Discover San Blas Islands 2026

The indigenous Guna people have administered the island group as a fully self-governed autonomous region since 1925 under traditional law, preserving their own language, dress and way of life largely untouched by outside influences to this day.

According to tradition, the archipelago comprises 365 islands, one for every day of the year, most of which are tiny and uninhabited, with white sand, a few palm trees and crystal-clear water, like a classic Caribbean postcard.

The elaborately cut and sewn molas made by Guna women from several layered pieces of fabric feature geometric patterns and animal motifs and rank among the most significant indigenous textile art forms in Latin America, often purchased directly from the makers.

The crystal-clear waters around the barely inhabited islands harbor intact coral reefs and several shipwrecks and can be explored in nearly pristine condition, far from any mass tourism.

From Panama City, you can reach the Guna Yala region by 4x4 vehicle in about three hours along a winding mountain road, followed by a short boat crossing to the islands. Alternatively, small charter planes fly to several island airstrips.

The indigenous Guna people have administered the island group as a fully self-governed autonomous region since 1925 under traditional law, preserving their own language, dress and way of life largely untouched by outside influences to this day.

According to tradition, the archipelago comprises 365 islands, one for every day of the year, most of which are tiny and uninhabited, with white sand, a few palm trees and crystal-clear water, like a classic Caribbean postcard.

The elaborately cut and sewn molas made by Guna women from several layered pieces of fabric feature geometric patterns and animal motifs and rank among the most significant indigenous textile art forms in Latin America, often purchased directly from the makers.