Top San Blas sailboat charters in 2022 and tourism tips? Visiting San Blas is mainly about enjoying the beauty of the nature and spending your time relaxing on these incredible islands, think of it as a way to get away from it all. I find that it’s the small things that you can do on these multi-day, get aways that make them unique. Here are a few highlights of the speedboat trip I did with San Blas Adventures from Colombia to San Blas. See extra info at San Blas sailboat charters.
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.
When people think of Panama City they think of tall skyscrapers and large casinos. However, the area of Casco Viejo (aka San Felipe) is the old part of the city and where much of the city’s charm lies. Here you can find that stunning colonial architecture, beautiful churches, quaint restaurants, and much of Panama’s history. There are a few ways to explore this old part of the city. You can either just walk around on your own and admire the architecture and many coffee shops. This would still be a great experience and perfect for those on a tight budget (Panama isn’t exactly cheap.) However, if you’re like me and love learning about the history of important cities, then a Casco Viejo guided tour is a must! As mentioned above, I did a full-day guided tour that visited many attractions and included an in-depth walk of Casco Viejo, a visit to Ancon Hill, and a short stop at the Amador Causeway. On the old city part of the tour, we dove deep into the history, visited a famous coffee show, and learned so much that we were actually very impressed. Without a doubt, I think that a guided tour is the way to go.
Prepare yourself for adventure to the max with our Tulum cenote and Yal Ku snorkeling tour! Start by marveling at the crumbling architecture of the ruins of Tulum. This pre-Columbian Mayan walled city is situated on tall cliffs that back up to the ocean for an incredible view! Continue your journey to a fresh-water Mayan cenote (or natural sinkhole) and jump in the brisk waters for a guided eco-tour. Navigate through breathtaking caverns as you explore the ancient rock formations up close. Go on a snorkeling discovery at the gorgeous Yal Ku where saltwater meets freshwater to create a habitat brimming with aquatic life, and finish your day relaxing on the beach with a delicious lunch at the Punta Venado beach club.
One of the very few places in Panama where you can watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean, the Sunset Coast is an undiscovered area with small towns, wide open beaches, and a small number of lodges where you can get away from the tourist scene. This is rural Panama, home to rolling hills, small villages, family farms, and huge beaches lined by palms and forest. Foreign tourists are not plentiful the way they are in other areas of the country, and many of the visitors are Panamanian. The road down to the Sunset Coast from the Pan-American Highway is twisty and has a few potholes to dodge, but every mile takes you further off the beaten track. This area is also popular with surfers. The wide-open beaches take the brunt of the Pacific Ocean rollers, and it’s rare that you’ll need to share a wave. If you want a beach all to yourself, this is the place to come.
Entering the Panama Canal you will get to photograph huge Ocean Liners up close. The Canal opens up into the pristine Gatun Lake where we head to the Monkey Islands. Here we photograph three types of monkeys, iguanas, crocodiles, a wide range of stunning birds and maybe an elusive manatee. You leave with the complimentary SD Card from the camera with your wonderful memories. This tour starts in the morning at Gamboa park. You will navigate in the Gatun Lake together with cruises, vessels, container ships or even submarines as they cross the Panama Canal As you navigate the Gatun Lake you will encounter different animals that live in the rainforest surrounding the lake like sloths, different kinds of monkeys, iguanas, crocodiles, birds, etc. You will be taken to a beautiful spring fed water hole by canoe but for the adventurous, kayaks are available as well as fishing at the lake.
At Tao Travel 365 we strongly believe in eco-friendly travel and strive to support the environment as well as the local population where we conduct our tours. Read more on our philosophies in About Us. In line with our eco-friendly travel philosophy we only offer tours in exotic locations, away from mass-tourism and the immense carbon footprint. We are nature enthusiasts and enjoy breathing clean air, swimming in unpolluted waters and observing healthy wildlife in its original setting. We have greatly enjoyed all the adventures we are offering and are excited to share them with you.