20 Places To Stop Along The Pan-American Highway
Drive From One Continent To Another
Stretching from the Arctic almost to the Antarctic, the Pan-American highway is the longest road in the world. Or, rather, a series of roads that connect 14 countries from Alaska to Argentina. There are a variety of routes to choose from, but here are some highlights.
1. Prudhoe Bay, United States
The start of the Pan-American Highway is also one of the northernmost places in the world. Prudhoe Bay combines oil fields (not open for visiting) with stark Arctic tundra. What better way to christen your journey from one half of the world to another than with a polar plunge?
2. Sourdough Saloon, Canada
Okay, this is a little out of the way, but we promise it's worth it. The Sourdough Saloon in Yukon, Canada is the only place on earth where you can garnish your drink with a dehydrated human toe. It's gross, but it's a rite of passage in the north!
3. West Edmonton Mall, Canada
Most of our stops will be off the beaten path, so you'd better get your shopping out while you still can. The West Edmonton Mall in Alberta, Canada is the second-largest in America with 800 stores spread over 5.6 million square feet! In addition to stores, there's also an amusement park, waterpark, and aquarium.
4. Hole-In-The-Wall Hideout, United States
This pass in the Big Horn mountains of Wyoming is nothing special...unless you know the history behind it. Due to its remote location, the hideout was a favorite of outlaws like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Outlaw history aside, it's a lovely desert hike.
Bureau of Land Management on Wikimedia
5. Loretto Chapel, United States
Along the old Sante Fe trail is a staircase that defies gravity. Twisting 250 feet between the ground and choir loft, this mysterious staircase coils with no visible means of support. Nearly 150 years after its construction, the architect and the physics of the staircase remain unknown.
6. Ciudad Victoria, Mexico
Moving onto Mexico, the capital of Tamaulipas is nestled at the base of the Sierra Madre Oriental mountain range. Ciudad Victoria has rich culture and delicious food, blending Spanish and Indigenous influences. There are plenty of museums showcasing art and history, as well as breath-taking natural beauty.
7. Chapultepec Castle, Mexico
There are plenty of buildings called "castles" in North America, but Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City is the only one to have housed a monarch. Perched outside the city on a hill sacred to the Aztecs, Chapultepec Castle combines colonial history with jaw-dropping views. This is just one of many attractions in CDMX.
8. Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
Moving on to Guatemala, Lake Atitlán is one of the most popular places to stop. Not only is it the deepest lake in Central America, but it's surrounded by a dozen villages rich with Maya culture. There's no better way to experience the traditional food, art, and language of these fascinating people.
9. Joya De Cerén, El Salvador
Joya de Cerén is El Salvador's answer to Pompeii. This pre-Columbian Maya community was buried under volcanic ash 1500 years ago! Joya de Cerén is an excellent "chaser" to our previous stop, as it allows you to see how Maya culture has evolved.
Mariordo (Mario Roberto Duran Ortiz) on Wikimedia
10. Copán, Honduras
Copán is another detour off the main stretch of the Pan-American highway, but it's well worth your time. Today, Copán is a ruin, but it was the capital city of the Maya Empire before it was abandoned in the 10th century. More than 2000 years of history are visible in these ruins.
11. Ometepe, Nicaragua
If you need a little break from life on the road, there's no place better than Ometepe. An island in between two volcanos, Ometepe has bucolic hikes and crystal clear waters that are perfect for taking a load off. Make sure you enjoy a cup of coffee.
12. Mercado Central, Costa Rica
The Pan-American Highway takes you through the capitals of Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and Panama. Of those capital cities, the central market in San José is one not to miss. The market is a massive maze of over 200 stalls, perfect four souvenir-shopping and people-watching.
13. The Darién Gap, Panama
The Darién Gap isn't so much a recommended stop as it is a necessary one. The 60 miles connecting Panama and Colombia are the only break in the highway for a good reason. Ship your vehicle over the border and hop on a plane to continue your adventure.
14. Medellín, Colombia
The city of eternal spring is one of the most beautiful in Colombia. Medllín has a temperate climate and a dazzling art scene that's the perfect reward for braving the Darién Gap. You'll get all the thrill and culture of cities like Bogotá and Cartagena, but with less tourist traffic.
15. Pasto, Colombia
If you're planning to cross over into South America around the New Year, make sure not to miss Pasto! Pasto is known for its Black and Whites Carnival held between January 2 and 7. Part of Colombia's cultural heritage, the carnival includes elaborate costumes, impressive parades, and games held throughout the city.
Luis Eduardo White Patiño on Wikimedia
16. Baños, Ecuador
You've probably seen pictures of the famous "swing at the end of the world" in Baños, a perilous swing extending off a cliff. While this is definitely the most famous attraction in this mountain town, it isn't the only one. Baños also offers white-water rafting and ziplining through the forest canopy.
17. Machu Picchu, Peru
You weren't seriously going to drive through Peru and skip over one of the wonders of the world, were you? Machu Picchu may be a little out of the way if you're driving the Pan-American, but you have to see it to believe it. Dedicate at least a day to seeing this site.
18. Valparaíso, Chile
Valparaíso is known for its winding cobblestone streets and colorful buidlings. If you want to spend a day or two getting lost navigating steep streets and funiculars, this is the place for you. You don't want your muscles to cramp up after spending so much time driving.
19. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Argentina's busting capital is a breath of fresh air after so much time on the road. Enjoy some of the best steak in the world, take in a tango at a bar, or just bask in the frenetic energy of the city. Buenos Aires is where the original Pan-American Highway ends, but you can go a little further.
20. Ushuaia, Argentina
The end of the Pan-American Highway, and the end of the world, Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world. Ushuaia is part of Argentina's beautiful Tierra del Fuego archipelago filled with stark landscapes and penguin colony. The gateway to Antarctica, Ushuaia is the start of another adventure.
