuela.
From Alajuela, the Cordillera Central (Central Mountains) come into view from the Inter-American Highway. The Central Mountains include four large volcanoes--Poás, Barva, Irazú and Turrialba. From Alajuela to San José is about 15 miles (24.3 km).
San José is the capital and largest city in Costa Rica. Although San José is more modern than other large Central American cities with its shopping malls, department stores, and even fast food restaurants, it also includes more culturally stimulating attractions. These include the
Museo Nacional (National Museum), the
Museo del Oro Precolombino (Museum of Pre-Columbian
Gold), the Museo de Jade (
Jade Museum), the Teatro Nacional (National Theatre), and the Mercado Central (Central Market; open air).
Leaving San José, the Pan-American Highway winds its way roughly southeast. From San José to San Isidro is about 84 miles (136 km).
From San Isidro, the
Cordillera Talamanca (Talamanca Mountains) rise up from the rain forest canopy. The Talamanca range, which is non-volcanic, includes Cerro Chirripó. Cerro Chirripó, at 3,797 meters (12,457 ft.), is Costa Rica's highest mountain peak. From San Isidro to Palmar Sur is roughly 65 miles (105.3 km).
From Palmar Sur to the Costa Rica-Panama border is about 55 miles (89 km).
Panama
Upon entering Panama, the Pan-American Highway traveler returns to travel and living conditions similar to those experienced in Nicaragua. From the Costa Rica-Panama border to the village of La Concepción is about 13 miles (21 km). From La Concepción to the city of David (not to be confused with the biblical City of David) is about another 15 miles (24 km). The highway enters Panama traveling generally from west to east.
David, with an estimated population of 115,173 , is located about 5 miles (8 km) north of the town of Pedregal and the Golfo de Chiriquí (Gulf of Chiriquí). David is a center of trade for agricultural products such as bananas, sugar, and coffee, as well as smaller manufactured goods. David is probably a good place to rest and replenish supplies, as the next notable population center (Tolé) is east about 55 miles (88 km).
From Tolé to the town of Santiago is about 50 miles (81 km). Immediately east of Tolé, the highway crosses through some mountains for the next 36 miles (58.3 km). About halfway to Santiago, the Inter-American Highway crosses over the Rio San Pablo river.
From Santiago to Aguadulce is about 38 miles (61.6 km), where the Pan-American Highway (still CA Highway 1) reenters the tropical lowlands. From Aguadulce to
Panonomé is roughly 30 miles (48.6 km). This stretch of highway crosses the Rio Santa María river.
From Panonomé, the highway travels southeast, then northeast, then roughly north in a loop as it mostly (but not completely) avoids crossing into Panama's Central Mountains. From Panonomé to La Chorerra is about 63 miles (102 km). From La Chorerra, it is only about 15 miles (24.3 km) to Balboa just west of Panama City.
- Panama City (La Ciudad de Panamá)
Panama City, with a population of roughly 584,803 , is the capital and largest city in Panama. Before entering the city, the Pan-American Highway crosses over the
Panama Canal on the Bridge of the Americas. Panama City, compared to many other large Central American cities, is fairly modern and is a good place to exchange currency if necessary. Some local attractions include the 17th-century Metropolitan Church, the Interoceanic Canal Museum of Panama, the Plaza de Bolívar, the
Palacio Presidential (Presidential Palace), and the History Museum of Panama.
From Panama City, the highway turns northeast; from Panama City to Chepo is roughly 35 miles (58 km); from Chepo to Cañita is another 15 miles (24.3 km).
At the village of Cañita is the old terminus (end) of the northern route of the Pan-American Highway. Supposedly, the highway continues another 110 miles (178 miles) past Cañita to the village of Yaviza. This stretch of highway is extremely remote, so the traveler must take caution.
Yaviza is a village near the junction of the Rio Tuira and the Rio Chucunaque rivers. It is here that the Inter-American Highway officially ends and, consequently, the northern Pan-American Highway. From Yaviza southeast lies the virtually impenetrable Darién Gap, a 57-mile stretch of some of the world's most rugged, mountainous jungle terrain. It is NOT recommended that the traveler enter the Darién Gap as it is EXTREMELY dangerous; it is a haven for bandits, smugglers, and Colombian paramilitary forces.
Pan-American Highway (route part 2)
