Comarca de San Blas Things to Do

  Other souvenirs
by grandmaR
 
  • Other souvenirs
      Other souvenirs
    by grandmaR
  • T-shirt applique
      T-shirt applique
    by grandmaR
  • Waiting for customers
      Waiting for customers
    by grandmaR
  •   Things to Do
    by grandmaR
  • the school
      the school
    by elsadran
 

Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

The villages

by elsadran

The villages consists of typical thatched roofed huts packed on the small area of the island. They lack many facilities especially toilets so they use the little wooden huts built at the end of the wharfs and drop their wastes in to the sea. So don't swim near the inhabited islands although the sea seems to be very clean. Wait for your boat to take you to the remote ones. On the central island there is the school and the Mayor's house which is unacceptably built in concrete just to show off !!You are generally welcome to go around and have a look at the houses, but more so if you buy their products. Molas can be seen in front of every house waiting to be picked up by the future buyer. Some tourists are crazy about them and buy them by the dozen. To tell you the truth I am not very enthusiastic so I bought only one, which is still hidden in its original bag. But anyway, it is really...

Tip Photo
What makes up a good 'mola'?

by elsadran

Molas are considered of the most precious handicrafts in Latin America. A 'mola' is made of multiple layers of cloths of different colours.. Then each cloth is cut in a way that reveals the layer beneath. They are patiently embroidered with traditional designs, which are geometrical shapes , or designs of animals which are made for tourists. Then they use it to make bags, purses, clothes, pillows, head covers, covers for different objects and are hung on the walls for decoration. The price for a really good mola is 20$ but you can find cheaper ones as low as 10$. Now what makes a mola good or cheap is the way it has been processed. So look for these:1 The designs should be balanced and the spaces filled.2 The lines should be thin and evenly spaced, with smooth edges. 3 Stiches should be small, even, and almost invisible.4 The design should stand out and be easy to see, which is largely a...

Tip Photo
Porvenir island. Airport and museum

by elsadran

Porvenir is the capital of San Blas. It is the Kuna's window to the world as it houses their small airport. The airway takes up almost all the length of the small island. The airport building is of typical Kuna construction. There is a small museum nearby where a few old items of every day use are exhibited and a typical Kuna grave. The entrance is 5$ and the money goes to the community. There is a not so good, cheap hotel which you can use as a base for your trips around if you are on a low budget.Click to see photos of the museum

Tip Photo
Market

by Babzz

The natives sell their wares wherever tourists might be found. Various colourful, hand-made crafts are available to be purchased at a bartered price, as well as postcards and other items that may interest tourists.

Tip Photo
Boat Ride to a Beach Island

by Babzz

Not for the water-weary! We took what looked like a large canoe with a motor at the back from the main island to a beach island. The boat operator had insisted that it was a 15 minute ride to a nearby island, but in reality our beach island destiny was a small dot on the horizon! With no life jackets in the middle of the ocean, it was a bit scary at first, but after a while it was ok and I just enjoyed the ride in partial disbelief that I was in this tiny boat in the middle of nowhere. The beach island was uninhabited, really beautiful and relaxing. We sat in the shade of the palms and swam in the water until it was time to retun. All in all a fun adventure.Unfortunately I can't remember the name of the main island we were on, but I'm assuming few of them are accessible to tourists, so it could only be one of a select few. These islands are small, so finding anything shouldn't be too...

Tip Photo
Bargain for Molas Or Other Souvenirs

by grandmaR

under construction

Tip Photo
Fun things to do in Comarca de San Blas
 
Explore the World
Travel Destinations
Travel Highlights

The Place

Reviews and photos of Comarca de San Blas attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Comarca de San Blas sightseeing.

Experience Comarca de San Blas
 

Questions and Answers

chloegovan profile photo

Q:  I am looking for someone who speaks both English and the dialect of the Kuna Indians in the San Blas islands. Can anyone help? 

skyxchef profile photo

A: This was current 10 months ago. His name is Germain Perez. He is Kuna and speaks good english spanish and Kuna. His e-mail is sanblasadventures@yahoo.com ... 

Read 2 Replies

postQuestion_button