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An island to call your own. An island for every day of the year. The setting seems surreal, it's true. But believe me, it exists and is within your reach.
The scene composition doesn't stop there. There's also a dazzlingly colored Caribbean Sea, beachfront cabanas with balconies, and plenty of coconut trees providing shade and fresh water. If all of this is part of your bundle of happiness, welcome to San Blas!
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Among more than 360 islands - and among them, less than 50 inhabited - you will live days immersed in paradise.
The small portions of sand contain so much beauty that it is difficult not to be moved. It is like being in a children's animation, where the sets are so perfect that they seem to have been designed for the big screen.
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And if you need something more to feel totally fulfilled, take a boat and sail across the sea with all its shades of blue and green on the way to the next paradise, or island.
The destination is still little known, but you may find yourself staying on an island with Belgian, Swiss, French, Portuguese, Chilean, Argentinian, Mexican and Canadian tourists… Phew! With each conversation, a new nationality will emerge and San Blas is becoming more and more of a myth among explorers from all over the world.
The archipelago, located off the Atlantic coast of Panama, has already been the subject of numerous disputes.
For centuries, the Indians who lived in that region, called Kuna, fought to maintain their traditions, their culture and - most importantly - their territory.
The battles were fought especially over the natural resources of the area, which, in addition to being densely forested, is rich in gold.
Only in 1925, after four days of revolution during the carnival, did the Kuna gain the right to be an autonomous indigenous region (and the Panamanian government did not sign the terms until 1938).
Today, the territory formerly known as San Blas is officially called Kuna Yala.
The Kuna Yala region is made up of the San Blas archipelago and more than 320,000 hectares of preserved forest.
Any exploitation of natural resources is prohibited in the region. Only the Kuna indigenous people have rights to the land and no foreign investment is permitted.
Precisely for this reason, Kuna Yala remains one of the few islands in the Caribbean that offers such an intimate experience with nature, where visitors stay in simple cabins, without the artificiality of large tourist complexes, and enjoy almost indigenous islands.
Where to stay in San Blas?
If you are the type of traveler who wants to enjoy the luxury of large resorts, the comfort of king-size beds with Egyptian cotton sheets, whirlpool tubs and air conditioning, forget about San Blas.
But if you really want to enjoy one of the most paradisiacal places in the world, lose yourself among spectacular landscapes, wake up in the ocean and have an island to call your own, San Blas is your destination!
Let's not kid ourselves. Visiting the Kuna Yala region is a task for those with an open heart and mind for a very rustic but absolutely unique experience.
You will have to give up almost all the comforts and many rules that seem basic and obligatory in everyday life.
Put aside the fact that there is no 24-hour electricity, hot and fresh water in the shower, television in the rooms (by the way, there is no plug in the room, nor in the cabin), fresh new bedding, towels that are changed every day and your own bathroom.
Attention! Do you still want to go to San Blas? Then welcome to one of the most beautiful beach destinations in the world!
The main factor that determines the type of accommodation that exists in San Blas is that the territory is an indigenous reservation.
In the Kuna Yala region, all the islands are owned by the Kuna and only they can explore the archipelago. Initially, tourism focused on learning about indigenous culture, so much of the accommodation is modeled after traditional Kuna village huts.
However, this has been changing and now Indians have started to invest in structures with more comfort and privacy.
The transformation taking place on many islands is visible, where straw huts are giving way to wooden and even masonry bungalows.
For many, this may be a negative, as it detracts from the authenticity of the place. For others, a little comfort is welcome, which will undoubtedly increase the number of tourists in the region.
So hurry up and visit San Blas before it becomes a popular and crowded destination.
The San Blas archipelago is made up of over 360 islands. So many options make it difficult to choose where to stay. And, believe me, although almost all the islands are beautiful, there are several drawbacks that can hinder your stay there.
The main thing to know is that the most structured accommodations are in the less beautiful regions (Playón Chico, Achutupo, Corazón de Jesús and El Porvenir) and the most rustic ones are in the most beautiful ones (Cartí region). If you intend to stay in a “hotel” with a masonry room and private bathroom, be prepared to take a boat every day to an island with a beautiful beach.
It's the price you pay for comfort. But if you're ready for a straw hut and a foot in the sand, you won't need to leave the balcony to be happy.
