San Blas is a self-governing territory in Panama formerly known as Kum Yala. The majority of the 375 islands nearby have no inhabitants, but the larger ones have friendly and gentle local Kuna Indians. This island is a delight of palm trees, white sandy beaches, fantastic coral, and much more. In this place, beautiful sunrises and sunsets, mesmerizing nature, and simple food will keep you happy.
Palm trees, white sand, and endless bliss surround by turquoise seas is precisely what San Blas Islands is about. With natural beauty that rivals the better known Maldives, this is a heaven for ecotourism.
Here, you won’t find an expensive hotel or a resort or a massive number of travelers – just some locals, and some adventurous travelers from all over the world. On San Blas, you won’t have to spend a tremendous amount of money on accommodation. You can either stay in a basic ecolodge or you can sleep on the boat you came in on. And if you really want to, you can string up a hammock between two palm trees and enjoy the evening after a bonfire with your friends.
Cuisine
Whenever you plan to travel to a place, it is crucial to do a good amount of research; places to explore, activities to partake in, and the food. The Kuna are the native residents of San Blas Island. These people are the true reflection tradition. Most of the restaurants are owned by Kunas.
A traditional meal served on San Blas Island is Red Snapper, which comes with coconut-flavored rice. The fish is extracted from the sea and cooked on the same day. Red Snapper are tremendous in size and apt for a meal for two to three people.
Lobster and crab are also regarded as the traditional food of San Blas Island and they are also served with coconut-flavored rice. Fishing is banned here because the native residents perceive it as an act of robbery of their natural heritage. Fishing may lead to paying penalties, so it is advisable to comply with their rules.
Coco Loco is the traditional drink. It is prepared from coconut and rum. Fresh coconut is cut and rum is poured on it and served. You can also add rum according to your needs. Taking a coconut and opening it is prohibited by law.
Weather
San Blas is situated very close to the equator. It has a maritime with high temperatures on humid days as the temperature is never below 67 °F (21°C) and the average temperature is around 92°F (28° C). The heat and climate are the same throughout the year. However, it receives an average rainfall of about 7.8 inches (200 mm) every month in the rainy season, which is more than enough rain.
The sea is a little rougher during the rainy season because of the winds and sometimes tornadoes occur. However, you don’t have to worry as it is located outside the hurricane belt, reducing the chances of getting hit by them. From January to May, the climate is hot and humid, the temperatures rise, and the island receives almost no rain. The sea is very calm during the dry months.
Interesting Facts About The Island
The natives of Panama’s San Blas Islands are Kuna Indians. They have fought their battle of independence and preserved their culture very well. They have a significant history of their own. They have their political systems, which is considered one of the best among the tribal groups in the world. The tribe has three village chiefs who runs the villages and make all the critical decisions for the community from their covered huts. They make sure that everyone can cherish the beauty of the island while maintaining a soothing environment.
Even though the community pools their resources, they also put great effort into economic growth and international trade which makes them economically sustainable. The women can be seen wearing floral clothes to their knees, and beaded anklets cover the rest of their legs, which portrays their artistic sense. They prefer mostly loud colors and handmade fabrics and beaded bracelets.
The Kuna people enjoy their life to the fullest. On the day of a celebration, they also drink to the fullest. They have a belief that if they don’t drink to the fullest, they won’t be able to enter salvation of heaven or ‘the moksha’. Their celebrations include drinking and enjoying their traditional dance.
Way to Get There
San Blas is considered an adventurous trip and reaching there is also an adventure in itself. You can travel solo or in a group of friends. The group dynamic is considered an excellent means as there are never more than thirty-five people in a tour, and most travelers are solo backpackers who are traveling in their twenties.
There is no age limit to enjoy the island and taste the authentic alcohol “coco loco.” Taking a sailboat between Panama and Colombia is considered a unique method of reaching San Blas Island. You get to experience sea life and have a scenic view of some of the most iconic and pleasing islands. You also get to meet and share the most adventurous experiences of yours with the people. Fly from Panama directly to the San Blas islands is another option.
Conclusion
San Blas is an amazing island that is extremely rich in culture and has an excellent traditional life. Its native people know how to celebrate and enjoy their culture to the fullest. They have retained their culture, work, wooden canoes, and crafts for hundreds of years and managed to escape European culture. Rice with coconut water is widely consumed and served to tourists as well. The restaurants serve fish freshly caught from the sea. You can visit the island at any time as the weather is exceptionally pleasing throughout the year.
What’s Nearby?
