San Blas Islands
Ah, the beautiful San Blas islands. The stuff dreams are made of, white sand beaches, palm trees, rustic cabins by the sea, this is where you come to get away from it all. Can you imagine a few days at San Blas? We can, and we can organise tours in the San Blas islands for you. Well, it`s not a tour of San Blas as such, but we`ll explain…….
The San Blas islands, or Kuna Yala, comprise of 365 (one for everyday of the year they say) islands located along the Caribbean coats of Panama. Granted semi independence in 1925, the Kuna Yala is run by an elected Congresso. Some 40 islands are inhabited and run by a chief who is a representative to the Congresso. The Kunas have managed to fiercely retain their culture for over 500 years, despite repression by first the colonial Spanish and then Panamanian governments. Life in the islands is still very traditional, many live as their families have done for generations. The Kunas guard their San Blas islands by only allowing Kunas to own property within their territory. Foreign, or Panamanian , owned businesses are not allowed. Only some communities have running water and cooking is still often done over open fires. Most people still sleep in hammocks in communal areas inside their huts. The women still wear brightly coloured clothing, wide skirts and multi-coloured beaded bracelets wrapped the whole length of their lower legs and arms. It`s not uncommon to see Kuna women dressed like this in all parts of Panama.
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Here at Mamallena we provide objective information about San Blas and about what accommodation options you have in the islands. You make a decision about where you`d like to stay and our travel agency Panama Travel Unlimited make the booking for you. We have been sending people to the San Blas islands longer than any other hostel or travel agency with over 13 years experience..But luckily the days of a 7 hour 4×4 ride are over!!
Our Recommendations
The “Ultimate” San Blas Tour (All Inclusive)
We have done our very best to have this run more smoothly than other options but ultimately we are at the mercy of the Guna’s and frankly they will always be disorganized to a degree so best just accept it before going. We have special discounts and promotions for this tour, please click HERE for details Pros:Trustworthy/Easy to book/All Inclusive/Daily tours to other islands/Beer-soda with lunch & dinner/Unlimited water/Snorkelling equipment/Games/English speaking Guna guides/Cuba Libre nights/Large beach and great snorkelling close by/Better cabanas and bathrooms/Return in the afternoon/Barbecue when available Cons:Can be busy on the weekends and on holidays with locals, but same goes for every island, if you can avoid these times then do so if not just be aware it can be busy.
The Original San Blas OptionsWe don`t claim to know everything about San Blas, but we know more than any other hostel or agency having worked with the Gunas for almost 15 years. In the beginning there were only really 3 options for backpackers called Franklin’s, Robinson’s and later Ina’s. They were known as homestay’s but those days are long gone and now they are your typical cheap tourist cabana outfits. Robinson’s is closed at the time of writing. We do not do tours to these locations instead we just organize your 4×4 transport and check if the island has space, everything else you do on your own, we are not responsible for anything during your stay with them, any problems resolve with them directly. El Porvenir airport is closed to commercial flights so the only way to this region of the San Blas is via 4×4 transport Additional Costs :
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Franklin’s |
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They have over 20 cabanas and a beach on their half off the island. The island is very small and split into 2 by a wire fence. The island is completely covered in cabanas and for its size it holds a lot of people around 120 when full. The beach is small but pretty. Sand floor cabanas and very basic bucket flush shared bathrooms and shower. This is the most basic option in the islands, book at your own risk. Cons: Disorganized/$$Extras/No tours/Bathrooms/Overcrowding/
Ina’s
Cons: Disorganized/$$Extra/
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Robinson’s – CLOSED AT TIME OF WRITING
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Home-Stay Options
If your willing to spend a little more and want a true desert island paradise check out Nubesidub on the following link. This is really the best option in the islands, very beautiful, quiet, lovely family and just an overall great experience, we get the best reviews from this place. For this and for all other San Blas options click HERE Please respect the beautiful islands you visit, even if the Kunas might not seem to, through doing the right thing you can hopefully make a difference and educate the younger Kuna in how they should preserve this amazingly beautiful landscape. Do your best to take whatever rubbish you have out with you and lastly enjoy!
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