Accommodation in cabins
More common and also more disputed among tourists, cabin accommodation attracts travelers willing to choose a beautiful beach to spend their days in San Blas, without focusing too much on comfort.
The norm among the huts is that they are all made of straw. Inside, the floor is made of sand and there are only beds and a small table.
Some offer beaten floors, walls lined with fabric, verandas facing the beach, one or more beds, chairs and hammocks.
The question of bathrooms is perhaps the most critical for those staying in a cabin. There are almost no options with private bathrooms.
In general, they are very precarious, poorly finished and with questionable hygienic conditions. The showers are never electric (in fact, they don't even need to be) and the water in the bathroom is brackish.
The toilet is not always covered and often the cistern may be just a bucket of water thrown in by the guest himself.
There are exceptions to this rule, with some islands offering toilets inside the cabins, not much better, but certainly more reserved.
The San Blas Archipelago is for those who like remarkable experiences, exotic destinations, breathtaking landscapes and a wonderful story to tell.
As San Blas is a destination still very little explored, and entirely managed by indigenous people, there will not always be information available on the Internet.
And we assure you, it is very difficult not to feel like the happiest and most privileged person in the world looking at the sea of San Blas.
Dutch Cays
Choosing which islands to visit or where to stay is no easy task. There are many options and, as incredible as it may seem, they are all different from each other.
There are islands with just one coconut tree, others without any; some are surrounded by a sea so shallow that it looks like a swimming pool, while others have coral formations that make the water multicoloured and invite hours of diving.
There are deserted islands, many unnamed and others filled with cabins, and there is even one that will captivate you.
The most important thing to keep in mind is that your trip will only be as good as your island, so choose wisely, especially if you have little time to explore the region.
The most beautiful and famous islands of the archipelago are located in the northwestern part of the Kuna Yala Region, near the Port of Cartí and the El Porvenir airport, where the Gulf of San Blas is located.
Although many islands are incredibly beautiful, some have gained more notoriety. The most famous among visitors is Isla Perro (Achudup or Perro Chico). It offers all the best of San Blas in one island.
It has an excellent stretch of sand for the beach, a long stretch of “pool” in the sea, a good restaurant for visitors and even a sunken ship that gave rise to several corals.
It is one of the most interesting spots for snorkelling, as the boat is very shallow and even children can reach it.
Also part of most excursions, but not exactly an island, the sandbar of Isla Estrellas attracts many visitors.
The natural pool formed in the middle of the sea, in addition to the beautiful landscape, offers visitors the opportunity to see several starfish.
Since visibility from the water is enormous, it is easy to find them, even walking with your face out of the water.
Another very popular island, especially among Panamanians, is Isla Aguja (Icodub).
The reason for the island's high demand is that it is the closest to the mainland, meaning it has the quickest access.
The structure of Aguja is one of the best, with brick houses and bathrooms, a good restaurant, cabins and camping areas. The sea is also beautiful.
The only factor that doesn't help is the excess of people.
For those who prefer to enjoy a quieter, but not deserted, environment, Perro Grande and Chichimè islands are excellent options.
One of the best excursions for those staying on the islands is to explore the most remote areas of the archipelago.
According to the Kuna themselves, the most beautiful area of all San Blas is the group of islands known as the Dutch Cays.
The area is practically untouched, which gives visitors the feeling of being the discoverers and sole inhabitants of this paradise.
Going to Cayos Holandeses is like upgrading when you are already in a five-star destination.
On the way back, be sure to stop by Star Island, where there are no cabins and only the most relaxed travelers stay in tents.
How long does it take to get to know San Blas??
The ideal way to enjoy San Blas is to spend at least two nights. This way you will have the opportunity to spend one day relaxing on the island and the other exploring other wonders of the archipelago.
It is a place to take it easy and enjoy every minute of the scenery without rushing.
It should not be forgotten that we are talking about an environment full of nature, which means that some birds enter the cabins and eat the unprotected food and lizards walk on the walls, insects (especially ants) can be part of daily life on the islands.
Don't expect a sterile environment.
Accommodation in tents
Those who are used to camping will feel right at home in the San Blas Archipelago.
Almost all islands that offer cabin accommodation also accept camping guests.
