Darién Gap

The Darién Gap at the Colombia–Panama border Map of the Darién Gap and the break in the Pan-American Highway between Yaviza, Panama, and Turbo, Colombia

The Darién Gap ( UK: /ˈdɛəriən, ˈdær-/, US: /ˌdɛəriˈɛn, ˌdɑːr-, dɑːrˈjɛn/, Spanish: Tapón del Darién [taˈpon del daˈɾjen]) is a remote, roadless, and dangerous area of rainforest on the international border between Colombia and Panama. Stretching across southern Panama's Darién Province and the northern portion of Colombia's Chocó Department, it acts as a natural barrier between North America and South America. Consisting of a large drainage basin, dense rainforest, and mountains, it is known for its remoteness, difficult terrain, and extreme environment, with a reputation as one of the most inhospitable regions in the world. Nevertheless, as the only land bridge between North America and South America, the Darién Gap has historically served as a major route for both humans and wildlife.