Sights in Darien gap

Darien Gap sights are quiet unique. This area is mainly undeveloped and contains plenty of swampland. Hiking the gap is one of the few adventures still found in the Americas, though it can be dangerous. The name refers to the only gap in the Pan-American Highway. Road building is very expensive, and there is no road for this 99 mile stretch that links Panama and Columbia. The area contains a rain forest, marshland and swampland. Much of the sights are outdoors, as there is little industry and no urban areas in Darien Gap.

Darien National Park

This is the largest national park in Central America and was established in 1980. It is a UNESCO world heritage site. The park covers 5,790 square kilometers and is on the Panama side of the gap. In the park, you can explore tropical forests, swamps, rocky coasts, sandy beaches, mangroves and a plethora of wildlife. There are 2 Indian tribes that live within the park boundaries, and if transportation is available, it is possible to visit.

Pan-American Highway

This sight is the Pan-American Highway gap. The only section of this road from South America to North America that does not exist is at Darien’s Gap. In Columbia, the highway stops at Lomas Aisiadas, and in Panama, the highway stops at Yaviza. One of the many reasons the road has not been built is because of the environmental damage to the surrounding area. There is gravel and dirt roads, but the conditions are not very good.

Gulf of Darien

This gulf is part of the Caribbean Sea. It is on the north side of the Gap. This is where the Atrato River empties into the sea. Much of the gulf is bordered by Panama. There is an inner section of the Gulf, called Gulf of Uraba, which is lined with mangroves. The easiest way to access and see the Gulf is by boat. There are hiking trails, but almost no roads. What roads exist are in very bad condition.

Fort St. Andrew

This is the sight of the first Scottish settlement located at Caledonia Bay. This was a tragedy for the Scottish. At the end of the 1700s the colony, New Caledona was settled in the Darien Gap area. The colonists had difficulties growing food and were not on good relations with the local Indians. Many of the travelers also could not handle the hot and humid weather and became ill. After 8 months, the Scottish left. There is also a shipwreck in the bay which can be fun to view.