San Blas, Panama

Northern Panama
Population: 31,557
Elevation: 1 m/3 ft

Indian Reserve
Indigenous Culture
Eco Tourism

San Blas, Panama Vacation Guide

The islands of the San Blas Archipelago are strung out along the Caribbean coast of Panama from the Golfo de San Blas nearly all the way to the Colombian border. San Blas is a series of 378 islands of which only 49 are inhabited by the fiercely independent Kuna Indians. Although only a 20-minute plane ride away from Panama City, a trip to the San Blas islands will transport you 20 centuries into the past. The Kuna Indians, who run all the islands as an autonomous province with minimal interference from the national government, have maintained their own economic system, language, customs and culture, with distinctive dress, legends, music and dance and thus have avoided traditional tourism development. The economy of the islands is based on coconut sales, fishing and tourism, and they offer travelers good snorkeling and swimming. Facilities are few and simple, as is the food. The area is surrounded by reefs, some of the oldest in the world, and offer wonderful snorkeling opportunities, the best of which are between the months of April and June.

The most interesting islands are Achutupu, Kagantupu, Yandup and Coco Blanco. There are flights to several of the islands from Panama City or you can catch a ride with Kuna merchant ships from Colon, who will find the perfect island for your sunbathing and snorkeling pleasure. Travelers are invited to stay in San Blas hotels and based on our recent visits, we recommend staying at the Yandup Island Lodge which are accessible via Playon Chico airstrip. It is possible to visit the villages of the Kuna Indians, or to take a guided snorkeling tour. Both hotels will provide you with guides for activities like this. Snorkeling is absolutely fantastic with many corals and lots of fish. It is recommend to bring your own gear. Diving is not allowed in San Blas.

San Blas is famous for one of its arts and crafts, the mola. Kuna women make rainbow colored fabrics, emblazoned with fish, birds, jungle animals and geometric designs that would impress Picasso himself. The men still fish from canoes as they did before Columbus came. They still run up to the corner coconut palm trees for something fresh and cool to drink each morning, just as they have for untold centuries. When you take pictures of the Kuna Indians they will expect a tip!.

Location and Map

 

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San Blas Hotels

3-stars Hotels

Yandup Island Lodge