[Spexxvet]

Originally Posted by Undertoad

I've often wondered whether it would be possible to drive from here on the east coast US, down to the bottom tip of South America. And at what point would I need to be rescued...

Google Maps claims there's no road through a section of Panama, but surely the locals get around somehow...

You are CORRECT, sir!
from wiki

The Pan-American Highway (French: Route panaméricaine, Spanish: Carretera Panamericana or Spanish: Autopista Panamericana) is a network of roads measuring about 47,958 kilometers (29,800 miles) in total length. Except for an 87 kilometers (54 mi) rainforest break, called the Darién Gap, the road links the mainland nations of the Americas in a connected highway system. According to Guinness World Records, the Pan-American Highway is the world's longest "motorable road". However, because of the Darién Gap, it is not possible to cross between South America and Central America by traditional motor vehicle.