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Panama is often an overlooked destination in the Caribbean, but a quick research proves that it has a lot to offer. The country is home to rainforests, deserts, the Panama Canal, one of the most remarkable maritime engineering feats, and a privileged coastline strategically located on both the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean.
Known as Guna Islands among locals, San Blas is arguably one of the unique places in Panama. Unlike other famous places in the Caribbean, there is no sign of resorts or modern facilities available, so travelers can't expect to find internet or phone signals. Yet, the 365 islands and cays in the archipelago offer an abundance of authenticity and pristine beaches.
What To Expect In San Blas
The Caribbean is often synonymous with a luxurious vacation, incredible all-inclusive resorts, vibrant nightlife, and countless tours. San Blas has remained untouched through the years, as outsiders can't buy properties on the islands. Travelers can have an immersive experience and must be prepared to disconnect, as the islands have no electricity or internet. There are restaurants on some islands where travelers can try red snapper fish and coconut-flavored rice.
When visiting San Blas, travelers should also take the trash back to the mainland. Those islands are remote and can't handle all the garbage from tourists.
How To Get To San Blas
The San Blas is situated 90 miles away from Panama City, and there are three ways to the archipelago.
- 4×4 jeep and water taxi: The most affordable way to reach San Blas is by 4x4, and it can be easily booked in hotels. The journey takes up to three hours and stops at Carti Suitipo and Garti Tupile. After that, travelers need to take a water taxi operated by locals or an agency.
- Price: 4x4 Jeep - Between $25 and $35 (one way) | Water Taxi - Between 10 and $25.
Sailboat: Travelers can also schedule a private catamaran tour in Panama City, and it's easy to personalize the itinerary. It's also possible to reach the archipelago leaving Cartagena, Colombia. Many agencies offer sailing tours to San Blas, which take approximately five days.
Before booking the boats, it's recommended to see the ship before, meet the captain and read the reviews online. Travelers coming from Colombia should also pay a border tax of $100.
- Price: Private Boats in San Blas - Between $160 and $446 | From Cartagena to San Blas - Between $ 465 and $750.
Flight: It's also possible to catch a flight from Panama City to El Porvenir, where there is a small airstrip. Other places on the archipelago that can be reached by plane are Achutupu, Garti/Carti, Corazon, de Jesus, Playon Chico and Rio Sidra. Air Panama or Aeroperlas are the only airlines operating in the region, and it's highly recommended to book the tickets in advance, as the airplanes are small.
- Avoid The Darien Gap: Adventurous travelers might feel tempted to cross the border between Colombia and Panama through the Darien Gap. This is one of the most untamed jungles on the continent and a route for drug traffic between both countries, so travelers should avoid it.
How Long Do You Need To Visit San Blas?
If travelers decide to spend one day on each island of the San Blas archipelago, they will need one year to see everything. Yet, travelers with a short time in Panama can schedule a day tour to some islands.
- Day Trip: The tours leave around 6 a.m. from Panama City, and travelers can expect to see two or three islands during the day. Some of the most famous are Isla Pelicano, La Piscina, Perro Grande, and Wiley. The price often includes taxes, snorkeling material, and meals, but not drinks.
- Price: $125
- Sleeping on the island: Travelers who want an immersive experience in San Blas should stay at least two nights on the island. The best thing about the tours is that they are more relaxed than day trips, and they can enjoy islands that are not well-known among tourists and visit secluded beaches.
The accommodations are managed by Kuna families, as foreigners and outsiders aren't allowed to have a business on the island. Therefore, travelers can't expect to find hotels - the accommodations are often built with natural materials and different styles.
The sailing boat tours can have itineraries between two and five days.
When To Visit And What To Pack
The best time to visit is during the dry season (from December to March) when there are no clouds and the weather is perfect. It's also when there are a higher number of tourists. The rainy season happens between April and November, and tourists are more likely to have rainy days. However, San Blas is not part of the hurricane belt in the Caribbean, so even during the rainy season, visitors don't have to worry about it.
When packing to visit the San Blas archipelago, travelers must pack light as there's limited space on cars and boats. Bringing the original passport is mandatory; having cash is also recommended, as there are no ATMs around and cards are not accepted on the island. Travelers sleeping on the islands should be aware that there's no electricity, so bringing a light torch is crucial.
There are no drinkable sources on the islands, and bringing a gallon of water is highly recommended. On top of that, also bring snacks, coral-friendly sunscreen, nature-friendly shampoo and soap, a quick dry towel, swimming gear, and an extra battery for the electronics.