There is little information on the Internet where explained you how to get to San Blas from Panama City by land. Today I will try to explain ways to go and to enjoy the best beaches in the Panamanian Caribbean paradise.
First of all, we must know where it is exactly located the region of Guna Yala. The region of Guna Yala, is located northeast of the city of Panama, approximately 100 km or 2 hours away. But how you get there? I imagine that’s your concern, I will explain three ways to go: By bus, in your own car and agencies registered by the Guna General Congress.
How to get to San Blas from Panama City by Bus
Currently, there is no official route by bus from Panama City to Guna Yala directly, for this you can do is go to the Transport terminal in Albrook and take a bus to go to Cañitas, Aguas Frias or Darien, costs about $ 3.00 per way. Tell to the driver that you want to get off at the entrance of the Llano-Carti road. Inmediatly, go to Texaco Gas Station and ask for a car that go to Guna Yala, majority going to Guna Yala and may charge $ 12.00 per way.
Read: The Fault that are commited in San Blas Islands
The road is around 40 km, which crosses the mountains of San Blas, you will enjoy the natural scenery and wildlife but there is a bumpy road with hills and curves. Approximately at Km 18, you will be at the police control of the SENAFRONT (State Border Service), which will prompt identification, residency card or passport, according to of your immigration status, you must pay for the passage of the protected area called Nusagandi, the following: $ 5.00 Panamanian / residents and $ 20.0 foreigners. In passing, it is 30 minutes to get to one of the 4 ports in Guna Yala, the best known is the port of Nigga Kantule of Carti Sugdub. Report to the terminal and request a boat service to the island you want. The price varies according to the distance from the island. You must pay $2.00 per person for departure tax.
In Your Own Car
From Panama City to the entrance of Llano-Carti road are about 1 hour or 60 Km. You will take the route to Darien (east of the city of Panama through Tocumen, The December 24th, Pacora, Chepo, and Margarita. Just 10 minutes from the town of Margarita of Chepo, a sign will indicate the entrance to the Llano-Carti road, this will mean you will be halfway. Turn left and continue for 40 additional km or 1 hour, crossing the mountains of San Blas. In the police control of the region must pay $ 5.00 for the car and the entry of $ 5.00 Panamanian/residents and $20 foreigners.
Only allow passing cars 4×4 traction. If you do not have this kind of car, you able to park your car at the checkpoint and wait for a car that has some space usually costs $12.00 round trip.
Upon arrival at port either Nigga Kantule, Tupile or Dibbin, Barsukun or Akuadup must pay the use of parking, which is about $3.00 and the departure tax of $ 2.00 per person. From there take the boat to their island destination.
Through Tour Operator
We recommend using the tour operators whose owners are Guna. Prices may vary from each other but are much cheaper compared to agencies non-registered with the Guna General Congress.
Joe Brown Adventures is a member of this society and has registered its business in the Guna General Congress and with the Government of Panama. They offer complete tourism packages and transfers by boat and car.