A beautiful part of Panama found along the Caribbean coast: The 365 islands of this archipelago offer white sand beaches, coconuts trees and turquoise waters.
San Blas was set up in 1938 as an autonomous Indian territory, the land and marine park of Kuna Yala . Today's Kuna Indians inhabit the islands as their ancestors did. They trade coconuts and fish for crabs, lobsters and snappers aboard their hand carved wooden canoes with patchwork sails, called "Cayucos".
Most of the communities speak only the ancient Kuna Indian language and the women still wear the traditional "mola" rainbow colored patterns with fishes, birds, jungle animals or geometric designs
Of the 365 islands, only about one-tenth are inhabited by 49 Kuna communities. The remaining islands are deserted.
No road gets to the archipelago: this helps preserving the San Blas from massive tourism. A wonderful sailing area and most anchorages are deserted. The best area to cruise is located between Rio Diablo (Corazon de Jesus) and Porvenir.
The Kuna have been resisting change to their culture since the Spanish first arrived over 500 years ago. Today the San Blas province has its own Kuna government, and each island is run by a chief. Tourism is limited to only a few of the islands, and you must get permission from the chief before visiting any of the islands. Electricity and running water are not available on the outer islands. Some of the Kuna have set up small lodges for a few visitors at a time.
When you visit the San Blas, you will see why they could become a popular destination. These pristine islands are perfect tropical islands covered with white sand and coconut trees. Kuna law prohibits fishing in their waters by boats with sophisticated machinery or the taking of anything from the sea that a diver can not reach with air from his own lungs. Scuba diving is therefore not permitted, but tourists may snorkel in the reef, one of the oldest and best preserved in the world.
There are hotels on the islands of Wichubwala, Nalunega, Ailigandi, Nargana, Achutupo and Carti-Sugtupu, which also provide meals for guests. Most Kuna communities have an airstrip, either on the island or the mainland nearby, and are easily accessible by light aircraft.
Sapibenega Hotel Sapibenega is the first totally ecological Kuna Lodge. It is located on a private island close to the community of Playon Chico in San Blas, on the Caribbean side of Panama . The hotel has 12 cabins constructed with natural materials, all facing the sea. Each one has private bathroom, equipped with composting toilets, fresh water from the mainland and electric energy provided by solar panels.
Dolphin Island Lodge Dolphin Lodge is on Uaguitupo is a grassy little island 100 meters from the island of Achutupu. The lodge consists of seven cabins with shared bathrooms and has capacity for 26 guests. Each Kuna style thatched cabin contains 3 comfortable double sized beds. Fresh water showers and toilets are available outside
El Porvenir
El Porvenir Hotel: 13 rooms. Tel: 221-1397
Nalunega Island
Hotel San Blas: 31 rooms, kuna style, 3 daily meals, tours around inhabited
and uninhabited islands. radio communication. Tel: 262-5410
Wichub-Wala Island
Hotel Anai 20 rooms, Wooden floor and cane walls.Tel:239-3025.
Kuna Kishua Hotel. Five basic rooms. Tel:227-5308
Sugtupu With cabin like aspect, wooden floor and cone walls.
Ailigandi Island
La Palmera One story concrete building, With restaurant and bar. It belongs
to the Town Cooperative Society.
Hotel Nargana 10 rooms; communication by radio. Hotel construction Kuna style.
Achutupo Island
Hotel Uaguitupo Cabins, restaurant, Bar.
Kuanidup Cabins, restaurant, bar.(Sidra River).
Iskardup Cabins, restaurant, bar.
Kwadule Eco-resort. 6 stand-alone cabinas and large restaurant. Tel: 269-6313