Guna Yala

Guna Yala is an indigenous territory in Panama, inhabited by the Guna ethnic group. The region was formerly called San Blas, until 1998, and Kuna Yala until 2010. Its capital is El Porvenir. It borders the Caribbean Sea to the north, the province of Darién and the Emberá Wounnan indigenous territory to the south, Colombia to the east and the province of Colón to the west.

Guna Yala in the Guna language means "Guna Land" or "Guna Mountain." The area was formerly known as San Blas, and later on as Kuna Yala, but was changed again in October 2011 when the Panama Government recognized the petition of the Guna people that in their native language it was not equivalent to the letter "K" and that the official name should be "Guna Yala".

Location:

The Guna Yala indigenous territory is located on the Caribbean coast of Panama. It covers a strip of land 230 kilometers long and from 10 to 20 kilometers wide. The inland area is approximately 3,220 km2. There is also the offshore marine area, including reefs, keys, islands (over 360) and fishing areas. All together, the indigenous territory has a total area of over 5,400 km2.

How to arrive?

Plane: A flight from the Marcos A. Gelabert airport in Albrook to the runway in the region takes about 30 to 35 minutes.

Car: A 4x4 vehicle should be used for this trip, taking the Panamerican Highway from Panama City towards the province of Darién. Before reaching Darién, at El Llano de Chepo there is a left-hand turn-off to the road that leads to the indigenous territory.

What to bring?

Insect repellent

Sunscreen

Swimming suit

Water bottle

Activities:

Snorkeling

Observation of flora and fauna