Mola depicting Panama's Shield, Flag & Map.
Exotic San Blas:
The San Islands are located along the caribbean coast of Panama from the golfo of San Blas all the way to the Colombian border.
San Blas (Kuna Yala) Indigenous Territory is formed by 365 islands extending from the borders with Colon Province and the Republic of Colombia
Established in 1938 as autonomous indian territory, Kuna Yala offer both land and sea.
These Islands are an autonomous province with minimal interference from the national government, they have maintained their own economic system, language, custom and culture, with their unique dress, legends, music and dance and they have avoided traditional tourism development.
These beautiful islands offer to the tourist snorkeling and swimming. Facilities are few and simple, the same as the food.
One of the most beautiful parts of Panama is the archipielago of San Blas, gorgeous, unspoiled, unexploited and relatively unknow Island Paradise. Named the San Blas Islands by the spaniards and officially known as Kuna Yala (Territory of the Kunas).
The 365 Islands are divided into four districts which are:
Nargana: made up by 28 communities, the most noteworthy are Carti Sector, Rio Azucar, Nargana, Corazon de Jesus, Tigre and Ticantiqui.
Aligandi: made up by 10 communities, the most noteworthy is Playon Chico.
Tubuala: Made up by 11 communities
Puerto Obaldia: Made up by 3 communities.
and the two most recently established in 1996 and
2000 are:
Comarca Madugandi (Indigenous Territory):
Comarca Wargandi (Indigenous Territory:
The Kunas are very protective of their natural resources as they are special spiritual rapport with the nature. Their territory is jealously guarded and no traspassing of the "wagas" (non-Kunas) is allowed.
The Kunas have a structured society that adheres to strict rules. Kuna elders meet on a regular basis and decide the regulations and programs that need to be implemented. Womens are held on high regard and they are considered the pillars of the society.
If you travel to San Blas the Kunas will let you sample their traditional dish the "Dule Masi" the dish is prepared with yucca, plantains, white or red rice, mixed with grated coconut and seasoned with a few small hot peppers. Usually it will be accompanied by roasted or broiled fish.
These small islands hide a beautiful treasure. Do not come back home without a "mola".
