WHY SAN BLAS
Around 365 islands and a living culture
Guna Yala is an autonomous region in Panama's Caribbean: around 365 islands and cays of white sand, reefs and natural pools, governed by the Guna people, who keep their language and traditions alive. We take you by private boat, for a day or staying overnight by the sea.
Almost untouched islands
White sand, coconut palms and turquoise water, with very few visitors in the most remote sectors.
Natural pools
Sandbanks in the middle of the sea, perfect for snorkelling as a family.
Guna culture
A people who govern themselves through the Guna General Congress and keep their language, Dulegaya.
Sleep by the sea
In a cabin on the water's edge or aboard a sailboat or catamaran.
BURWA EXPERIENCES
Private experiences in San Blas
Prices "from", per person. Transfers and taxes not included unless otherwise stated.
STAY ON AN ISLAND
SAILING
ONE DAY
SIGNATURE JOURNEYS
More than a day in San Blas?
Combine San Blas with a signature journey, accommodation and transfers included:
Cayos Holandeses · 2 nights in a premium cabin · from USD 1,140 per person
The Three Panamas · city, San Blas and Bocas · 8 nights · from USD 1,995 per person
Prices per person based on double occupancy.
DESTINATION GUIDE
Guna Yala, with respect and at an easy pace
HISTORY IN FIVE DATES
1925 The Guna Revolution, in February; peace is signed on 4 March.
1938 Law 2 creates the Comarca of San Blas.
1953 Law 16 sets its boundaries and organisation.
1998 The region is renamed Kuna Yala by law.
2010 The Guna alphabet is approved and the name Guna Yala comes into wider use.
Practical information
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How long. From 1 day to 3 nights. A day with the express getaway; to stay on an island, at least 2 nights; sailing, 3 nights or more.
When to go. All year round. It's the Caribbean: it can rain at any time.
Good to know. Guna territory. An autonomous region with its own rules; the entrance fee is paid in cash.
What to see
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Cayos Holandeses (Dutch Cays). The most exclusive corner, famous for its reefs and crystal-clear waters, with stops such as BBQ Island, Banedup and Ogopukdup.
Sector 2. The quietest, with practically untouched islands and very few visitors.
Natural pools. Sandbanks in the middle of the sea with waist-deep water.
Isla Perro Chico. A sunken ship covered in coral, just off the shore.
Where to eat
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You eat on the islands: traditional Guna food cooked right there, with the catch of the day and seafood. Lobster, if you order it in advance.
Where to stay
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Islands with simple cabins built from natural materials.
Premium cabins in Cayos Holandeses, with private bathroom and a terrace facing the sea.
On board, on a sailboat or catamaran.
We'll help you choose to suit your trip.
Getting around
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By road. About 2.5 h by 4x4 from the city to the port of Cartí, then a boat to the islands.
By light aircraft. Private flights to the most remote sector.
Between islands. Always by boat.
Burwa tips
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Leave early. Departure is around 5:00 a.m.; the Guna Yala checkpoint opens at 6:00.
Cash and passport. The entrance fee (about USD 20 per person) is paid in cash, and your passport is checked at the checkpoint.
Guna rules. Ask permission before taking photos and don't walk around the communities in swimwear.
Luggage. Travel light: it's a remote and simple destination.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What people ask us before they come
Can you visit San Blas in a day?
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Yes, with the private express getaway, from USD 320 per person. You leave the city around 5:00 a.m.
How many nights do you recommend?
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To stay in a cabin, at least 2 nights; for sailing, 3 nights or more.
How do you get to San Blas?
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By road, about 2.5 h by 4x4 to Cartí and then by boat; or by private light aircraft to the most remote sector.
What should I bring?
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Your passport, cash for the entrance fee and just the essentials.
What is the accommodation like?
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Simple and close to nature. Our premium cabins in Cayos Holandeses have a private bathroom and a terrace facing the sea.
KEEP EXPLORING
