|
|
|
|
|
Pan-american Highway (South America)Pan-American Highway route in South America Continued from Pan-American Highway (North America) Total length: 16,000 miles (25,750 km) Note: This is 'not' meant to be an official guide to traveling the Pan-American Highway. Always check into local seasonal conditions before planning to travel any significant stretch of the highway, especially south of the contiguous United States. Venezuela The Pan-American Highway begins its path in South America in Venezuela. Most travelers on the highway coming from Panama will probably skip traveling the Venezuela section and take a boat from Balboa to Ecuador to avoid the Darin Gap and Colombia. Nonetheless, the Venezuela stretch of the highway is an important connector between Caracas and Bogot, the capital of Colombia. In Venezuela, the Pan-American Highway begins as Venezuela Highway 9 in Giria, a small town in the state of Sucre just west of Trinidad along the Caribbean coastline. From Giria, the highway winds its way west 76 kilometers to the town of Yaguaraparo. The highway reaches Yaguaraparo, a town located on the southern portion of the Paria Peninsula along the Gulf of Paria. Venezuela Highway 9 continues west for approximately 83 kilometers to the towns of Casanay and Pantoo. Upon reaching Casanay, Venezuela Highway 9 comes to a junction with Venezuela Highway 10, a major north-south highway. From Casanay and neighboring Pantoo, the Pan-American Highway continues west, with much of the highway running parallel to the Gulf of Cariacos. The highway reaches a junction with secondary highway 2 at Villa Frontado, which travels south into the neighboring state of Monagas. The total distance from Casanay to the city of Cuman is about 90 kilometers. Cuman, founded in 1521, is the oldest city on the entire South American continent. Cuman is located on the banks of the Ro Manzanares river and the Gulf of Cariacos. Things to see in Cumana include the Castillo de San Antonio de la Eminencia (Castle of Saint Anthony of the Eminence), the Museo del Mar (Maritime Museum), and the Cueva del Gucharo (Gucharo Cave). From Cuman, Venezuela Highway 9 travels southwest approximately 65 km to the border with the state of Anzotegui. After the Pan-American Highway crosses the state line into Anzotegui, it almost immediately enters the city of Barcelona. Barcelona was founded in 1671 and tends to be a fairly traditional Venezuelan city. Local attractions include the Barcelona Cathedral and Casa Fuerte ("strong house"), a national historic monument that exists as a tribute to Venezuelan independence. Nearby Puerto La Cruz is one of the most popular tourist areas in Venezuela and has some of the nation's best Caribbean beaches. Tourists can also take a ferry from Puerto La Cruz to the well-known Margarita Island. Traveling from Barcelona and Puerto La Cruz, the Pan-American Highway continues westward. For about 47 km, Venezuela Highway 9 becomes a limited-access expressway. The expressway returns to a regular two-lane highway at the town of Puerto Piritu. The highway travels another 62 km and then reaches the border with the state of Miranda at the town of Boca de Uchire. This portion of the highway includes a short stretch of travel through the llanos, or Venezuelan prairies. About 34 km west of Boca de Uchire, the highway starts climbing into the Cordillera Central mountains. This is also where Venezuela Highway 9 begins to move further away from the Caribbean Sea coastline. From Boca de Uchire to El Guapo is 65 km; from El Guapo to Caucagua is another 59 km. At Caucagua, the Pan-American Highway reaches a junction with Venezuela Highway 12. Continue northwest on Venezuela Highway 9 through the Cordillera Central. After about 21 km, the highway becomes a limited-access expressway; travel another 32 km west towards the Caracas metropolitan area and the Venezuela Federal District. With a population of around 4 million people, Caracas is the largest city and capital of Venezuela. Although near the Caribbean Sea, Caracas is located on a plateau at an approximate elevation of 2400 feet (800 meters), so its weather can vary greatly due to the abrupt changes in altitude. The city is located under Avila, a mountain with an elevation of approximately 7800 feet (2600 meters). Caracas is a very cosmopolitan city with plenty of recreational opportunities. Attractions include the Teresa Carreo Theater, the National Art Gallery, and Avila National Park. The Pan-American Highway leaves Venezuela Highway 9 in Caracas and turns south on Venezuela Highway 1, where it reenters the state of Miranda; the highway remains an expressway as it heads toward the border with the state of Carabobo for its remaining 48 km in Miranda state. Colombia Ecuador Peru Chile Argentina
|
 |
|
| Copyright 2005-2009 OnPedia.com. All Rights Reserved |
|
|