Travel Guide to San Blas Islands

• HelloNuedi
  [Nweh-dee]
• GoodbyeNe gwee
  [Neh gwee]
• YesEe
  [Ih]
• NoNoo
  [Noo]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor
  [Pohr fah-vohr]
• Thank youGracias
  [Grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryDisculpa
  [Dees-kool-pah]
• How are you?Kwe ta bai?
  [Kweh tah bah-ee?]
• Fine. And you?Bon. I bu?
  [Bohn. Ee boo?]
• Do you speak English?Bo ta papia Ingles?
  [Boh tah pah-pee-ah Een-glehs?]
• I don't understandMi no ta kumpronde
  [Mee noh tah koom-prohn-deh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMi kier mira e menu, por favor
  [Mee kee-ehr mee-rah eh meh-noo, pohr fah-vohr]
• I don't eat meatMi no kome karni
  [Mee noh koh-meh kahr-nee]
• Cheers!Salud!
  [Sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMi kier paga, por favor
  [Mee kee-ehr pah-gah, pohr fah-vohr]

• Help!Ayuda!
  [Ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!Bai for
  [Bah-ee fohr]
• Call the Police!Yama polis!
  [Yah-mah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Yama un dokter!
  [Yah-mah oon dohk-tehr]
• I'm lostMi ta perdí
  [Mee tah pehr-dee]
• I'm illMi ta malu
  [Mee tah mah-loo]

• I'd like to buy...Mi kier kumpra...
  [Mee kee-ehr koom-prah...]
• I'm just lookingMi ta mira solamente
  [Mee tah mee-rah soh-lah-mehn-teh]
• How much is it?Kuantu e kuesta?
  [Kwan-too eh kwehs-tah?]
• That's too expensiveEs masha karu
  [Ehs mah-shah kah-roo]
• Can you lower the price?Bo por baha e preis?
  [Boh pohr bah-hah eh preh-ees?]

• What time is it?Kuantu ora e ta?
  [Kwan-too oh-rah eh tah?]
• It's one o'clockE ta un ordu
  [Eh tah oon ohr-doo]
• Half past (10)Mita (10)
  [Mee-tah (dees)]
• MorningMadruga
  [Mah-droo-gah]
• AfternoonTardi
  [Tahr-dee]
• EveningAnochi
  [Ah-noh-chee]
• YesterdayAnoche
  [Ah-noh-cheh]
• TodayAwe
  [Ah-weh]
• TomorrowMañana
  [Mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [Oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [Dohs]
• 3Tres
  [Trehss]
• 4Cuatro
  [Kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [Seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [Seh-ees]
• 7Siete
  [Syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [Oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [Nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [Dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?Undi ta un/ e...?
  [Oon-dee tah oon/eh...?]
• What's the address?Kiko e adres ta?
  [Kee-koh eh ah-drehs tah?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Bo por mustra mi (riba e mapa)?
  [Boh pohr moos-trah mee (ree-bah eh mah-pah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Kuando e siguiente (bus)?
  [Kwan-doh eh see-gwee-ehn-teh (boos)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Un tiki (pa ....)
  [Oon tee-kee (pah ....)]

Long before the arrival of Europeans, the San Blas Islands were inhabited by the indigenous Guna Yala people. They lived in harmony with nature, relying on fishing, agriculture, and trade. Their social structure and spiritual beliefs were deeply connected to the land and sea, which played crucial roles in their daily lives and cultural rituals.

The Spanish arrived in the 16th century, driven by the quest for gold and new territories. The Guna Yala fiercely resisted Spanish attempts to colonize their lands. Despite these efforts, the Spanish often exploited the islands' strategic location for maritime routes between the Americas and Europe.

One of the most significant events in the history of the San Blas Islands is the Guna Revolution of 1925. The Guna people, led by Nele Kantule, revolted against Panamanian authorities who attempted to suppress their cultural practices and autonomy. The revolution resulted in the recognition of the Guna's rights to self-governance and the establishment of the Guna Yala comarca (autonomous territory).

Following the Guna Revolution, the Panamanian government officially recognized the Guna Yala comarca in 1938. This legal framework granted the Guna people a significant degree of autonomy, allowing them to preserve their cultural heritage, language, and traditions. The comarca system is a unique arrangement that highlights the resilience and determination of the Guna people to maintain their way of life.

In recent decades, the San Blas Islands have become a popular destination for eco-tourism. The Guna people have embraced this opportunity by developing community-based tourism initiatives that allow visitors to experience their unique culture and pristine natural environment. Despite the challenges posed by modernization and climate change, the Guna continue to protect their islands and cultural identity while sharing their heritage with the world.

The San Blas Islands, also known as Guna Yala, are located off the Caribbean coast of Panama. The most common way to get there is by flying into Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City. From Panama City, you can take a 4x4 vehicle to the port of Carti, which takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. From Carti, a boat ride of approximately 30 to 60 minutes will take you to the islands. Some travelers also choose to fly from Panama City to the small airstrip in El Porvenir, the capital of Guna Yala, and then take a boat to their final destination.

Once on the San Blas Islands, transportation is primarily by boat. Many of the islands are small and can be easily explored on foot. Water taxis are available to transport you between islands. It is advisable to arrange transportation in advance, either through your accommodation or a local tour operator. There are no cars on the islands, and infrastructure is minimal, so be prepared for a more rustic mode of travel.

The official currency of Panama is the Panamanian Balboa (PAB), which is pegged to the US Dollar (USD) at a 1:1 ratio. US Dollars are widely accepted and often used interchangeably with Balboas. It is important to carry cash, as there are no ATMs on the San Blas Islands. Credit cards are generally not accepted, so ensure you have enough cash to cover your expenses, including accommodation, meals, and transportation.

The San Blas Islands are generally safe for tourists, but it is always wise to take standard precautions. Petty theft can occur, so keep your belongings secure and avoid leaving valuables unattended. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings. The local Guna people are known for their hospitality and usually ensure a safe environment for visitors.

In case of emergency, it is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. There are basic medical facilities on some of the larger islands, but for serious medical issues, you may need to be evacuated to a hospital in Panama City. It is advisable to carry a first aid kit and any necessary medications. For minor health issues, some islands have small clinics or pharmacies where you can purchase basic supplies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting Guna villages. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always ask for permission before taking photographs of local people. Public Transport: Do be respectful when using water taxis and follow the guidance of the boat operators. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'hola' and a smile. Eating & Drinking: Do try local seafood and traditional Guna dishes. Don’t waste food, as it is considered disrespectful. Always drink bottled or purified water, as tap water may not be safe.

To experience the San Blas Islands like a local, consider staying in a traditional Guna lodge or homestay. Engage with the Guna people, as they are often willing to share their culture and traditions. Visit the local markets to purchase handmade molas, which are vibrant textile art pieces created by Guna women. Participate in a traditional dance or music event if you have the opportunity. Respect the natural environment by not littering and following any guidelines provided by your hosts.