{"id":3858,"date":"2022-09-28T16:28:20","date_gmt":"2022-09-28T21:28:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.therealdealtours.com\/blog\/?p=3858"},"modified":"2022-09-29T13:06:49","modified_gmt":"2022-09-29T18:06:49","slug":"panamas-san-blas-islands-the-definitive-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.therealdealtours.com\/blog\/blog\/panamas-san-blas-islands-the-definitive-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Panama\u2019s San Blas Islands: The Definitive Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

Everything You Want Or Need To Know About Traveling The San Blas Islands<\/h2>\n

What comes to mind when you think of the term \u201cisland paradise?\u201d Close your eyes for a moment and picture it. The crystal clear, impossibly blue water, sparkling like diamonds under the bright, warm sunshine. Puffy white clouds drifting lazily in an equally impossible blue sky. One sandy island after another, of various shapes and sizes, each providing a spot of dry land and a little shade thanks to a sprout or two of palm tree, jaunty tropical foliage swaying in the gentle breeze. Starfish dotting the shore, and hundreds of tropical fish swimming about in a graceful, colorful display.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Right now it may seem far-fetched, or like a daydream to you, but this place does actually exist\u2026 and you can go there! But Panama\u2019s San Blas Islands aren\u2019t just a pretty face, this archipelago of 365 islands has a rich history and a meaningful story to tell.<\/p>\n

About The San Blas Archipelago<\/h3>\n

Officially, the name of the San Blas Islands is Guna Yala, or Kuna Yala. This has been true since 2011, though the native indigenous people, known as the Guna, or Kuna, have called this archipelago home for a century now.<\/p>\n

The reason for the interchangeable \u201cG\u201d and \u201cK\u201d comes down to a language barrier of sorts. Prior to 2010, the commonly-accepted pronunciation was with a \u201cG\u201d or a \u201cK\u201d, because it\u2019s spelled with a \u201cG\u201d but pronounced with a \u201cK\u201d sound. But the spelling the Congreso General de la Naci\u00f3n Gunadule has officially used since 2010 is with a \u201cG\u201d. So it\u2019s the Guna people, and their home is Guna Yala, which translates to \u201cGuna\u2019s Land\u201d. But say you the \u201dG\u201d like it\u2019s a \u201cK\u201d. Got all that?<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Obviously, they are close enough that either pronunciation will get you to where you want to go. And though it is officially named Guna Yala, prior to 2011, it was known for ages as San Blas. This was a name bestowed by the Panamanian government because of the archipelago\u2019s proximity to the Gulf of San Blas, and it\u2019s still widely used today.<\/p>\n

The San Blas archipelago, located an hour\u2019s boat ride off the northern coast of Panama, consists of 365 cays and islands\u2026 one for each day of the year, how perfect is that? But as of this writing, less than 50 islands are inhabited. And though many are already so tiny that they have little more than a shack and those picture-perfect palms we see when we close our eyes, some are predicting that climate change and rising sea levels will cause the entire archipelago to disappear by the late 21st century.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

That would be a sad state of affairs for a variety of reasons, the loss of these tiny paradises and the ecological diversity they offer being two big ones. The biggest of all, though? The Guna people, a sovereign indigenous people who not only call this archipelago home but share it with visitors in their own self-governed tourism network, would be forced to relocate to the mainland.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The San Blas Islands are technically part of Panama. But in reality, this is an autonomous Indigenous province, run by the Guna people. It\u2019s one of 6 \u201ccomarcas Ind\u00edgenas\u201d in Panama.<\/p>\n

What is a \u201cComarca\u201d?<\/h4>\n

A comarca is, quite literally, a co-branding of the land. \u201cMarca\u201d translates to brand or mark, and \u201cco\u201d is used here in the same way an English speaker would: it describes something as shared. This is an administrative division wherein both the government and the indigenous people are recognized, with the understanding that the people on that land are sovereign, self-governing.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a fairly common arrangement in the US as well, where certain areas are reserved for the native people. Typically in the US they are referred to as \u201creservations\u201d, and by law, the land is owned and governed by the native people and their own laws.<\/p>\n

The other 5 comarcas in Panama are:<\/p>\n

\u25cf Ember\u00e1-Wounaan (est. 1983)
\n\u25cf Guna Madungandi (est. 1996)
\n\u25cf Ng\u00e4be-Bugl\u00e9 (est. 1997)
\n\u25cf Guna Wargand\u00ed (est. 2000)
\n\u25cf Naso Tj\u00ebr Di Comarca (est. 200)<\/p>\n

