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Mujer saltando al agua desde un muelle en la bahía de San Blas, Gunayala, Panamá.

Gunayala: Discover Idyllic Islands and Ancient Culture.

Gunayala, also known as San Blas, is one of the most authentic and fascinating destinations in Panamá. Here, you’ll find crystal-clear waters and incredible islands, as well as an Indigenous community that has preserved its traditions for centuries.

With more than 365 islands in the Panamanian Caribbean, this archipelago is perfect for those seeking to support sustainable tourism, away from the bustle and in direct contact with nature and the local culture.
 

Why you Should Visit Gunayala

Visiting Gunayala means more than just going on vacation. You’ll immerse yourself in a culture that’s alive and an ecosystem that’s intact. There are no big hotels or commercial chains here. Instead, you’ll find:

Pareja de adultos mayores con equipo de snorkel caminando por la playa de la Isla San Blas Guna Yala, Panamá

Pristine Beaches

With white sand and turquoise waters, where you can practice water sports like snorkeling.

Cabaña para hospedarse en la Isla Wailidup, San Blas, Gunayala, Panamá.

Rustic Cabins

The perfect place to relax over the ocean and enjoy nature at all times.

Personas practicando snorlek en Gunayala, Panamá

Natural Pools

The perfect spots for snorkeling as a family and discovering the treasures of the ocean.

Mujer caminando sobre el tronco de una palmera en la playa de San Blas, Guna Yala en Panamá.

The Islands

Gunayala is an archipelago located on the Caribbean coast of Panamá, made up of more than 300 islands, many of which are small and uninhabited. This territory is part of an autonomous Indigenous region inhabited by the Guna people, who have maintained their traditions and their way of life.

Bailarines folclóricos y músicos actúan en la playa de San Blas, Guna Yala en Panamá.

What to do in Gunayala

While enjoying the scenery, take some time to learn about the rich culture of the Gunas, who are known for making the celebrated molas, a traditional cloth made from layers of colorful fabrics with designs inspired by their religious and cultural beliefs. The molas, which represent the Guna vision of a colorful and mythological world, are incredible, unique souvenirs. Learn more about this tradition by visiting the Mola Museum in Casco Antiguo, the historic district of Panama City.

 

Mujer en el columpio sobre el agua de Gunayala, Panamá.

Where to Stay

 

Since there’s an island in Gunayala for every day of the year, you have a lot of options for spending a night under millions of stars in this paradise. 

 

Before looking for accommodation on the islands, please note that Gunayala remains a natural gem, so you won’t find big tourist developments. Options for accommodation range from hammocks under the palm trees, campgrounds, and small cabins with no electricity or running water to cabins over the water that are a bit more comfortable, like those on Isla Diablo. 

 

For more particular travelers, there are also a few hotels. And those looking for a different kind of experience have the chance to go sailing on a sailboat. Visit several islands a day and sleep on the boat as it rocks in the gentle breeze and the waves. 

 

Plan

Your Trip

If you want to visit Gunayala, you’ll have to come with a local tour operator. Every tour operator offers different destinations, and some may be able to adjust their plans depending on your budget and how many days you want to spend on the islands. You can book a day tour to a specific island, a trip that includes several stops, or a package to stay and enjoy for several days.

Please note that the distance, travel time, and prices will depend on how far you go and how many islands you visit. Some tour operators offer packages that include picking you up at your hotel and all forms of transportation you’ll take to reach your destination. You’ll have to pay a special tax separately to enter the region.

Please note that there is no internet access, and payment by credit card is not available, so cash is the only accepted method of payment.

Another important point to keep in mind is the entrance to the Gunayala archipelago. To enter, you must pay a fee that we recommend you check with your tour operator, and also present your passport.

This last detail is very important, and it's because Gunayala is an autonomous indigenous territory with its own rules. The passport check helps to maintain safety, order, and respect for the local culture.

Getting There

From Panama City, you can take a vehicle with four-wheel drive to Carti, the main port in Gunayala. The scenic trip takes two and a half hours and will take you through the central mountain range. From Carti, you can take a small boat to the island you plan to visit.

Your trip to Gunayala won’t be like any of the more mainstream vacations you may have taken in the past. Experience the customs and cuisine of an Indigenous community that still respects and celebrates its ancient traditions while enjoying a natural paradise that you won’t find anywhere else. What are you waiting for?

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