Eastern Panama Places

Kuna Yala (San Blas)

The San Blas Archipelago and surrounding sea are the main attractions in Kuna Yala—an indigenous comarca (autonomous territory) stretching more than 200 km (120 mi) along Panama's northeast coast—but the traditional culture of the Kuna is a close second. The comarca is composed of a thin strip of land dominated by a mountain range called the Serranía de San Blas and the more than 350 San Blas Islands that dot the coastal waters. Although much of the world still refers to this region by its former name, San Blas, you'll endear yourself to residents by using the name they give to their home, Kuna Yala. This is a lush and stunning region of forest-cloaked mountains, white-sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and timeless villages. Your trip here can consequently combine time on heavenly islands, jungle hiking, handicraft shopping, and exposure to a proud and beautiful indigenous people.

Since coral reefs surround nearly every island, snorkeling is practically obligatory in the archipelago. Most lodges include the use of snorkeling equipment in their rates, and all of them provide daily trips to beaches with reefs nearby. You don't need to swim to appreciate the area's beauty, though, since the scenery topside is just as impressive; coconut groves shade ivory sand, dugout canoes with lateen sails ply turquoise waters, and cane huts with thatch roofs make up island villages. Kuna Yala's greatest beauty, however, may be in the traditional dress of its women, whose striking clothing includes hand-stitched molas (appliqué fabric pictures), colorful skirts and scarves, and intricate beadwork on their calves and forearms. Men, however, have gradually abandoned traditional clothing in favor of jeans, polo or tropical cabana shirts, and derby hats (for older men) or baseball caps (for younger men). Times are changing, even in Kuna Yala.