San Blas Islands and the Kuna Indians Panama adventure travel

San Blas Islands and the Kuna Indians

trip specifics

price

2010

$495 per person + 7% tax

price is based on double occupancy

please call for single traveler rates

duration

3 days

trip dates

Private departures departs daily upon request

trip level

view explanation

highlights

San Blas Islands
Achutupu River
Kuna Culture
Snorkeling

accomm types

Lodge

activities

cultural interactions

trip details

all trip destinations

Without a doubt the best preserved of all of the indigenous cultures of the Americas is the Kuna. The Kuna people are so determined to protect their heritage that they have maintained their autonomy. In Kuna Yala (the land of the Kuna), known to the rest of the world as the San Blas Islands, an indigenous independent Congress still rules. Comprised by some 365 islands, less than 60 of them are inhabited. Turquoise waters surround white-sand beaches dotted with palm trees and thatched-roof Kuna villages.

Day 1 - SAN BLAS ISLANDS & THE KUNA PEOPLE
Early this morning we are picked up at the lobby of our hotel and transferred to Albrook Airport. We depart by small plane to San Blas early this morning and arrive at Achutupu where a representative of Dolphin Island Lodge will meet us. Uaguinega is located on Uaguitupu Island by itself, about 15 minutes away from the airstrip via dugout canoe. Owned and operated by a Kuna family the accommodations are basic but comfortable in traditional Kuna-style huts with cozy beds, private bathrooms and a hammock on the front porch. Family-style meals are served in the Bohio dining room overlooking the Caribbean. There is no hot water and electricity is available for a couple of hours every day provided by small generator.

After settling in and having breakfast, our first excursion is to the neighboring village in the island of Achutupu providing us with an excellent opportunity to learn about the Kuna way of life and their traditional ceremonies. Visit the communal house of “Sahilas” (Kuna chiefs) where decisions in favor of the community are made, advice on all aspects of life is offered and the local laws are enforced. Learn about the construction of the typical Kuna house, the economy, the traditional “mola”, and the processing of sugar cane into the local drink. Return to the lodge to relax at one of the hammocks before having lunch. Later this afternoon we will go snorkeling in the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean to see stunning marine life.

Accommodations:Uaguinega Lodge
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 2 - EXPLORATIONS IN SAN BLAS
This morning we will visit the mainland by dug-out canoe and travel up the mouth of the Achutupu River to the point where outboards are allowed. We will then hike through scrub-like habitat and fruit trees (mango, cocoa, plantain, and breadfruit) that are excellent for birding. In the afternoon we will go snorkeling, relax at the beach or stay in one of the hammocks at the lodge. There will be other tours to choose from.

Accommodations:Uaguinega Lodge
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 3 - RETURN TO PANAMA CITY
This morning we have breakfast and then will take the short ride aboard a dugout canoe to the airstrip where we board our plane back to Panama City. We will be met and transferred to the our hotel upon arrival

Accommodations: N/A
Included Meals: breakfast

Land Cost Includes: All lodging, land, air and water transportation within Panama, all airport/hotel transfers when arriving and departing on the stated arrival and departure dates of the group, meals as specified in the itinerary, hotel taxes, entrance fees to National Parks, museums and places of interest in effect at the time of booking are included unless otherwise specified, guide services as specified in the itinerary.

Not Included: Airfare to Panama, excess baggage charges, taxes and port fees, tourist card ($5), gratuities to transfer and naturalist guides, items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages, Snorkeling equipment (can be rented at a small fee at the Uaguinega Lodge), and insurance of any kind.

Baggage Restrictions: Weight restrictions apply to luggage in commercial and chartered flights within Panama. A maximum of 25 lbs. (11 kg) of checked luggage and 10 lbs. (4.5 kg) of carry-on per person is allowed. Arrangements can be made with your hotel to store luggage that will not be needed while away from the city. Excess baggage charges assessed by commercial carriers are the responsibility of the passenger.

Payment and Cancellation Policy: Please see AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions.

Qualifications: This trip is available to any individuals or families with a love of nature and sense of adventure.

Extending Your Trip: Call AdventureSmith Explorations about the possibilities of combining trips on one of our Panama or Costa Rica expedition cruises.

General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations 'Terms & Conditions'. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation. We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance through AdventureSmith Explorations. If purchased within 14 days of sign-up, the pre-existing condition exclusion is waived.

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.

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