Journey of Desperation: Record Numbers Brave Darién Gap for Uncertain Future

The dense jungle area between Panama and Colombia, known as the Darien Gap, is a treachorous route for migrants from South America headed north to the United States. (Credit: AFP / Raul ARBOLEDA)

Over half a million people crossed the Darién Gap, the treacherous jungle path between Panamá and Colombia, last year as they migrated to the north, according to figures from the Panamanian government seen by Reuters this week.

Concretely, the figure was closer to 520,000 people, more than double of last year's figures. Around a quarter of the total were minors, said Samira Gozaine, a Panamanian official.