What travellers say about San Blas

I wanted a destination without big hotel chains and San Blas exceeded my expectations. Guna culture is fascinating; they explained their molas and traditions to us without it feeling like a staged tourist attraction. Do bring repellent and small bills, because there are no ATMs and cards are not accepted.

SophieFrance

A postcard landscape at every turn. The sand is so white and fine that it does not burn your feet. I was amazed watching the local children paddle their traditional canoes so skilfully. Very peaceful and memorable.

YukiJapan

For me it was essential to understand beforehand that you are entering autonomous Indigenous territory and that they set the rules. Respect their customs and their space and the experience is warm and enriching.

AndrésEcuador

Incredible marine life. I saw three eagle rays swimming together two metres from the shore. The best move is to bring almost no luggage: a swimsuit, two T-shirts, a microfibre towel and you are set.

MartaPoland

I loved the autonomy and the dignity with which the Guna people run their comarca. You can tell they look after their land and do not let the big hotel companies wreck their ecosystem. Very inspiring.

EstebanGuatemala

I bought two handmade molas straight from a local artisan; watching the patience with which they sew layer after layer of fabric makes you value their culture. It is a purchase that genuinely supports their families.

ClaraPortugal

Coming from the Caribbean I thought I would not be that impressed, but the density of tiny palm trees on scraps of sand in the middle of nowhere is unique. San Blas has a wild charm you find nowhere else.

AlejandroDominican Republic

I loved that there was no loud, blaring music like on other Caribbean beaches. It is an atmosphere of complete rest, where people go to read, swim and look at the horizon.

RenataMexico

The contrast between the Caribbean heat and the cool shade of the coconut palms is the best refuge there is. Drinking coconut water straight from a nut a local had just brought down was pure bliss.

LiamIreland

The kindness of the Guna women showing us how they weave their traditional dress was a beautiful cultural moment. They receive you shyly at first, but with great respect if you are respectful with them.

SilviaHonduras

I am Panamanian and I was embarrassed not to have gone before. It is the most beautiful treasure we have in the country. Supporting the Guna community’s economy directly and seeing how they protect their surroundings filled me with pride.

AliciaPanama

I came back fascinated. It is one of the few places in the world that still keeps its soul without having been devoured by mass tourism. I hope they carry on looking after it exactly as it is for many years to come.

TeresaSpain

After the Nordic winter, this place was the absolute cure. The simplicity of the lifestyle makes you rethink how many material things you actually need to be happy. A thatched cabin, a clean bed and the Caribbean in front of you.

LarsSweden

Incredible energy in this place. The water is warm and clear, like an infinity pool. We spent the evening talking with other travellers around the fire. It is a very human experience, far from traditional mass tourism.

FelipeBrazil

What I take away most is the forced digital detox. At first you check your phone out of habit, but within a few hours you forget about social media and start really talking to the other travellers.

LauraUruguay

An experience that slows you down instantly. Life on the island runs on daylight: you wake at dawn and go to bed early. I came back to my routine completely renewed.

MatíasParaguay

For someone like me who lives far from the sea, that expanse of clear water was overwhelming. Walking barefoot on the soft sand all day without a care gave me my energy back.

NoemíBolivia

Swimming in that 28-degree sea while it was snowing back home was the greatest pleasure imaginable. The food, simple but fresh, hit the spot every single day. An untouched earthly paradise.

HelenaFinland

The trip out to the farthest islands lets you feel like a lone castaway for a few hours. Walking along a spit of white sand that disappears at high tide is completely mad.

ManuelChile

We were treated to an incredible pink sunset over a calm sea. Our hosts’ hospitality was humble but genuine; they make you feel you are sharing their living space, not consuming a commercial package.

FernandoPeru