For many people, clear blue ocean, sandy beaches and palm trees waving in the breeze sound like the recipe for an idyllic holiday. Unfortunately many of the world's great beach destinations are overrun by tourists and large resort developments, so that there is almost nothing of the local culture left. If you're looking for a slice of paradise with a good dollop of local flavor thrown in, you may want to consider one of the San Blas tours on offer.
The San Blas Archipelago is a group of nearly four hundred islands off the north-east coast of Panama. Most of these islands are uninhabited. There are no large hotel chains here and getting to the islands involves either a flight in a light aircraft or a series of boat transfers from mainland towns like Carti.
A stay in one of the relatively basic accommodation options on the San Blas islands will make you feel like a castaway. You can spend your days lazing in a hammock or on the beach. If you feel like doing something more active, you can go snorkeling or sailing.
What makes the archipelago really special is that it forms part of the Kuna Yala territory of Panama. The indigenous Kuna people live in villages on about forty of the islands. They have a fascinating culture and the women still wear their colorful traditional dress and make-up. Some tour operators offer cultural excursions to Kuna communities and you may even stay with a Kuna family.
During your visit to the archipelago, be a responsible traveler and respect the local people. Cover up when you visit the villages since the Kuna regard immodest dress as a sign of disrespect. Also treat the people the way you would like visitors to your home town to treat you. For instance, you won't like someone shoving a camera in your face as you go about your daily life so you shouldn't do it to the Kuna.
When you pack, keep in mind that the climate is hot and humid. One or two light sweaters are probably the only warm clothing you'll need. Even during the rainy summer season it's rarely cold but an umbrella or rain gear will come in handy. During rainy season, the days are usually sunny with showers in the late afternoons.
Because the islands are quite isolated, it's a good idea to bring enough sunscreen, insect repellent and toiletries when you visit. These items might be difficult to find in island shops and will be much more expensive than on the mainland. Also remember that ATMs aren't as readily available as elsewhere and you'll need to bring enough cash. Panama uses the US dollar as its currency.
The best way to visit the archipelago is as part of an organized tour. There are several operators that offer San Blas tours that include transport, accommodation and excursions. Travelling with a smaller, local outfit usually has a much less negative impact on Kuna culture and the environment than, for instance, visiting the islands by cruise ship. It's also useful to know that some operators use the archipelago as a stopover on the route between Panama and Colombia, providing a safer and more interesting alternative to crossing the notorious Darien Gap that separates the two countries.
The San Blas Archipelago is a group of nearly four hundred islands off the north-east coast of Panama. Most of these islands are uninhabited. There are no large hotel chains here and getting to the islands involves either a flight in a light aircraft or a series of boat transfers from mainland towns like Carti.
A stay in one of the relatively basic accommodation options on the San Blas islands will make you feel like a castaway. You can spend your days lazing in a hammock or on the beach. If you feel like doing something more active, you can go snorkeling or sailing.
What makes the archipelago really special is that it forms part of the Kuna Yala territory of Panama. The indigenous Kuna people live in villages on about forty of the islands. They have a fascinating culture and the women still wear their colorful traditional dress and make-up. Some tour operators offer cultural excursions to Kuna communities and you may even stay with a Kuna family.
During your visit to the archipelago, be a responsible traveler and respect the local people. Cover up when you visit the villages since the Kuna regard immodest dress as a sign of disrespect. Also treat the people the way you would like visitors to your home town to treat you. For instance, you won't like someone shoving a camera in your face as you go about your daily life so you shouldn't do it to the Kuna.
When you pack, keep in mind that the climate is hot and humid. One or two light sweaters are probably the only warm clothing you'll need. Even during the rainy summer season it's rarely cold but an umbrella or rain gear will come in handy. During rainy season, the days are usually sunny with showers in the late afternoons.
Because the islands are quite isolated, it's a good idea to bring enough sunscreen, insect repellent and toiletries when you visit. These items might be difficult to find in island shops and will be much more expensive than on the mainland. Also remember that ATMs aren't as readily available as elsewhere and you'll need to bring enough cash. Panama uses the US dollar as its currency.
The best way to visit the archipelago is as part of an organized tour. There are several operators that offer San Blas tours that include transport, accommodation and excursions. Travelling with a smaller, local outfit usually has a much less negative impact on Kuna culture and the environment than, for instance, visiting the islands by cruise ship. It's also useful to know that some operators use the archipelago as a stopover on the route between Panama and Colombia, providing a safer and more interesting alternative to crossing the notorious Darien Gap that separates the two countries.
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