In the Caribbean waters off Panama’s northeastern coast, the Guna Yala region—formerly known as the San Blas Islands.
The archipelago is home to the Guna people, an Indigenous community known for its strong cultural identity. This autonomous territory spans more than 360 islands, most of them uninhabited.
As an autonomous Indigenous region, Guna Yala is governed by traditional leadership councils that oversee land use, tourism, and cultural preservation. Travel to Guna Yala is coordinated through local authorities, and all visitor experiences are designed in partnership with the community to ensure they are respectful, low-impact, and mutually beneficial.
The Guna live in close relationship with their environment, guided by ancestral traditions shaped by the surrounding sea, forest, and land. Their language, Dulegaya, carries a worldview grounded in balance between the physical and spiritual—a perspective reflected in daily life and community practices.
A defining expression of Guna identity is the mola—a hand-stitched textile created by Guna women using a layered reverse appliqué technique. Each design carries meaning, often drawing from dreams, natural forms, or spiritual beliefs. Today, molas are recognized worldwide as a symbol of Panamanian craftsmanship.
The Guna have also built one of Panama’s most thoughtful models of community-led tourism. Guests stay in traditional huts, dine on local dishes such as coconut rice and fresh-caught seafood, and engage in meaningful cultural exchange—through storytelling, music, and personal connection with local hosts.
Visiting Guna Yala is as much about learning as it is about landscape. It invites Guests to understand Panama through the lens of a living culture that continues to shape and protect its territory with purpose.
How to Experience Guna Yala and the Art of the Mola With Panama Trails
Panama Trails offers two distinct ways to engage with the culture and traditions of the Guna people—whether through sailing in the San Blas Archipelago or a hands-on art experience in Panama City.
Each option provides meaningful insight into Guna heritage and the stories behind their iconic mola textiles, crafted and worn with purpose for generations.
Indigenous Guna Hands Art Tour (Panama City)
This half-day experience begins at the Mola Museum in Panama City, where Guests explore curated exhibits showcasing the history, symbolism, and artistry of Guna mola textiles—from early designs to modern interpretations. The visit is followed by a hands-on workshop led by Guna artisans, offering insight into the technique and cultural meaning behind each stitch. Guests have the opportunity to engage directly with members of the Guna community and purchase authentic molas, supporting local artists and cultural preservation.
Sailing the San Blas Archipelago
This three-night sailing experience explores Panama’s Caribbean coast aboard a private catamaran. Guests cruise through the remote Guna Yala region—anchoring near uninhabited islands, snorkeling coral reefs, kayaking in turquoise waters, and visiting Guna communities.
The package includes round-trip charter flights from Panama City, all meals on board, and use of water equipment, including kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling gear. It’s an ideal option for those seeking privacy, flexibility, and a deeper connection to Guna culture through the water.
Activities offered include:
Island Hopping Adventure
With over 360 islands, exploring by boat is a must. Visit pristine, palm-fringed islets, snorkel in crystal-clear lagoons, and encounter starfish gardens and colorful reefs teeming with marine life.
Cultural Connection
Meet the Guna people, who govern the islands autonomously and proudly preserve their traditions. Discover their unique handicrafts, especially the famous molas—brightly patterned textiles that tell stories of nature and daily life.
Simple Pleasures
Disconnect from the modern world. Enjoy fresh seafood caught the same morning, nap in a hammock under the palms, and watch the stars from your overwater cabin—San Blas is pure serenity.
Sail, Snorkel, and Explore
Hop aboard a sailboat or speedboat and discover hidden islands surrounded by crystal-clear water. Dive into natural pools filled with starfish, snorkel along coral gardens, or paddle a kayak through calm lagoons fringed with palms.
Island Expeditions
Spend your days jumping between islands, meeting the Guna communities, and learning about their seafaring traditions. Onshore, trek through lush tropical trails or explore untouched beaches accessible only by boat.
Night Under the Stars
When the sun sets, San Blas turns magical—bonfires on the sand, sky full of stars, and the gentle rhythm of the waves. There’s no Wi-Fi, but endless connection with nature.
