Country Guide » Destinations
With one island for every day of the year (and more) along with two hundred miles of coral reefs, the San Blas archipelago is a paradise of white sand beaches and transparent waters. The pristine nature of this Caribbean coastline is home to the rich history of the Guna Indians, one of Panama´s indigenous tribes, whom supplement the area in its´ preservation and colorful way of life. The Guna warmly welcome visitors in their traditional dress to share in their day-to-day activities, music, food and art. Explore the aboriginal customs and practices and acquire one of their famous handmade molas, a colorful cloth piece hand-sewn by the tribe´s women.
Snorkel, dive and sail on the popular islands of Nargana, Corazón de Jesús, Wichuwala, Nalunanega, Ailigandi and Iskardup, or find an island of your own, as only 10% of the islands are inhabited. Hold star fish and lobsters larger than you have ever imagined, and beach comb for shells for the island´s range of creatures. Restaurants and locals fish for the catch of the day for lunch and dinner. San Blas is a must-see restorative experience of natural beauty.
**Regional Note: While the archipelago is commonly referred to as the ¨San Blas Islands,¨ it is today officially named ¨Guna Yala,¨ and for the past decade has also been referred to as the ¨Kuna Yala.¨ The Panamanian government recognized the official name change in October 2011 when the Guna people, the governing authority of this reservation, claimed that their indigenous language does not have a ¨K¨ and should therefore be ¨Guna Yala.¨
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