San Blas is the name given to the area by the government, but since gaining autonomy the name given by the Indians is Kuna Yala or Guna Yala, which means Mountain of Gunas. The capital of the comarca is El Porvenir.
This territory was relatively closed to foreigners until the revolution of 1925. After this year the indigenous people claimed independence from Panama, which gave them the authority to govern the comarca autonomously. If you visit the San Blas area you are obliged to follow the rules of the Guna Indians.
These islands preserve the ancestral essence of a different world thanks to the Guna culture while maintaining their customs and traditions. You will see their women wearing ¨molas¨, colourful fabrics and striking designs that characterise them, their costume is handmade and is complemented by a series of bracelets and earrings.
The men usually fish in their handmade wooden canoes, also called ¨Ulu’s¨. The fish and lobster they catch are later sold or traded for goods on the mainland.
Don’t miss the opportunity to interact with the Guna Indians, they are reserved but very friendly.
