Mexico sailing charters and 2021 deals
Adventure travel sailing charters in San Blas and 2021 packages! The San Blas islands and Guna Indians have been the subject of numerous National Geographic articles. Indeed your experience will be right out of the pages of National Geographic. They offer two unbeatable attractions: Caribbean islands of stunning pristine beauty and an opportunity to visit the Guna people, a living Indian culture with a fascinating culture and way of life. In 2011 Lonely Planet selected San Blas as the #3 tropical paradise in the world: “Look up ‘tropical paradise’ and there will probably be a picture of the Guna Yala archipelago. These small islands (also known as the San Blas Islands) are part of the semi-autonomous territory of the Guna people with are part of the semi-autonomous territory of the Guna people and feature palm trees, gorgeous beaches, thatched huts and timeless charm. Big business hasn’t gained a foothold because the Guna rule the roost, with a series of laws to preserve the natural environment. So no ugly hotels spoiling the view and no package tourism polluting the vibe, just plenty of uninhabited islands to explore.”
Your San Blas adventure starts early in the morning. A friendly driver will meet you at your Panama City lodging between 5:15am and 5:45am and safely transport you and up to five other guests to the Port of Carti. Relax and start enjoying during the 2.5-3 hour journey through the spectacular jungle highlands. Oftentimes we encounter wildlife, such as monkeys and sloths on the road and will gladly stop the car to give you opportunities to admire these beautiful animals and to take photos. Our drivers will also stop at a grocery store in case you want to purchase any items, such as snacks, water or fruit. When arriving at the port your “lancha” boat and San Blas trip tour guide will be waiting for you, ready to commence the San Blas tour. The 30-minute boat ride to the first island may be a little bumpy and, depending on ocean conditions, there may be some ocean spray. All of our boats have ample space and feature sun protection that will make this journey more comfortable. Discover extra info on Salina Cruz Surf Camp.
The mountain town of Boquete has a wonderful climate, where you can escape the sometimes oppressive heat of the coast and lower areas. The town is relaxed and safe, catering to expats and people escaping the winters in northern climates, and local Panamanians looking for a weekend getaway. Some of the appeal here is the variety of good restaurants, as well as a mix of quality hotels and luxury inns. It’s also one of Panama’s most important coffee-growing areas, and known as a hot spot for nature and wildlife, particularly hiking and birdwatching. Having a vehicle here is quite handy for touring the surrounding mountains and reaching trailheads and nearby sites, but you can also arrange tours with transportation to the coffee plantations. One of the best short drives in Panama leaves from the outskirts of Boquete. This scenic loop of about 15 miles passes the main hiking trails, a beautiful river, an abandoned castle, and waterfalls. The road also provides amazing views down the valley and up the slopes of Volcan Baru.
Few locations include Playa Las Lajas is a beautiful beach that extends for more than 13 km (8 miles) along the Gulf of Chiriqui on the Pacific Coast. With little current and perfect water temperatures, Las Lajas is ideal for swimming and bodysurfing. Rustic shacks and cheap restaurants are clustered on the beach at the end of the road. For now it remains a hidden treasure still undiscovered by the large hotel chains and hordes of tourists.
The Guna Yala (also known as Kuna Indians) are the indigenous people of the San Blas Islands. Originally occupying the border of Panama and Colombia, (when Panama was part of Colombia), the Kuna Indians began settling in the San Blas Archipelago around 1800. No tourists were allowed to the region until the 1940s, as the Kuna Indians operated an autonomous state separate from Panama. The Kuna have kept many of their cultural traditions intact, which are still thriving today. They originally wore few clothes and decorated their bodies with bright, colorful designs, but after Europeans arrived, the Kuna began making and wearing intricately woven molas, which are still present today. Travelers are now allowed to visit, and each island family works with local operators and each other to ensure guests have the best experience on a visit to the islands.
San Blas is the most stunning place I’ve been to – no exaggeration. It’s just the most amazing turquoise water mixed with blue and the sand is perfectly soft and white. There are starfish by the dozens below and with the addition of the unique Guna people living on the islands like they did hundreds of years ago, fishing with line, and chopping down trees with their machetes, it’s just an adventure that you won’t want to miss. It brings people from all over the world – but it’s not mass tourism here. It’s still pretty and quiet and while we sailed around we barely saw another soul. This is mostly because people think it’s hard to reach and don’t add it into their Panama itinerary.
San Blas adventure travel locations are a fabulous thing in 2019. The San Blas Islands are off of both Panama and Colombia on the Caribbean coast and stretch along down to the Colon region of Panama. The name is really Guna Yala, after a name change in 2011 but as most people search San Blas, I will call them that in this article. The region is the territory of the Guna people, short for Guna Yala. These are the indigenous people of Panama and Colombia and they actually don’t have the same rules as the rest of Panama – they had a treaty years ago to where they can govern this land in their own way (in many ways but not all). When you arrive, you pay the fees when you come into their territory and stay at their hotels. You can alternatively sail, but from what I gather it’s not entirely legal. Find extra details at www.taotravel365.com.