And those who bring their own tent can even choose an island that doesn't even have a cabin, meaning they'll have the chance to experience an even more exclusive setting.
This practice is quite common and perhaps even more advisable. You will have total control over your territory, especially in matters such as hygiene and comfort.
Bringing all your camping gear will make your island experience much more predictable.
Prices are usually cheaper for those who use the camping area, and tourists who choose this option will still be able to enjoy three meals a day and also a communal bathroom.
Avoid bulky luggage and unnecessary items. If you decide to camp on an island that does not have cabins, check the sanitary facilities offered.
This aspect may disappoint you a little and end up ruining your trip if it catches you by surprise.
Tips for days on the islands
Bring bed and bath linen or a sleeping bag. The sheets are not very clean, which can be annoying. Don't forget your towel, it is not provided on the island.
Have a padlock that can be used to both secure your backpack to the tent and to close it. It's not common to see cases of theft in cabins, but it doesn't hurt to be prepared;
Keep your documents in waterproof bags. They are at great risk in a beach environment and on the islands you will have nowhere to store them;
Bring a flashlight or other light source. The electricity is not on 24 hours a day and you may need it to get around the island at night (although the moonlight is very bright);
Always carry a gallon of fresh water;
Bring enough toilet paper rolls for the number of days you will be there. Although they are available on the islands, they are not always dry and in good condition;
Baby wipes are welcome to complement basic hygiene;
Bring a pair of slippers that you can use during your shower, as well as a plastic bag that you can hang up with your clothes, towel, and supplies (you don't want to leave them on the floor, trust me);
Food in San Blas
Those who wish to visit San Blas will have to give up several luxuries, one of them directly related to food.
The islands do not offer many resources or a structure that favors the preparation of elaborate meals or extensive menus.
In San Blas there are no snack bars, bakeries, grocery stores, minibars, kitchens in the rooms and much less themed restaurants like in other Caribbean destinations.
The only way San Blas comes close to the big resorts is that it is also a kind of “all-inclusive.”
Almost all (if not all) accommodations in the Panamanian archipelago offer a complete package with breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day trips also include lunch, which is standard on the islands in the Kuna Yala region.
Despite being an indigenous territory, the food served to tourists is not typical of the Kuna, but quite the opposite. The dishes are very familiar and differ little from what we are used to eating every day.
Everything is very simple but tasty. The portions are not always generous, but the Kuna do not usually refuse seconds.
The weakest meal is usually breakfast, which is dominated by eggs and bread and drinks such as instant coffee and tea. Don't expect much variety, but rest assured that no one will go hungry.
Drinks are not included in the daily rate, but the islands offer soft drinks, water, juices and beers for sale.
Remember that electricity does not always work full time, so there is always a risk of hot drinks.
Here are some tips that can improve your stay in San Blas:
Always carry foods that can complement your meals, such as: breakfast cereals; almonds and walnuts; dried and fresh fruits (bananas and apples); salami; flatbreads; cereal bars and drinks in long-life containers.
Prevention is always better than starving.
Please note that there is no refrigerator on the islands, so forget about any food that needs refrigeration.
Always carry a litre of water, especially if you are spending several days on the island. It will be useful not only for drinking, but also for brushing your teeth.
Small, single-serving beverages are also acceptable. Panamanian supermarkets offer a wide variety of these products.
If you want to “order” a special meal, such as lobster or crab, always order it at the previous meal. The Kuna do not prepare anything with last-minute orders.
If you are going on a day trip, order your food as soon as you arrive on the island. The options are limited and you may not be able to choose what you want.
Always carry small dollar bills. Large bills are not common among the Kunas.
Take some stomach medication with you, it will be good if you don't adapt to the food.
¿When to go to San Blas?
The paradisiacal setting of San Blas would not be complete without an absolutely wonderful climate.
The islands surrounded by coconut trees and the intense color of the Caribbean Sea come to life even more under the persistent sun that reigns in the region.
Located in the tropical zone of the map, and outside the hurricane belt, the archipelago enjoys stable temperatures and extremely calm weather.
The temperature in San Blas never drops below 20°C and almost always stays around 27°C (the hottest months are March and April, with highs of 32°C).
The nights are cool and the skies incredibly starry, while the days are almost always sunny and inviting for swimming.