San Blas Islands Map<\/h4>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The Guna Yala Region is not just the 365 islands that make up the San Blas archipelago. As well, it includes a stunning 230-mile stretch of virgin rainforest along the east coast of Caribbean Panama.<\/p>\n

Guna Yala lies on the Caribbean shore, east of the Panama Canal, and is a well-known area for world-class sailing. However, if the islands disappear as predicted due to rising sea levels, it will take the wind out of a lot of sails. San Blas will quickly become a difficult area to navigate in a sailboat due to all the underwater speed bumps.<\/p>\n

Are all the Islands Inhabited?<\/h4>\n

Of the 365 islands, only 49 are inhabited by the Guna people. The 2010 census indicates 31,500 inhabitants of Guna Yala.<\/p>\n

There are no large tourist attractions or resorts on any of the San Blas islands, but there are Guna communities scattered about. A large percentage of the islands are simply uninhabited, while others are closed to tourists.<\/p>\n

Back to the sovereignty of the Guna people and the governance of their own land, tourism in San Blas is wholly operated by them, so they call the shots. Everything is at their discretion, and this has helped them maintain control of the natural beauty of Guna Yala, the traditions of the Guna people, and a lot more. For tours in the San Blas islands, this means that travelers may not freely explore the islands. Everywhere you go, you\u2019ll be accompanied by a guide, one of the Guna people.<\/p>\n

What is the weather like in San Blas?<\/h4>\n

How to describe the weather in Panama\u2019s San Blas islands? For those in the know, it\u2019s about as close to perfect as you can get in this year-round destination. Temperatures maintain a balmy average throughout the year (27\u00b0C\/82\u00b0F), and hurricanes are not an issue like in other tropical destinations.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The summer season is from December\/January to April\/May, and during this time you can expect dry, windy conditions.<\/p>\n

The winter season runs from May\/June to November\/December, bringing with it calmer and rainier days.<\/p>\n

With that said, there is plenty of variation in weather throughout the year so rain does happen in the summertime and the dryness and heat can move in during the winter months too.<\/p>\n

When\u2019s the best time to visit San Blas?<\/h4>\n

Weather-wise, it\u2019s always a good time to visit San Blas. So, the best time for you and for the trip you want to take should come down to the things you want to do and see in San Blas, your tours and planned activities.<\/p>\n

For example, the month of November is marked by Fiestas Patrias<\/a> (National Holidays)\u2026 a month of holidays featuring celebration after celebration, parade after parade, commemorating and showcasing Panamanian pride in their roots and traditions. Colorful costumes, traditional dancing, marching drums, military revelry, it\u2019s nonstop action for the entire month. All those holidays are banking holidays, by the way, so November is a time when everyone must plan ahead and pack some patience along with them. Depending on whether you want to be a part of the festivities (or not), November is a great time (or not) to holiday in San Blas.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

If sailing is something you will be doing, it may be best to come during the dry season so there’s plenty of wind to sail around. But all that wind can muddy the waters a bit. So if snorkeling is an important thing too, you may want to go closer to the shoulder season, end of summer\/beginning of winter, or end of winter\/beginning of summer.<\/p>\n

Or just come when other factors like Fiestas Patrias dictate, and take your chances. Really, even if it does rain during the dry season, it\u2019s often just a quick shower\u2026 nothing to write home about. And it bears repeating: this region doesn\u2019t get hurricanes, which offers year-round peace of mind no matter what else you get up to.<\/p>\n

The Indigenous People Of Guna Yala<\/h3>\n

Panama\u2019s six indigenous groups are still present and visible today, which isn\u2019t true for other Central and Latin American countries. Officially established in 1938, the Guna people were the first indigenous group in Latin America to gain autonomy. A triumph, not just for the Guna but for all the other marginalized indigenous people in Panama and beyond.<\/p>\n

The Guna, as with Panama\u2019s other indigenous communities, have put community-based tourism into action on their own terms. They welcome tourists (with restrictions) into their villages, sharing their traditions as well as selling foods like fresh-caught local fish and coconuts, and arts and crafts made by locals.<\/p>\n

