The San Blas archipelago was our first 4-day stop on our Panama tour . We stayed there from December 27th to 30th and loved it!

The SAN BLAS archipelago

After seeing photos on blogs, I dreamed of a stay on these islands within an indigenous community. The Guna Yala or San Blas archipelago is an autonomous indigenous territory in the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Panama. Guna Yala comprises more than 360 islets stretching over 400 kilometers. Besides its picture-postcard landscapes, this archipelago offers the opportunity to connect with and discover Guna culture . With a tropical climate and a constant breeze, these islands are always sunny.

Here are some pictures of the swimmingpool and PELIKANS Island in theSan Blas archipelago.

The SAN BLAS and the community of Gunas or Kunas

These 50,000 indigenous people of the San Blas Islands , despite contact with the modern world, are determined to preserve their culture. They were already present on the archipelago before Christopher Columbus arrived. They live in self-sufficient communities and do everything they can to respect their traditions. I had read that Guna women only wear their traditional clothing in front of tourists and that as soon as they leave, they change back into trousers and t-shirts before leaving the islands to return to their apartments.

That's completely false. Having spent four days on De Mar Achudup, I can attest that the Guna people , who kindly welcomed us to their island, are genuinely authentic. The women dress traditionally at all times: mola, panelled skirts, bracelets on their ankles and arms, gold nose rings, and red headscarves. They live on their island with their families in huts similar to those rented to tourists. In some families, the men, who are more Westernized than the women, leave their island to work in the fields, growing corn or yucca; others fish, transport tourists on excursions, or trade with neighboring islands.

Certainly, the Guna people benefit from making money from tourism, but they are a people who care about their traditions and are far from everything that is said about them.

They greeted us a bit coldly at first, but very quickly, going towards had with some funny anecdotes, we managed to get a few smiles and a kind of mutual respect was established. Despite our curiosity, we felt that they did not wish to discuss with us. They stayed behind and we respected the distance they wanted to keep.

All we learned from them was Victor, the intermediary who took care of the stewardship and logistics for the tourists, who explained it to us.

How to go to SAN BLAS?

We went there by road from Panama City:

5:30 am Departure from our hotel in a pickup truck to the pier for the trip to the San Blas Islands with our private driver Oziel GONZALEZ Tel: + 507 6004 4721 or + 507 6576 6663

The trip lasts 2h30 with 1h30 of very bad road through the mountains and the forest. At the entrance to the Caribe region, there is a check point where you have to pay an entrance fee of 20 USD per person.

We go to puerto Dibin where we wait almost 2 hours before embarking on a "lancha"! The management of boats is a disaster! The tourists are shared on one side then the other, some luggage protected, others not, the latest arrivals leave before the first ... The registration documents go from hand to hand and do not come back to their issuer ... C ' is a mess.

10:00 AM Boat transfer to the island of Mar Achudup

10:50 Arrival on the island and settling into our cabin

Where to sleep in SAN BLAS?

The Guna people offer traditional accommodation in rustic huts built from natural materials. These are thatched huts with palm roofs set on the sand. Simply equipped with beds and luggage racks, there is no air conditioning or toilet inside. Electricity is available in the huts from 18:30 pm until midnight. Additionally, electronic devices can be recharged at the bar during the day. Sanitary facilities are shared and located outside.

The strong point of these accommodations is their location. Indeed, the cabins are placed directly on the beach, under the coconut trees, facing a superb lagoon, with a hammock waiting for you for long naps in the sun ...

In such a heavenly place, we quickly forget the lack of comfort and we like to live in Robinson Crusoe!

Option on Arridup Island

Alternatively, here is the Demar Achudup cabin where we stayed for 3 nights: More information on Booking

What do we eat at SAN BLAS?

When you book the hotel, you must have full board because there are no other dining options on these tiny islands.

The Guna people prepare simple dishes using the day's catch, accompanied by the region's famous coconut rice. For a change of pace, chicken is sometimes served. Please note that full board does not include drinks. Coca-Cola, beer, water, and sodas are available for purchase on-site at USD 2.

As an option, for 10 USD you can order a good lobster which they prepare with a garlic sauce.

What to do in SAN BLAS?

Find a calm life, simple and cut off from time. Take the time to bask in the sun, read a good novel, play chess, observe birds, especially the many Pelikans.

Main activities at SAN BLAS

Swimming and snorkeling, particularly in " la piscina " (the pool), and excursions to other islands such as Pelikans Island , Perro Chico Island , or Perro Grande Island are available. To visit Isla de los Holandeses (one of the most beautiful), there is an additional charge as the boat trip takes one hour each way.

At night, gazing at the stars in a sky free from light pollution is a real spectacle that can be enjoyed in SAN BLAS , then gently falling asleep to the sound of the waves…

How long at SAN BLAS?

We stayed there for 4 days or 3 nights. But, as I like to discover, move, walk… I must admit that 4 days is a bit too much. To make the most of it and not get bored, a short stay of 1 to 2 nights is more than enough, except for those who need a lot of rest.

After the San Blas,

Heading to Bocas del Toro!