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| The amazing "roller-coaster" road to get to San Blas! |
No electricity. Some islands had a self-generator which ran only a couple of hours a day, but only to light up some few light bulbs...anyways forget about internet!
No private bathroom. There were actually only two shared showers and two shared toilets, in our island. And there was no flush - to flush them you had to collect water with a small bucket and through it to the toilet!
You sleep in cabañas (cabins) or tents. The cabins are made of wood, cane sticks and palm leaves, with obviously many holes and open fissures from which little animals could enter. And some materasses are not the most comfortable in the world! Alternatively, you can chose the cheaper option of a tent, rented by them, or bring your own one.
The menu is fixed. So if you have too particular tastes in food, you don't have much choice: you eat what they cook!!!
So, for all these reasons it may not be completely indicated for older people who are looking for a comfortable place. But if you are looking for relax, and disconnection from the world, this is the right place! I could really enjoy my family with no other distractions, I could finally read that book that I wanted to read, I snorkeled in those cristal clear waters, I took a lot of sun, visited the neighboring islands, I watched the stars, I relaxed on the hammocks, caught coconuts from the palmtrees...how regenerating!!! Basically you wake up with the sun and go to bed when it goes down ^^
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| Isla Aroma |
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| My mom and I with a Kuna woman |
Which island to chose??
I stayed in Isla Aroma (also called Isla Anzuelo), which I really liked. Not too small and not too big, many palmtrees, beautiful cristalline water and nice Kunas. I had some feedbacks that the Isla Iguana (right next to Isla Aroma) was maybe even better. During your stay there, they will bring you with boats to other day trips to other beautiful islands: Isla Perro Chico (where you can also sleep), Isla Pelicano (my favourite!!! very small, but a real paradise) and Piscinas (o Isla Estrella), which is a sandbank with many sea stars. If these tours are not included in your package, arrange directly with the boat drivers and negotiate for 10-15$ each for the whole morning trip.
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| Isla Perro - Dog island |
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| X-mas tree! |
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| Isla Aroma |
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| Isla Pelicano |
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| In gorgeous Isla Pelicano |
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| The three siblings, in Isla Estrella |
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| Us three in Isla Aroma |
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Prices vary depending on how many intermediaries you use and which island yo chose. The best way is always to call directly the island and arrange with them by yourself, knowing already more or less the price range. What they do is normally ask for a price which includes food (beakfast, lunch and dinner, but not drinks--> I suggest that you bring your own water, fruit and snacks from Panama City, because they have limited stock at high prices) and sometimes transportation from the port. The price at Isla Aroma(isla Anzuelo), for example, as at beginning of 2015 is around 36 US$ per person per night in the cabin, and much less for the tent (food included). For transport, the boats to bring you around the islands cost around 10-15$ maximum per person per tour (they can ask you more, but negotiate!), and about 10$ per person to/from the port. Moreover, consider that when entering the region, you will be asked to pay 20$ per person (or 5$, if you are Panamanian resident) as taxes + 2$ per person as port taxes.
Transport from/to Panama City is 50$ per person go and back. I always went with Pepe who is a very nice Kuna. His number is +507 60890657 and you can tell him that Sofia "la italiana" has given you the contact! Otherwise, when you book the cabins on the islands, the owners can organise
Other useful contacts:
Isla Aroma/Anzuelo: +507 67025842/65191305/60871887 (contact: Ruso)
Isla Iguana: +507 67359510 (contact: Erubey Diaz)
Isla Perro Chico: +507 60600640/65394940 or mail assudub@gmail.com
Isla Pelicano: +507 60750703/67616101
When to go??
Sunny months in Panama are from end of November to March included, so this is the only period when it is worth going the San Blas - Kuna Yala, in my opinion.
The best is to spend there 1, 2 or 3 nights....You will feel regenerated!!
