Archipiélago de San Blas

Pros: Fun, festive, good food, wonderful cultural experience
Cons: lack of modernization. amenities

I honestly feel that there are very few cultures still existing in the world like that of the natives of the San Blas islands of Panama. The people are very laid back and it seems as if they really don't have a care in the world, even though when they do...

Pros: Inexpensive, beautiful scenery, culture of people
Cons: lack of modernization. amenities

The Kuna Indians of the San Blas Island of Panama are some of the most extraordinary in all of the world. Somehow, even though they are part of the country of Panama, they've been able to maintain their own culture, economy, government, language and way...

Pros: Scenery, inexpensive, adventurous
Cons: Loss of modernization, amenities

The native people of the islands of San Blas are some of the most interesting indigenous groups that I have ever encountered in my travels. They are...

Pros: Great experience with indigenous island culture in Panama!
Cons: You should not be afraid of roughing it for a night or two!

We stayed on the island of Corbisky with a tour guide / school teacher named Elias. He had studied in Texas, USA and knew English and Spanish. Elias was extremely hospitable, and let us experience the Kuna culture of his island first hand. The island was ...

Pros: great food, friendly, great day trips, comfortable beds, interesting visitors
Cons: really none since the visit matched the expectations

We stayed at Sapibenega in January '08. Everything about the island stay was positive. We encountered no mosquitoes or bugs. The sea breezes were quite adequate and made it easy to sleep. The beds were as comfortable as in any hotel. The people ...

Pros: peace, tranquility, natural beauty, staff
Cons: light breakfast, some aspects of nearby town.

We really thought this was a highlight. Don't expect too many luxuries for the money but watching langoustines (dinner) being caught off the island in little wooden canoes and sold immediately to the chef is wonderful.
The staff are really friendly, we took a 1 year old (not recommended by some guides, but we had not problems) whom they poured over. The nearby village is overcrowded and only reminds you of the poverty prevalent in the region. Stay 2 or 3 days and wonder at the numerous islands and fantastic undeveloped coastline. It's an unforgettable place and you leave pleased at the Kuna making you pay for the privilege of enjoying their land.