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Welcome to
San Blas
Republic of Panama
Introduction
Head of Province: El Porvenir
Population: 32,446 inhabitants (2000 census)
Surface:
Coastal Area: Caribbean Sea
Major Islands: None, but lots of tiny islands/atolls in the archipielago.
 To begin with San Blas is not really a province, it has always been a territory, the
Kuna territory (Comarca de San Blas in Spanish). The Kunas call it Kuna Yala.
Kuna Yala, or San Blas is a relatively narrow strip of land that extends about one
third of the northern (Atlantic) coast of Panama. Although they belong to the republic
of Panama (and abide to its laws), they are also (semi)autonomous meaning they have
their own tribal chiefs and conduct things like they have for thousands of years. This
has been like that since their rebellion in 1925.
 San Blas is also an archipielago, there are enough little islands there to last you
a year!. The Kunas live on these little islands but during the day the men go out to
sea for fishing, as well as to mainland Kuna Yala/San Blas to engage in horticulture
and other activities. The Kunas, like most indigenous people of the americas, suffered
decimation by the hands of the Spanish conquerors, for that reason they often sought
alliance with the English. This behaviour continued in modern days when they would prefer
to work in the Canal Zone for the North Americans.
Colonial Times
 During colonial times the Spaniards founded the town of Acla in San Blas. This was
the town from which Pedrarias Davila -governor of the Spanish Kingdom in Panama- pursued
governing the new territories and launching expeditions. It was from here where the
expedition to discover the Pacific Ocean ("Mar del Sur") was launched by Vasco Nuñez
de Balboa. Later on, after the discovery of the Mar del Sur, the city of Panama (Panama
La Vieja) was founded and the head of government was moved there, thus leaving Acla more
or less abandoned. Sadly enough, it was in the town of Acla where discoverer Vasco
Nuñez (married to a native indian woman) found death by decapitation on order
of the governor.
 Exploring by car
You cannot get there by car.
 By Public Transport - Bus Terminals
You can fly to the head of San Blas, the town of Provenir, from the Albrook Airport
in Panama city. The price was about $30 one way (Adult, discounts for senior citizens and
children). If you go there you have to count on staying overnight because the only return
flight on the same day leaves about 20 minutes after it arrives (in the early morning).
 Cruises, Boat trips, To the Islands
No cruises, either you come in somebody's boat or yatch or rent a canoe to be taken to
the island(s) of choice. The former cruise from Panama to Cartagena,Colombia that used
to stop in San Blas is no longer in service.
 Hotels, Pensions, Bed & Breakfast
 Coastal Areas - Beaches
This is an archipielago, wherever you are taken by dug-out canoe there will be plenty
of swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities!
 Sports
 Villas and Resorts in the Area
 Recommended side-trips
 Local Events
 Related Articles
And some links of interest:
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