The Guna Yala Regional Economy<\/h4>\n

For the Guna people, the economy mainly runs on tourism, handicraft production, agriculture, and seafood.<\/p>\n

Though most of the agriculture in the region is for local consumption, bananas, corn, sugar cane, and coconuts are all produced as a means of income. Fish are caught by hand, with a line, and you\u2019ll also find plentiful octopus, squid, crab, and lobster for sale.<\/p>\n

Guna Yala Molas<\/h4>\n

Molas are traditional hand-made panels, crafts, and clothing made by Guna women. It\u2019s a process involving multiple layers of fabric which are sewn together, one on top of another. Then with elaborate cutouts, the different colors are revealed and an image is created. Traditionally these images depicted the same shapes they would paint on their bodies, but over time the designs have expanded to include animals, abstract concepts, and more.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Where agriculture and seafood harvest tend to be left up to the men, the creation of molas is the main money-generating activity for the Guna women. In fact, for many families, skillfully sown molas provide their main source of income. Sometimes when we buy souvenirs, they don\u2019t really support the local economy. But every mola that is purchased is a true piece of Panamanian culture and one that you can be sure will directly benefit the people. Why? Because no one else but the Guna can legally make and sell molas. If you\u2019re buying it in Guna Yala, it\u2019s helping someone.<\/p>\n

How The Guna People Came To Be<\/h4>\n

The indigenous Guna tribe has a long history predating the existence of Panama and Central America.<\/p>\n

When the Spanish conquistadors arrived in Central America in the 1500s, they drove all the indigenous tribes of Panama out. The Guna people scattered to what is now Guna Yala, the San Blas islands, where life was easier than they had found it in the jungle.<\/p>\n

Though they thrived in their new coastal island home, conflicts and difficulties were constant, including doing battle with the government in 1925 over their independence. Their mission was successful, but they did ultimately agree to be a part of Panama. The caveat? They had to remain a sovereign nation, which they did.<\/p>\n

As per the 2010 census, there were about 31,000 Guna people living in the San Blas archipelago, though the entire Guna population is estimated at around 300,000. The Guna leaders all occupy one island called Acuadup. This is where many of the important issues are discussed, and decisions are made for the community.<\/p>\n

Dulegaya: The Official Language of The Guna Yala<\/h4>\n

In the native tongue of the Guna people, known as Dulegaya, they call themselves \u201cdule\u201d or \u201ctule\u201d, which means \u201cpeople\u201d. The literal translation of the name of their language is \u201cpeople mouth\u201d.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Dulegaya belongs to the Chibchan family of languages and is only spoken by the indigenous Guna people of Panama and Columbia.<\/p>\n

Planning a Trip to San Blas<\/h3>\n

As you may have already inferred from the previous bit about being unable to freely roam about the islands, tourism is strictly regulated by the Guna people. This actually makes it incredibly easy to plan a trip to San Blas\u2026 you literally just book a tour and everything is included: transportation, activities, and meals are all part of the package, arranged by your hosts.<\/p>\n

But be aware: if you have a tough time with others calling the shots, it may be difficult. Of course, when booking a tour you have different price point options, lengths of stay, and other ways to ensure you get what you want out of the experience. If you have dietary restrictions, for example, they\u2019ll accommodate you, but the less restrictive you can be in all aspects, the more the trip will flow.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s it like to visit the San Blas Islands?<\/h4>\n

There are three great ways to experience San Blas\/Guna Yala: a quick day trip, an overnight stay for one or more nights, or chartering a sailboat and sailing through the islands. Each is a totally unique experience relative to the others.<\/p>\n

Day Trip to San Blas:<\/h4>\n

It\u2019s a 2.5-hour drive from Panama City and a 30-minute water taxi ride to all the snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing on the beach that you can stand! A 5 am departure from Panama City may seem extremely early, but it means you\u2019re on the beach by about 9:30 am, which is about as perfect as it gets. Lunch is included, and a side trip to one of the other islands, before heading back late in the afternoon. Expect to be back in Panama City around dinner time. Check it out here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Overnight Stay in San Blas:<\/h4>\n

