Kuna Yala or San Blas is one of the most fascinating places in the american continent. This autonomous indigenous region in the Republic of Panama comprises an archipielago of 356 islands in the Caribbean Sea, of which only 51 are inhabited. This territory also includes, along the archipielago, a ten kilometer wide strip of mainland which is covered in a great extension with virgin tropical forest.
The coral reefs that surround San Blas are particularly worthy of mention because most of them, unlike in other parts of the world, still conserve their original maritime life.
The Kuna population has lived traditionally isolated from the rest of the panamanian population. It has been only some years since Kuna Yala opened its doors carefully for national and international tourism. Due to this situation the Kuna people in San Blas Panama have mantained its authenticity. No visitor to San Blas will be able to forget the impression of being brought back into the time when Columbus discovered America. The new tourism in Kuna Yala centers its attention on eco-tourism, activities like fishing and snorkeling, as well as cultural tourism.
Food always fresh out of the sea in San Blas Panama To enjoy fresh out of the sea loabsters, crabs, shellfish and fish, come to San Blas. Our delicious recipes with these products of the sea made of coconut milk and tasty spices. Fresh Lobster, Grouper, Snapper, and Crab Platters await you!
Chicken or Vegan dishes available for those who don't enjoy seafood
Cabins in San Blas Panama Our roomy and comfortable cabins are build on piles in the sea. You will enjoy, from a beautifull terrace, a 180 degree escenic view of the Caribbean, where you can enjoy the sun, watch the stars and feel the amazing sea breeze. The cabins have 24 hours electricity thanks to solar panels installed on the roof of each cabin. The cabins have running water, a ceiling fan and a hammock. In a few words: this cabin is built for enjoying all the luxuries of a tropical environment.
The islands of the San Blas Archipelago are strung out along the Caribbean coast of Panama from the Golfo de San Blas nearly all the way to the Colombian border. San Blas is a series of 378 islands of which only 49 are inhabited by the fiercely independent Kuna Indians. Although only a 20-minute plane ride away from Panama City, a trip to the San Blas islands will transport you 20 centuries into the past. The Kuna Indians, who run all the islands as an autonomous province with minimal interference from the national government, have maintained their own economic system, language, customs and culture, with distinctive dress, legends, music and dance and thus have avoided traditional tourism development. The economy of the islands is based on coconut sales, fishing and tourism, and they offer travelers good snorkeling and swimming. Facilities are few and simple, as is the food. The area is surrounded by reefs, some of the oldest in the world, and offer wonderful snorkeling opportunities, the best of which are between the months of April and June.
The most interesting islands are Achutupu, Kagantupu, Yandup and Coco Blanco. There are flights to several of the islands from Panama City or you can catch a ride with Kuna merchant ships from Colón, who will find the perfect island for your sunbathing and snorkeling pleasure. Travelers are invited to stay in San Blas hotels and based on our recent visits, we recommend staying at the Yandup Lodge or the Sapibenega Lodge which are both accessible via Playon Chico airstrip. It is possible to visit the villages of the Kuna Indians, or to take a guided snorkeling tour. Both hotels will provide you with guides for activities like this. Snorkling is absolutely fantastic with many corals and lots of fish. It is recommend to bring your own gear. Diving is not allowed in San Blas.
San Blas is famous for one of its arts and crafts, the mola. Kuna women make rainbow colored fabrics, emblazoned with fish, birds, jungle animals and geometric designs that would impress Picasso himself. The men still fish from canoes as they did before Columbus came. They still run up to the corner coconut palm trees for something fresh and cool to drink each morning, just as they have for untold centuries. When you take pictures of the Kuna Indians they will expect a tip!.www.visitpanamadejavu.com
The islands of the San Blas Archipelago are strung out along the Caribbean coast of Panama from the Golfo de San Blas nearly all the way to the Colombian border. San Blas is a series of 378 islands of which only 49 are inhabited by the fiercely independent Kuna Indians. Although only a 20-minute plane ride away from 
San Blas is famous for one of its arts and crafts, the mola.