The Guna Yala Province, an indigenous territory located in northeastern Panama, stretches over 400 kilometers and boasts of scintillating white sand beaches featuring eye-catching palm trees and waves, rendering a heavenly escape from the conventionalities of modern urban life. The province houses an indigenous community named the Gunas, who were the first indigenous group to gain autonomy in Latin America. Although the Gunas have had significant contact with Europeans over the years, their traditional identity and way of living still remain thriving.
The province is home to nearly 400 tropical islands, out of which only around 50 are inhabited and dotted with thatched huts and livestock. However, the more remote and uninhabited islands are the ones that interest most of the tourists. Here in this article we will talk about a beautiful group of islands located in the Province of Guna Yala that are collectively known as Carti and the various attractions around it.
Carti is a collective name for a group of islands located to the south of El Porvenir, the capital of the Comarca de Guna Yala (Guna Yala Province). A 45-minute boat ride from the mainland will get you to the islands. Carti Suitupu, a big, colorful archipelago, is the main island in the group as all the major attractions can be found there.
Carti Suitupu
The Carti Suitupu, better known as the ‘Crab Islands’, is located a mere 100 meters away from the mainland of the province and is one of the most inhabited and populated islets in the Carti family. During peak hours, tourists will find the place extremely packed and if a cruise ship is docked at the port there, the challenges would reach a whole new level.
The usual sights on the island include: bamboo, thatched huts and extensively spread soda stands and shops. Home to the Gunas, the community people here can be seen donning traditional outfits and women weaving convoluted handmade blouses. The island looks traditional on the outset, but modern influence has found gaps to creep into the conventional lives of the people here. Electricity runs through much of the evening, which is quite a rare thing in Carti.
The Guna Museum
This small museum is a major tourist attraction in the Crab Islands. It remains the best way to experience the history, mythology, culture and religion of the Guna community. The place features exhibits on Guna rituals, including funeral rites, puberty rituals and religious practices, along with spectacular demonstrations of native artwork. Tours of the museum is guided by Jose Davis, the founder and owner of the museum, in Spanish and in English.
Carti Homestay Kuna Yala
The beautiful island of Carti Suitupi boasts of many hostels offering cheap lodging options. The best option, however, is the Carti Homestay Kuna Yala, stationed on the Caribbean coast of Panama. The homestay offers six single beds, four double beds, and hammocks along with three daily meals, mainly including seafood dishes featuring octopus, fish, crab, and lobster. It is the best place to strike up cultural interactions with the local Guna tribe and learn about their traditions, rich history, and customs.
In addition to the comfortable accommodations and eating facilities, the English hosts also arrange speedboat trips to some of the best islands in Carti and conduct various exciting activities for guests, including swimming, traditional Kuna fishing, kayaking, birdwatching, and sightseeing. Visitors here can also relax in hammocks suspended between the awe-inspiring palm trees.
How to Reach Carti Suitupu?
Carti Suitupu serves as a springboard for exploring the nearby Needle Islands (Isla Aguja) and is a picturesque refuge featuring golden sand and lazy palms. Since road is the only mode to access the islands, most of travelers reach here via four-wheel drives arranged by their lodgings. Good shuttle services to the islets are also available from Panama City. Motorboat rides through the river, contracted by the lodgings, will take you to the nearby and remote islands. Travelers will pay a port fee of $2 USD.
Corbiski
Corbiski Island forms an important part of the spectacular San Blas Islands and is situated in close proximity to the mainland. It is a well-inhabited community island that features beautiful white sand, crystal clear warm waters, colorful coral reefs, and eye-catching fish, and offers plenty of opportunities to interact with the local Guna community members. Although this crowded atoll offers no room for swimming and snorkeling, it is a convenient launching spot to the other islands. This seemingly traditional area also shows instances of modernity via the availability of regular electricity supply and the existence of concrete block houses.
Bungalows Corbiski (Lodging)
Travelers generally come to Corbiski for easy day tours from the mainland or to stay in some of the authentic and rustic accommodations available here. Bungalows Corbiski offers beautiful sky blue cabins featuring private bathrooms and water supply. Elias Perez, the host, offers snorkeling trips that are included in the price and boat services to check out the beautiful islands.
Reaching Corbiski
Getting to Corbiski Island from the mainland can be quite a challenge for travelers. A road trip in a 4×4 all-terrain vehicle through the lush green rainforests will get you to the shore, at which point you can take a scenic boat ride to the island. Those visitors not willing to experience the jolts and shoves of a jungle road trip can opt for a flight instead. However, in order to experience and appreciate tremendous fishing, swimming, and snorkeling, travelers should take another boat ride from here to the more remote and uninhabited islands of Carti.
The Carti Homestay Guna Yala is one of the most renowned lodgings in the island group, offering comfortable accommodation facilities along with island tours and exciting activities involving swimming, snorkeling, fishing, etc. Corbiski is another colorful, indigenous island located in close proximity to the mainland, offering a great jumping-off point for the other remote islands. The journey from the mainland to Corbiski is a scenic and adventurous experience for travelers.
Conclusion
The above article talks about a beautiful collection of islands called Carti, located in the Guna Yala province in Panama. The islands of Carti feature spectacular white sand beaches, colorful marine life, peaceful waves and palm trees. Carti Suitupu is a major island forming part of the Carti family. The island is a very busy, very populated place with traditional vibes. It features the Guna Museum, exhibiting various demonstrations related to the Guna community, which makes it a great place to learn about the rituals, traditions, and culture of the group. All of these features make the Carti Islands a must-visit place for nature lovers planning to vacay in Panama.
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