You\u2019ll arrive in the morning and get settled, then the action begins! You\u2019ll have the opportunity to visit another island and do a little swimming and snorkeling before lunch is served. After lunch, you can relax a bit before heading back out for more swimming and snorkeling. Once your second trip of the day is complete, it\u2019s time for dinner, followed by an exquisite sunset, and the most peaceful sleep you\u2019ve had in years, thanks to a soundtrack of gentle waves. This will be your daily routine for however many days you book. Learn more about an overnight stay in San Blas here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

And remember: tourism in the San Blas Islands is strictly managed by the Guna people. The rules they have in place help to protect their way of life, and the land they call home. So the experience provided is largely the same, no matter who you book through. This is also true whether you book a 3-day tour, for example, or a 3-day accommodation. Activities are all optional, of course, but substitutions and deviations are not generally supported. Snorkel, relax, eat, rinse, repeat, is basically the mantra.<\/p>\n

Sailing in San Blas:<\/h4>\n

From the moment you leave port in Panama City, it\u2019s a rarified experience that few people get to enjoy. Spend your days cruising through the islands, and the jewel-blue Caribbean sea, docking at various islands to enjoy water sports and activities like beach volleyball, kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, and exploring, and even a demonstration of traditional Guna dancing. Your guide will be there throughout the experience of course. You\u2019ll enjoy the freshest food and sleep on deck under the stars, on the beach, or in a hammock. You\u2019ve never \u201croughed it\u201d like this!<\/p>\n

Top 10 Things To Do In San Blas<\/h4>\n

The list of things to do in San Blas is relatively short:<\/p>\n

\u2605 Swim
\n\u2605 Snorkel
\n\u2605 Relax
\n\u2605 Eat
\n\u2605 Chill out
\n\u2605 Buy all the molas
\n\u2605 Take a load off
\n\u2605 Swoon over the sunset
\n\u2605 Decompress
\n\u2605 Sleep like the dead<\/p>\n

Of course, the entire region is drop-dead gorgeous. And there are loads of Instagram-worthy vistas everywhere, but what you see and where you go isn\u2019t up to you. People love Dog Island, for example. And you may happen to go there. But visitors don\u2019t get a choice of where their guide takes them, it\u2019s all up to their Guna hosts. This goes back to that \u201cgoing with the flow\u201d business. If you can let go of the need to control the itinerary, you\u2019ll likely have a fantastic time no matter what you see and do.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

A word to the wise: sailing sounds like it would be a great thing to do in San Blas, but you might have noticed it\u2019s not on that comprehensive Top 10 List above. That\u2019s because it\u2019s not the kind of thing you can just do\u2026 it\u2019s not an activity on its own. Remember: book a tour or book accommodation, it\u2019s the same thing. This is true for sailboats and catamarans too. They are tours as well as accommodations.<\/p>\n

Getting To The San Blas Islands From Panama City<\/h4>\n

Though the place itself is quite remote, getting to San Blas is not as difficult or daunting as it may seem. Driving to the port is easy, and the boat ride pleasant. Often, transportation is included in the price of your San Blas experience so you may not have to worry about the specifics of getting there at all.<\/p>\n

Panama City is the gateway through which most people come to San Blas, so there are loads of people who know how to get you there, and options to facilitate the trip. For many travelers, in fact, San Blas is the destination. They fly into Panama City and head straight out to the islands.<\/p>\n

Though San Blas\/Guna Yala is its own autonomous province, it\u2019s not difficult to gain entry and you don\u2019t need a visa or anything. Visitors must show their passports and pay a $20 fee. But this is something just to be aware of. It\u2019s likely that your hosts will handle it all, you\u2019ll just provide the money and the passport.<\/p>\n

Remember: tours and accommodations are one and the same. You may not get much choice in what you do, but you really don\u2019t have to do much planning. And all the support you need is right there. It\u2019s OK to sit back and relax. Make the reservation and you\u2019ll be in good hands.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Flying To San Blas<\/h4>\n

There are several flight options from Panama City to San Blas through Air Panama, and prices vary between $50-$150. Not bad for a flight straight to paradise!<\/p>\n

According to Air Panama\u2019s website you can fly from Panama to:<\/p>\n

\u2605 Achutupo (\u200eACU)
\n\u2605 Coraz\u00f3n de Jes\u00fas (\u200eCZJ)\u200e
\n\u2605 El Porvenir (\u200ePVE)\u200e
\n\u2605 Malatupo (\u200eMPP)\u200e
\n\u2605 Play\u00f3n Chico (\u200ePYC)\u200e
\n\u2605 Puerto Obald\u00eda (\u200ePUE)<\/p>\n

