San Blas Travel Guide

There is a new ramada called Paraje del Rey which is set out in the mangroves. Everything in the ramada is made from the traditional style using all natural materials. It is very beautiful and peaceful. You have to take a lancha to get there. The lanca costs 300 pesos round trip but you can fit about 15 people.

OK, there are two things you don't want to miss. The taco truck run by Raul and his always laughing wife. A block or two north of the bus station, by a store that sells beer & sodas & whatnot. You buy a beer inside (it's the only taco stand right across from a beer place) and then get the best tacos in town. And a grilled onoin, plus a joke from Raul (who will still like you if you don't follow the Spanish too well).

The other thing you'll want to live on is tostadas de ceviche--the peanut butter and jelly of the coast. This is pretty simple fish in lime juice, plus grated carrot and onion. They make it but the tub about two blocks west of the square on the road that leads to the beach. You'll be hooked in no time.

Favorite Dish: tacos, tostadas de ceviche

You'll quickly find there's not much nightlife in San Blas. Here's what we did to keep ourselves entertained: people watching on the square, especially on Sunday nights, pool on the somewhat crooked tables at some place with Australia in the name just north of the square, gin rummy, poker, mixed fruit drinks with rum, and the ocassional band in town (you'll hear them).

Dress Code: Wear whatever you want, unless you want to keep up with the young mexican ladies in the square on Sunday night. Then you'll want to bust out the tightest lycra-wear you can find, preferably in an animal print.

Unfortunately, as a gringo, some folks will see you as an easy target. It's very unlikely that anyone will rob you personally, but may watch to see when you leave the house. Get a place with metal doors. Don't leave your valuables behind unless they can be well secured. Live near other folks, in town, not out by the beach. The bugs are bad there anyway. And we never had a prblem in four motnhs there--just heard some stories.