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Panama and San Blas
About Panama |
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| Located between Central and South America, Panama covers 75,517 square/km (29,208 square miles) and is bordered both by the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea - only 50 miles apart at the narrowest. The 3 million Panamanians speak Spanish, but English is also widely spoken. The Isthmus of Panama, a physical and cultural link between two countries, is well-known for its canal. However, it also offers among the finest eco-tourist experiences in the world. | |||||||||||||||||||
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Temperatures are always between 26-35º C (80;-90º F). The City of Panama pleasantly mixes ancient and modern architecture. It's always a pleasure to take a walk in 500 year old Casco Viejo, the original city sacked by Henry Morgan, the pirate. Of course, the Canal is one of the main attractions in Panama. Check the Panama Canal Live web cam at http://www.pancanal.com/eng/photo/camera-java.html There is much more to see in Panama! The local folklore, a mix between Indian and Spanish culture, is really outstanding! Note that Panama is the country that offers a real autonomy to the several Indians communities they can live traditionally, with their own laws, in their ancestral territories (called here Comarca): nothing to do with any "reserve"). See Kuna Indians special page Panama is a well preserved paradise for eco-tourism. Bio-diversity is 50% greater than neighboring Costa Rica, forests are 10 times larger! The Smithsonian institute has, for half a century, preserved the world's finest rainforest preserve. The protected Darien forest shelters jungle Indians living traditionally, and one of the world's best spots for bird watching, for those with a great appreciation of nature. San Blas has been recently elected top 3 destination in the world for the beauty of its islands & for sure the top 1 for the Indian cultural interest! Panama is a new destination worth the visit but also to retire: elected top 4 retirement destination for US Americans. San Blas is known as last ultimate Caribbean paradise by circumnavigators! More information on the Republic of Panama: Panamá |
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About San Blas
Yes! The most beautiful part of Panama is located along the Caribbean coast: the 365 islands of this archipelago are each a real postcard scenery with white sand beaches, coconuts trees and turquoise waters. Circumnavigators even consider the San Blas archipelago as one of their top 3 destinations in the world! Established in 1938 as an autonomous Indian territory, the land and marine park of Kuna Yala offer both land and sea treasures. On the mainland, the "Cordillera de las San Blas "mountain range rises above this gorgeous, unexploited, unspoiled and relatively unknown paradise.
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Today's Kuna Indians inhabit the islands in the same way their ancestors did: trading coconuts and fishing for crabs, lobsters and snappers aboard their graceful hand carved wooden canoes complete with patchwork sails, called "Cayucos". Most of the communities speak only the ancient Indian language and the women still wear the traditional colorful dresses in orange and yellow, highlighted with the world famous "mola" rainbow colored patterns emblazoned with fishes, birds, jungle animals or geometric designs (discover more in The Kuna Indians section). |
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Of the 365 islands, only about one-tenth are habited, and those are very crowded. The remaining islands are deserted. You will have the opportunity to experience both. The San Blas archipelago is more a mooring destination than a sailing one: yachts sail 1 to 3 hours average per day, that's why cruising the san blas is a pleasure all year long. Meals are preferably prepared with the catch of the day: fishes, lobsters and the famous San Blas giant crabs are extrordinary! See also the cooking section. No road gets (yet) to the archipelago: this helps preserving the San Blas from massive tourism. Unless one wants to meet other yachts, most anchorages are deserted. Ask your captain, he will take you to his preferred lonely island (see the Grand photos gallery)! From fishing to kayaking thru snorkeling and visiting the traditional villages. 1 to 2 weeks vacation is a good frame to discover all what san blas offer. Check also the other activities The best area to cruise is located between Rio Diablo (Corazon de Jesus) and Porvenir (see cruising map): unlike the rest of the San Blas most islands are located far from the main land offering crystal clear waters and gorgeous sea life. Also the two great reefs of Chichime and Hollandes lay in the north of the selected sailing area: these are the most beautiful anchorages following guest's choice. |
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The San Blas archipelago is now clearly threat by general sea level rising due to global warming and the countries polluting the most (and still refusing to sign the Kyoto agreements): some say that, between 40 to 70 years from now, there might not be any more San Blas: the Kuna Indians would have to move to the mainland and some of the last Indians still living on islands would have to radically change their way of life to survive because of richer countries gas emission and pollution. Take a chance to discover of the last genuine paradise of the Caribbean and meet the friendly Kuna Indians. If you want to know more about San Blas please visit The Kuna Indians section or take a few minutes to download a short film about San Blas! |
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