Darien Gap: A Dangerous Migration Route 2025

Darien Gap: A Dangerous Migration Route What is the Darien Gap? The Darien Gap is a 97-km stretch of dense rainforest, swamps, and mountains, marking the only break in the Pan-American Highway, which otherwise runs from Alaska to Argentina. Due to its harsh terrain, hot & humid climate, and lack of infrastructure, the region has remained largely impenetrable. However, it has now become a major migration route, with thousands attempting to cross it to reach North America. Geographical Features Location: Border between Panama & Colombia. Terrain: Steep mountains, muddy swamps, fast-flowing rivers, and dense rainforests. Climate: Hot, humid, and rainy, with limited food & water resources. Geo-Political Significance Migration Crisis: Over 520,000 migrants crossed in 2023, and 300,000+ crossings in early 2024. ‘Donkey Route’: Migrants from India, Venezuela, Haiti, Pakistan, and others use this path via Panama, Costa Rica, and Guatemala before reaching Mexico. Criminal Activity: Controlled by smuggling networks, drug cartels, and armed groups who exploit migrants through violence, robbery, and extortion. Humanitarian Concerns: Reports of sexual assaults, deaths, and disappearances are rising, with overcrowded shelters and severe shortages of food, water, and medical aid.