These are all airstrips in Guna Yala, you\u2019d just choose the one that makes the most sense for your itinerary.<\/p>\n

If you prefer to fly, just make that known to your host and they\u2019ll help work out the details. Chartering a plane to San Blas is also an option. Check out Aero Albrook<\/a> for itineraries, plane options, and pricing. <\/p>\n

How long do you need in San Blas?<\/h4>\n

For most people, 2-3 days in San Blas is enough. But honestly, it depends on who you are and where your head is at. If you really need to unplug, 3+ days may do you a world of good. Be aware however that this experience is simple\u2026 no wifi, restaurants, or shopping\u2026 so it\u2019s a lot of \u201cyou\u201d time. Plenty of opportunity to sit, stare at the sea, and daydream about life. If you\u2019re someone who finds it hard to take a chill pill, the first day may be a huge adjustment. But that\u2019s actually why you need this experience!<\/p>\n

There is an old saying about meditation that goes:<\/p>\n

\u201cYou should sit in meditation for 20 minutes a day. Unless you\u2019re too busy, then you should sit for an hour.\u201d<\/p>\n

How long should you spend in San Blas? That depends\u2026 how busy are you?<\/p>\n

San Blas Resorts, Hotels and Accommodations<\/h4>\n

With respect to the big-name hotels and resorts, you won\u2019t find any in the San Blas archipelago. But honestly, that\u2019s not the way it should be experienced anyway. In fact, San Blas is so pristine, and simple, that even one resort of any size would ruin the vibe of the whole place.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Plus, as you know, the Guna people run the tourism show. And if they seem like folks who wouldn\u2019t be too keen on partnering up with corporate America, you\u2019d be right about that.<\/p>\n

Let the locals take care of you\u2026 let them show you, with pride, the place they call home. Drink rum from a coconut. Eat perfectly grilled fresh fish, plucked right from the sea (probably by your host). Feel the heat of the bonfire. Hear the stories of your hosts. Sleep in a hammock.<\/p>\n

Check out booking.com<\/a> for plenty of San Blas accommodations options provided by locals.<\/p>\n

FAQ\/Insider Tips for Visiting San Blas<\/h3>\n

What should I pack for San Blas?<\/h4>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

No matter what time of year you are visiting, here are a few essentials to pack for your trip to San Blas:<\/p>\n

\u2605 Light layers
\n\u2605 Sandals or flip flops
\n\u2605 Swimsuit(s)
\n\u2605 Quick-dry towel
\n\u2605 Environmentally-friendly SPF
\n\u2605 Bug repellent
\n\u2605 Hat
\n\u2605 Sunglasses
\n\u2605 Dry bag for electronics<\/p>\n

It\u2019s likely that you\u2019ll have to pack a smaller bag for your jaunt to San Blas since the boat (or plane) will have weight restrictions. If that\u2019s the case, you can leave the rest of your luggage behind at your hotel in Panama City, or there are lockers at the port as well if that serves your itinerary better. This is a common request of hotels in Panama City, so even if you aren\u2019t staying there, one of a number of hotels may be able to accommodate your luggage during your time in San Blas.<\/p>\n

Will I need to bring my passport?<\/h4>\n

Speaking of things to pack, it is very important to remember to bring your passport to San Blas! In some ways, it is like going to another country, since you are leaving one government\u2019s land and entering another. The Kuna checkpoint is where passports are verified and if you don\u2019t have yours, you\u2019ll be turned back there.<\/p>\n

For certain tours, copies of your passport are required. As a general rule, take 3-5 copies just to be safe.<\/p>\n

Is there Wifi?<\/h4>\n

Wifi, as you probably know it, doesn\u2019t really exist in the San Blas Islands. Most people use Digicel cellular data, which is passable for most people\u2019s vacation web surfing needs. If you want to try working while on holiday in San Blas (why?) using your phone as a hotspot is unlikely to be sufficient for you. Best to bring some books, and any other analog activities you enjoy, and use your time in San Blas as an opportunity to relax and chill.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Are there ATMs in San Blas?<\/h4>\n

There are no ATMs in San Blas, so it\u2019s important to bring all the cash you\u2019ll need with you. There won\u2019t be many things to spend your money on, but $100-$150 should be more than enough to cover a mola or two, the $22 entrance fee, other souvenirs that catch your eye, and a few coco locos.<\/p>\n

