What it's like for migrants traveling the Darién Gap to America

The journey through the Darién Gap, a dense and dangerous stretch of tropical forest spanning the border between Colombia and Panama, is an extremely challenging and perilous experience for migrants seeking to reach the United States. Here's an overview of what it's like for migrants traveling through this region:

Inaccessible terrain: The Darién Gap is characterized by its rugged, mountainous terrain, dense rainforest, swamps, and rivers. There are no roads or established pathways, making it nearly impossible for vehicles to pass through. Migrants must traverse this challenging landscape on foot, making their way through thick vegetation, treacherous terrains, and crossing rivers.

Lack of infrastructure: The area lacks basic infrastructure such as roads, medical facilities, and communication networks. Migrants often have to rely on guides or smugglers who claim to know the way through the jungle. These guides may charge exorbitant fees and may not have the migrants' best interests at heart, putting them at further risk.

Harsh environmental conditions: The Darién Gap is known for its harsh environmental conditions. Migrants face extreme heat, humidity, heavy rainfall, and the constant presence of insects and wildlife. This, combined with the lack of clean water and adequate food supplies, puts them at risk of dehydration, malnutrition, and exposure to diseases.

Safety risks: The Darién Gap is notorious for its high levels of violence, including the presence of criminal organizations, drug traffickers, and armed groups. Migrants are vulnerable to robbery, assault, kidnapping, and human trafficking. Women and children, in particular, face additional risks, including sexual violence and exploitation.

Health hazards: Migrants are exposed to various health hazards during their journey through the Darién Gap. In addition to the lack of clean water and proper sanitation facilities, they may come into contact with diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, Zika virus, and other tropical illnesses. Access to medical care is limited, exacerbating health risks.

Humanitarian challenges: Due to the difficult conditions in the Darién Gap, migrants often find themselves in need of humanitarian assistance. Aid organizations, such as the Red Cross and local NGOs, work to provide some relief, but resources are limited, and reaching migrants in remote areas can be challenging.

It's important to note that attempting to cross the Darién Gap is illegal and extremely dangerous. Migrants face significant risks to their safety and well-being. Authorities in both Colombia and Panama actively discourage and try to prevent migrants from making this journey.