San Blas, where the Caribbean retains its soul. This indigenous archipelago is a natural and cultural sanctuary just a few hours from the city.
At Burwa, we curate one-day and multi-day experiences so you can discover its islands, its people, and its essence, at your own pace.
Burwa Experiences
About the destination
The San Blas Archipelago (also known as Guna Yala, its indigenous name) consists of 365 idyllic islands located in the Panamanian Caribbean, just two hours from Panama City. These islands are self-governed by the Guna people, one of several indigenous tribes native to Panama.
In March 1925, the Guna people rebelled against Panamanian authorities in response to forced Westernization, achieving an agreement that respected their indigenous customs and granted them autonomy in their territory.
The Guna social structure is organized through their General Congresses (politically organized by region) and their Local Congresses (organized by community). At the national level, the Guna have autonomy over decisions made within their territory.
Of the total number of islands in the Guna Yala Archipelago, 49 are communities where most islanders live: they have schools, medical centers, and meeting places. In addition, there are more than 30 islands dedicated entirely to tourism, offering various accommodation options, all very basic and made of natural materials. The rest are pristine islands or palm groves dedicated to coconut exports.