Does San Blas have modern conveniences?<\/h4>\n

In many regards, San Blas is the epitome of \u201croughing it\u201d. Even water and toilet paper are not necessarily a given. Particularly if you\u2019ll be doing a day trip, it\u2019s a common request that you pack your water in with you. Toilet paper too. Though, especially as San Blas becomes more popular, many travelers are finding that facilities are well-stocked and they don\u2019t need the TP they brought. But not always. Take the advice of your hosts, whatever that is, and you\u2019ll be fine.<\/p>\n

You may not even have electricity or hot water consistently, which means no AC either, and a flushing toilet isn\u2019t always part of the package. If you require these things, you can find them, you\u2019ll just want to really do your homework.<\/p>\n

Are there lots of bugs in San Blas?<\/h4>\n

Yes. How \u201cbuggy\u201d, exactly, varies throughout the year, of course. But expect that you will need bug spray and plan accordingly! Don\u2019t skimp on the bug spray!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Do I need to speak Dulegaya to visit San Blas?<\/h4>\n

It\u2019s not necessary to speak the local language of the Guna people, Dulegaya, but knowing a few key phrases in Spanish is a great sign of respect and will help you break the ice. Using an offline translator is always a good idea.<\/p>\n

Do NOT touch the starfish!<\/h4>\n

One of the neatest things about San Blas is just how crystal clear the water is and how bright the colors are. The orange starfish against the white sand in the clear blue water is like a beacon for holidaymakers. You just want to hold it up and take a selfie with it. But don\u2019t touch them. Touching the starfish may kill them, even if you are the gentlest person on Earth.<\/p>\n

San Blas: A Perfect Paradise For The Properly Prepared<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s hard not to fall in love with San Blas, with the perfection found in its simplicity. The most important thing is to do your homework and know what you\u2019re getting into. This is one of those Bucket-List-worthy destinations that you\u2019ll want to do right, so you can experience it the way it’s meant to be experienced: simply.<\/p>\n

San Blas doesn\u2019t lie; what you see is what you get. And it\u2019s all right there in front of you, waiting to be experienced, internalized, and appreciated.<\/p>\n

Many people find that once they visit San Blas, they have to come back. To be sure, this gift from Mother Nature is one we\u2019ll want to treasure for as long as we can. With predictions that the islands may be the first in the world to disappear due to the effects of climate change, it\u2019s all too real the effect that we humans, and the industries we support, has on the planet.<\/p>\n

