Transport to the Kuna Yala San Blas Islands
Posted by Travel Editor
To fly to the Kuna Yala or better known as the San Blas Islands, you have the option of using either of the two national airlines, Aeroperlas or Air Panama. There are approximately 20 airstrips located in the San Blas archipelago and most of these airstrips are served by the two airlines. The most popular one is El Pouvenir which has access to a couple of accommodations nearby. If sailing, this is where you will go to check in or out of Panama. Other points of entry include Mamitupo, Playon Chico, Rio Sidra, Corazon de Jesus and Carti. There is a local tax to pay when you reach the islands and for each island you go to. You need to pay in cash and it costs about three dollars for each island.
It is also possible to drive to the San Blas Islands and then take a boat which goes to the Islands. It is best to hire an experienced driver and make your hotel bookings ahead of time. Before leaving, make sure that you check on the road conditions, weather and boat schedule. You can do this by phoning your hotel. The overland route from Panama City goes along the Interamericana to El Llano village and then over the mountains, heading north to Carti where you can catch a boat to the Islands.
Another option for getting to the San Blas Islands is travel by boat from Colon or take a sail boat – this having to be booked beforehand.
For those who like hiking, you can take a bus in the direction of Darien, get off at Canita. The hike will then take you about two and a half to three hours where you will reach either the Burbayar or Nusagrande Lodge. The next day you head to Serrania de San Blas where you can camp on the sea side. On the third day, you have to arrive in Carti before 4:00 p.m. because that’s the time of departure of the last boat to the San Blas Islands. The boat ride will cost you about $25 to go to El Pouvenir. If you want, you could take a boat to Isla Noranjos which costs about $10. US
As always, remember to take cash in small bills with you to the San Blas Islands because you won’t be able to use your credit card at most places and you won’t find any automatic cash dispenser machines. As you can see, getting to the San Blas Islands is an adventure and a very exciting one. Once you get to the Kuna Yala San Blas Islands, you will know that you have arrived in one of the most stunning tropical island paradises of all,sparsely populated, white sands and clear, crystal blue waters.
In my next post on San Blas Islands vacations, I will write about getting around the San Blas Islands, from one island to another.