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The San Blas Islands, PanamaA Four Hundred Island Archipelago in Panama's Comarca de Kuna Yala
Located in the Caribbean Sea between Panama and Colombia, the stunning San Blas Islands are about as close to unspoiled paradise as you can get.
The San Blas Archipelego is a scattering of small islands of powder-soft white sand are dotted with swaying palm trees and gently lapped by clear blue-green waters. If you find yourself in Panama, and want to go off the beaten path, the San Blas Islands are a must-see. The actual number of islands in the San Blas archipelago is disputed, but is somewhere between 350 and 400, mostly quite small and home to only a few families, or uninhabited altogether. Located off the Caribbean coast of Panama, the San Blas Islands form part of the Comarca de Kuna Yala, an autonomous region of Panama run by the Kuna people. The Kuna PeopleThe Kuna have maintained their culture since before Colombus first visited the islands in 1502. After a rebellion against the government of Panama in 1925, the Comarca de Kuna Yala was officially recognized in 1938, and the constitution was ratified in 1945. Today the Kuna have a separate economic system and continue to speak their own language, although you will find some Spanish spoken as well. Though the men have adopted Western style shorts and t-shirts, the women still wear their traditional colorful beaded and layered clothing, including molas and elaborate beading (called winni) wound around the wrists and ankles in complex geometric patterns. Every island in the San Blas archipelago, no matter how enticingly deserted, and every palm tree on it, is owned by someone. This means that every coconut you see on a tree or lying in the sand, is also owned by someone. The coconuts are used as part of the Kuna economy, so you should never help yourself. The Kuna have a seperate system of trade among themselves, but the currency of tourism is the same as in the rest of Panama – the US dollar. Carry plenty of these, because you won't find ATMs. Always ask permission to take photos of the Kuna people, and be prepared to pay $1 US for each photo you take. San Blas AccomodationAccomodation in San Blas is basic. Though a few eco-lodges have opened in response to the recent trend toward eco-tourism, there are no resorts or five-star accomodation available. Expect to pay around $40 per night or more for a very simple room with meals and excursions to other islands included. Things to do in San BlasSan Blas is not the place to go if you want to be kept frantically busy. Activities in San Blas include walking on the beach, lying on the beach, swimming, snorkeling, spear-fishing, and shopping for molas. Note that Kuna beliefs (and laws) prohibit scuba diving in the Comarca. San Blas SouvenirsMolas, the best known Kuna handicrafts, are lovely hand-crafted textile pieces created by painstakingly sewing multiple layers of cloth together to create colorful depictions of sea and other animal life and geometric patterns. Originally meant to be sewn as panels onto Kuna women’s blouses, they also make lovely wall hangings. These will cost $10 for the simpler patterns, on up through $100 for larger pieces. (Don’t worry about where to find molas – the mola salesladies will find you!) You can also buy shell jewelry and simple carvings. Getting to San Blas, PanamaIt's possible to fly to San Blas from Panama City. Aeroperlas (a division of TACA) flies from Panama City to El Porvenir, Cartí, Puerto Obaldía, and Río Sidra several times a week. Flights take from twenty-five minutes to one hour and will cost between $80 and $150 round trip. If you have more time, or if you happen to be traveling between Central and South America anyway, the best way to visit the San Blas Islands is to sail between Panama and Colombia. This route will allow you to see islands you might not otherwise have been able to see. Either way, The San Blas Islands are well worth a visit.
The copyright of the article The San Blas Islands, Panama in Panama Travel is owned by Megan Lyles. Permission to republish The San Blas Islands, Panama in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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