A trip to San Blas can remind us of the effect we have on everything we touch, the importance of slowing down, and truly appreciating the people and things we encounter in daily life.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Everything You Want Or Need To Know About Traveling The San Blas Islands What comes to mind when you think of the term \u201cisland paradise?\u201d Close your eyes for a moment and picture it. The crystal clear, impossibly blue water, sparkling like diamonds under the bright, warm sunshine. Puffy white clouds drifting lazily in an […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":3876,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"tdm_status":"","tdm_grid_status":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[365],"tags":[4314,2014,503,4316,4308,4312,4318,4243,3307,4310],"class_list":{"0":"post-3858","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-panama","8":"tag-day-trip-to-san-blas","9":"tag-guna-yala-en","10":"tag-kuna-yala","11":"tag-overnight-stay-in-san-blas","12":"tag-panama-san-blas-islands","13":"tag-planning-a-trip-to-san-blas","14":"tag-sailing-san-blas","15":"tag-san-blas","16":"tag-san-blas-islands-panama","17":"tag-things-to-do-in-san-blas"},"yoast_head":"\nPanama\u2019s San Blas Islands: The Definitive Guide | Real Deal Tours<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Everything You Want Or Need To Know About Traveling The San Blas Islands Panama's Remote Guna Yala Comarca.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.therealdealtours.com\/blog\/blog\/panamas-san-blas-islands-the-definitive-guide\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Panama\u2019s San Blas Islands: The Definitive Guide | Real Deal Tours\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Everything You Want Or Need To Know About Traveling The San Blas Islands Panama's Remote Guna Yala Comarca.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.therealdealtours.com\/blog\/blog\/panamas-san-blas-islands-the-definitive-guide\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"The Real Deal Tours\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2022-09-28T21:28:20+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2022-09-29T18:06:49+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.therealdealtours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/San-Blas.jpeg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1280\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"920\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Real Deal Team\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Real Deal Team\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"23 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.therealdealtours.com\\\/blog\\\/blog\\\/panamas-san-blas-islands-the-definitive-guide\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.therealdealtours.com\\\/blog\\\/blog\\\/panamas-san-blas-islands-the-definitive-guide\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Real Deal Team\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.therealdealtours.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/9692bc64ac3777fd173f8ed73dc04b18\"},\"headline\":\"Panama\u2019s San Blas Islands: The Definitive Guide\",\"datePublished\":\"2022-09-28T21:28:20+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2022-09-29T18:06:49+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.therealdealtours.com\\\/blog\\\/blog\\\/panamas-san-blas-islands-the-definitive-guide\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":4350,\"commentCount\":0,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.therealdealtours.com\\\/blog\\\/blog\\\/panamas-san-blas-islands-the-definitive-guide\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.therealdealtours.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/09\\\/San-Blas.jpeg\",\"keywords\":[\"day trip to san blas\",\"guna yala\",\"kuna yala\",\"overnight stay in san blas\",\"panama san blas islands\",\"planning a trip to san blas\",\"sailing san blas\",\"san blas\",\"san blas islands panama\",\"things to do in san blas\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Panama Travels\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.therealdealtours.com\\\/blog\\\/blog\\\/panamas-san-blas-islands-the-definitive-guide\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.therealdealtours.com\\\/blog\\\/blog\\\/panamas-san-blas-islands-the-definitive-guide\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.therealdealtours.com\\\/blog\\\/blog\\\/panamas-san-blas-islands-the-definitive-guide\\\/\",\"name\":\"Panama\u2019s San Blas Islands: The Definitive Guide | Real Deal Tours\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.therealdealtours.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.therealdealtours.com\\\/blog\\\/blog\\\/panamas-san-blas-islands-the-definitive-guide\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.therealdealtours.com\\\/blog\\\/blog\\\/panamas-san-blas-islands-the-definitive-guide\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.therealdealtours.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/09\\\/San-Blas.jpeg\",\"datePublished\":\"2022-09-28T21:28:20+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2022-09-29T18:06:49+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.therealdealtours.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/9692bc64ac3777fd173f8ed73dc04b18\"},\"description\":\"Everything You Want Or Need To Know About Traveling The San Blas Islands Panama's Remote Guna Yala Comarca.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.therealdealtours.com\\\/blog\\\/blog\\\/panamas-san-blas-islands-the-definitive-guide\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.therealdealtours.com\\\/blog\\\/blog\\\/panamas-san-blas-islands-the-definitive-guide\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.therealdealtours.com\\\/blog\\\/blog\\\/panamas-san-blas-islands-the-definitive-guide\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.therealdealtours.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/09\\\/San-Blas.jpeg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.therealdealtours.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/09\\\/San-Blas.jpeg\",\"width\":1280,\"height\":920},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.therealdealtours.com\\\/blog\\\/blog\\\/panamas-san-blas-islands-the-definitive-guide\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.therealdealtours.com\\\/blog\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Panama\u2019s San Blas Islands: The Definitive Guide\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.therealdealtours.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.therealdealtours.com\\\/blog\\\/\",\"name\":\"The Real Deal Tours\",\"description\":\"Latest buzz, travel tips and team reviews\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.therealdealtours.com\\\/blog\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.therealdealtours.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/9692bc64ac3777fd173f8ed73dc04b18\",\"name\":\"Real Deal Team\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.therealdealtours.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2021\\\/10\\\/Real_Deal_Tours-215-150x150.jpg\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.therealdealtours.