Getting Here and Around

The easiest way to reach western Guna Yala is by flying to El Porvenir (PVE). At the time of writing, Air Panama had ceased operations to El Porvenir, but check with the airline directly to see if flights have resumed. If flights are unavailable, the main port of entry is Cartí, which has no attractions, but is where lodges pick up guests.

Cartí is the only part of Guna Yala that can be reached by land, via the Llano-Cartí road, which runs between the village of El Llano, on the Interamerican Highway, north to the rudimentary port of Cartí. Lam Tours offers daily service between Panama City and Cartí in a four-wheel-drive vehicle.

Río Sidra is accessible by land, via the Llano-Cartí road, or by air via El Porvenir when flights are available. Lam Tours offers a daily taxi service between Panama City and Cartí. Río Sidra lodges can pick you up at Cartí. Cruise ships visit Wichub Wala, Nalunega, and Carti Sugdub.

Air Panama. 507/316–9000; www.airpanama.com.

Lam Tours. The only part of Guna Yala that can be reached by road is the western El Porvenir area, via the Llano–Cartí road, which crosses the lushly forested Serranía de San Blas. Lam Tours runs a bus/taxi service from Panama City to Cartí, where boats from lodges near El Porvenir and Río Sidra pick up guests. Lam Tours will pick you up at your hotel at 5 am, reaching Cartí around 9 am, and returns to Panama City shortly thereafter. 507/395–7105; 704/469--9146; www.lamtourspanama.com.