San Blas, is an archipelago made up of 365 islands, located in the Panamanian Caribbean. In this region the indigenous people from Guna origin reside, known in Panama for their picturesque typical dresses and the making of molas.
365 Islands to Choose
In Guna Yala, each island is assigned to one of their own to administrate. Some islands have facilities such as restaurant, private cabins, bathrooms and bar; and others offer a virgin land ideal for those travelers who wish to disconnect completely.
These are the most popular islands by many Visitors:
Aguja (needle) Island: just 15 minutes from mainland, visitors can camp and bathe in its crystal clear waters or snorkel.
Dog Island, at Limones Keys: here a Colombian sailboat sank and it is possible to snorkel in its surroundings.
Chicheme Island: in addition to having a beautiful beach, here you will find cabins and a restaurant that serves sea delicacies.
Activities
Besides the impressive natural beauty that can be enjoyed in every corner of this paradise, there is also a good amount of activities that every Visitor can do.
Snorkeling: it is the most popular activity after a good dip in the crystal clear waters of this archipelago.
Beach volleyball: Several islands have the space to play this sport with family or friends.
Camping: Always accompanied by a bonfire in the light of the Atlantic stars, it is simply incomparable.
Cayuco Tour: Learning how the Guna Indians have been transported from one island to another for centuries is perhaps the most significant activity of any visit.
Visiting Paradise
To get to Guna Yala, there are multiple tour operators that offer the transfer service from Panama City to Carti Port, which is the starting point to go to San Blas Islands. There is no public transportation to get to San Blas and upon arrival it is mandatory to pay a tax of USD $ 20.00 per person. If the person is Panamanian or resides in Panama, the tax is USD $ 5.00
At Cartí Port you take a boat to one of the many islands at your disposal. The boats are shared and have a maximum capacity of 12 people. You can reserve a seat in advance through a tour operator or upon arrival. The boat trip to the islands depends on the distance and the weather. Isla Aguja is 15 minutes away, however Isla Perro is 35 minutes away.
Accommodations
In Guna Yala there are no luxury hotels, however, it has islands that offer cabins built by the indigenous people for rent. These cabins can be booked privately or shared. The cabins have beds, fan and mosquito nets; the electric light comes from solar panels and these turn off at 11:00 pm.
Delicious Cuisine from the Sea
At Guna Yala, seafood is the specialty. It serves fish, crab, lobsters and shrimp that are usually the catch of the day, but there are also options such as chicken and vegetarian food. The lobster dish is the flagship of the natives and it is almost mandatory to try it.
There is alot÷write a lot about this world-class destination, but words will always be short before such natural beauty and hospitality of its people, you have to live it in person. More information: www.gunayala.com/es.