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2021\\\/10\\\/Real_Deal_Tours-215-150x150.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.therealdealtours.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2021\\\/10\\\/Real_Deal_Tours-215-150x150.jpg\",\"caption\":\"Real Deal Team\"},\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.therealdealtours.com\\\/blog\\\/blog\\\/author\\\/real_deal_team\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Panama\u2019s San Blas Islands: The Definitive Guide | Real Deal Tours","description":"Everything You Want Or Need To Know About Traveling The San Blas Islands Panama's Remote Guna Yala Comarca.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.therealdealtours.com\/blog\/blog\/panamas-san-blas-islands-the-definitive-guide\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Panama\u2019s San Blas Islands: The Definitive Guide | Real Deal Tours","og_description":"Everything You Want Or Need To Know About Traveling The San Blas Islands Panama's Remote Guna Yala Comarca.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.therealdealtours.com\/blog\/blog\/panamas-san-blas-islands-the-definitive-guide\/","og_site_name":"The Real Deal Tours","article_published_time":"2022-09-28T21:28:20+00:00","article_modified_time":"2022-09-29T18:06:49+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1280,"height":920,"url":"https:\/\/www.therealdealtours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/San-Blas.jpeg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Real Deal Team","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Real Deal Team","Est. reading time":"23 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.therealdealtours.com\/blog\/blog\/panamas-san-blas-islands-the-definitive-guide\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.therealdealtours.com\/blog\/blog\/panamas-san-blas-islands-the-definitive-guide\/"},"author":{"name":"Real Deal Team","@id":"https:\/\/www.therealdealtours.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/9692bc64ac3777fd173f8ed73dc04b18"},"headline":"Panama\u2019s San Blas Islands: The Definitive Guide","datePublished":"2022-09-28T21:28:20+00:00","dateModified":"2022-09-29T18:06:49+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.therealdealtours.com\/blog\/blog\/panamas-san-blas-islands-the-definitive-guide\/"},"wordCount":4350,"commentCount":0,"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.therealdealtours.com\/blog\/blog\/panamas-san-blas-islands-the-definitive-guide\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.therealdealtours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/San-Blas.jpeg","keywords":["day trip to san blas","guna yala","kuna yala","overnight stay in san blas","panama san blas islands","planning a trip to san blas","sailing san blas","san blas","san blas islands panama","things to do in san blas"],"articleSection":["Panama Travels"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/www.therealdealtours.com\/blog\/blog\/panamas-san-blas-islands-the-definitive-guide\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.therealdealtours.com\/blog\/blog\/panamas-san-blas-islands-the-definitive-guide\/","url":"https:\/\/www.therealdealtours.com\/blog\/blog\/panamas-san-blas-islands-the-definitive-guide\/","name":"Panama\u2019s San Blas Islands: The Definitive Guide | Real Deal Tours","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.therealdealtours.com\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.therealdealtours.com\/blog\/blog\/panamas-san-blas-islands-the-definitive-guide\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.therealdealtours.com\/blog\/blog\/panamas-san-blas-islands-the-definitive-guide\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.therealdealtours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/San-Blas.jpeg","datePublished":"2022-09-28T21:28:20+00:00","dateModified":"2022-09-29T18:06:49+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.therealdealtours.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/9692bc64ac3777fd173f8ed73dc04b18"},"description":"Everything You Want Or Need To Know About Traveling The San Blas Islands Panama's Remote Guna Yala Comarca.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.therealdealtours.com\/blog\/blog\/panamas-san-blas-islands-the-definitive-guide\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.therealdealtours.com\/blog\/blog\/panamas-san-blas-islands-the-definitive-guide\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.therealdealtours.com\/blog\/blog\/panamas-san-blas-islands-the-definitive-guide\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.therealdealtours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/San-Blas.jpeg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.therealdealtours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/San-Blas.jpeg","width":1280,"height":920},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.therealdealtours.com\/blog\/blog\/panamas-san-blas-islands-the-definitive-guide\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.therealdealtours.com\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Panama\u2019s San Blas Islands: The Definitive Guide"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.therealdealtours.com\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.therealdealtours.com\/blog\/","name":"The Real Deal Tours","description":"Latest buzz, travel tips and team reviews","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.therealdealtours.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.therealdealtours.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/9692bc64ac3777fd173f8ed73dc04b18","name":"Real Deal Team","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.therealdealtours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Real_Deal_Tours-215-150x150.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.therealdealtours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Real_Deal_Tours-215-150x150.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.therealdealtours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Real_Deal_Tours-215-150x150.jpg","caption":"Real Deal Team"},"url":"https:\/\/www.therealdealtours.com\/blog\/blog\/author\/real_deal_team\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.therealdealtours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3858","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.therealdealtours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.therealdealtours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.therealdealtours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.therealdealtours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3858"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.therealdealtours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3858\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.therealdealtours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3876"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.therealdealtours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3858"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.therealdealtours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3858"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.therealdealtours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3858"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}