San Blas Islands, Guna Yala Comarca, Panama
For anyone traveling to Panama on a vacation, the San Blas islands should be on top of their list. Scattered over 100 square miles on the Caribbean coast of Panama, the 365 tiny coconut islands of the San Blas archipelago make up one of Central America's most intriguing destinations and will guarantee a unique and once in a lifetime travel experience.
This is truly a paradise as anyone would imagine it, with colorful coral reefs, sunken shipwrecks and tropical palm dotted islets wherever one sets his gaze. Add a few wooden, thatched cabins and fine, powdery white sand, and you will have your perfect Robinson Crusoe paradise getaway.
The San Blas region is home to the Guna population, the first indigenous tribe in Latin America to achieve political autonomy. While embracing a few modern inventions, such as outboard motors and basic mobile phones, much about this amazing culture and its traditions has been preserved; compared to other, more commercialized destinations in the Caribbean, visiting the Comarca de Guna Yala will allow visitors to get a glimpse of the local customs.
Planning your vacation to San Blas might require a little more preparation, but luckily we are San Blas specialists and have you covered on your island vacation.
IMPORTANT SAN BLAS DISCLAIMER - PLEASE READ!
While San Blas is a beautiful island archipelago with stunning beaches and clear waters, it also has its downsides, for which we would like to make you aware off.
San Blas is very rustic without the amenities and standards you might be used to from home. Compared to places such as Tahiti and Maldives that are managed by international hotel chains, San Blas has remained autonomous without the influence of outsiders. When visiting San Blas, it should be viewed as a cultural experience where guests live with the Kunas and respect their traditions and ways of living.
- No aircondition
- No Wifi
- No luxury facilities
- Electricity only available between 6pm and 6am
- Water is a precious commodity in San Blas. It is either brought in by boat or pumped from the island well. Oftentimes pumps can malfunction and cause water outages.
- Beds and mattresses can be uncomfortable
All services will all be handled by the indigenous Kuna. While Tao Travel 365 strives to provide the best service possible and train the Kuna in customer management, some of the below services are often out of our control.
Car transportation (the ride to San Blas takes 2.5 to 3 hours, with 1.5 hours over slow, curvy roads with potholes. For those with motion sickness, please prepare accordingly)
Boat transportation (depending on weather and ocean conditions, the 20-40 minute boat ride might be bumpy and wet with ocean spray).
Island cabin management (cabins are very rustic and facilities, such as showers and bathrooms are often “home-made” with PVC pipes. Some guests have complained that sheets are old).
Island kitchen (meal plans are repetitive and food might taste bland)
Trash is a worldwide problem and unfortunately San Blas has not been spared from the ever increasing issue. During certain tides and ocean and wind conditions plastic trash from throughout the Caribbean ocean accumulates on the beaches of San Blas. While the local Kuna are working hard to collect the constant trash washing up on their beaches, guests will nevertheless find evidence of plastic spread out on the island.
During the wet months (April - December) or during windless days, all of San Blas experiences sandflies, which are little blood-sucking flies that leave itchy marks. Please ensure to bring natural insect repellent and prepare to return to Panama City with a few itchy memories.
We kindly ask our guests to lower their expectation when visiting San Blas and to focus on the beautiful paradise that San Blas has remained despite the effects that modern society has ceased to them. The Kunas are very gentle and kind people, but can also be somewhat shy at times. When approaching them with a smile and an open heart you will be guaranteed an innocent, happy smile in return.
