The Darien Gap is a dense and virtually impassable rainforest located in Central America, between Panama and Colombia. It is a 100-mile (160 km) stretch of uninterrupted wilderness that separates North and South America.
Specifically, the Darien Gap is situated in the eastern part of Panama's Darien Province and the western region of Colombia's Chocó Department. It extends from the Gulf of Urabá in the north to the Pan-American Highway in the south.
This region is known for its challenging terrain, featuring swamps, marshes, rivers, and steep mountains. The dense rainforest is filled with thick vegetation, making it difficult to navigate. The absence of roads and infrastructure adds to the inaccessibility of the area.
The Darien Gap is famous for being the only missing link in the Pan-American Highway, which stretches from Alaska to Argentina. The highway network connects most countries in the Americas, except for this section due to the harsh and inhospitable conditions.
The region is also home to several indigenous tribes, such as the Emberá and the Wounaan, who have adapted to the unique environment of the Darien Gap.
Due to its remoteness and challenging nature, the Darien Gap has become a notorious route for drug trafficking and illegal migration. The lack of infrastructure and law enforcement presence in the area has made it attractive for criminal activities.
Despite its difficulties, the Darien Gap remains an ecologically important area, hosting a wide variety of plant and animal species. The region's biodiversity includes jaguars, tapirs, harpy eagles, and many other rare and endangered species.
References:
Britannica - Darien Gap
The Culture Trip - Colombia's Darien Gap Explained
WorldAtlas - What is the Darien Gap?