Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Isla Perro and Isla Diablos
Isla Perro
(Achutupu, not to be confused with a far more populated namesake further east;
$3 community tax) is the most visited of the Cayos Limones, so can be overwhelmed on sum-
mer weekends and holiday periods. It offers the best snorkelling round an accessible reef and
sunken cargo boat in the narrow channel separating it from adjacent
Isla Diablos
(Niadup), a
favourite camping spot for backpackers.
Isla Pelicano
The idyllic, pinprick-size
Isla Pelicano
(Gorgidup) - one of several with the name - is a
rewarding snorkelling spot, surrounded by a collar of soft white sand and carpeted with
trimmed grass among the all-too-sparse palm trees, which sometimes struggle to provide suf-
ficient shade for all the visitors on high season weekends. The fact that there is no toilet on
the island is another reason to avoid peak periods. Hammocks can be rented for the day.
Isla Chicheme Grande
Heading towards the outer perimeter of the archipelago, the large palm-covered island of
Chicheme Grande
(Wichubdupdummad), home to a handful of families, is predominantly
another day-trip location, though sailing vessels on the Puerto Lindo/Portobelo-Cartagena
route often stop off here for the night. Waves thunder over the protective outlying reef,
which prevents rubbish from washing up on the gorgeous beach, and the island's relative size
coupled with its isolation engender a more away-from-it-all feel, though it's not really a place
for snorkelling.
Wailidup
Tucked away behind a mangrove-fringed islet,
Wailidup
is arguably the nicest place to stay
in the area; favoured by passing sailboats, it comprises a windward stretch of alabaster sand
and an open grassy patch surrounded by willowy palms - not to mention the rare luxury of a
fresh water supply.
ACCOMMODATION: CAYOS LIMÓNES
Alojamiento Umberto Burgos
Isla Chicheme Grande 6880 4054.
Basic hammock accom-
modation in
a
thatched hut, wit
h m
eals. There are currently no toilet or shower facilities.
Hammocks
$15
/person, camping
$20
/person
Cabañas Wailidup
Wailidup 259 9136 or 6709 4484,
hosteltrail.com/hostels/kun-
aniskualodge
.
Run by the owner of the
Kuna Niskua Lodge
,
three superior
cabañas
are built
on stilts right on the beach with sea-facing balconies, solar-powered electricity and private
bathrooms ($95/person), complemented by a bar-restaurant favoured by yachties. Newer,
more basic
cabañas
are also available. Room rates given include meals and trips but for
$40-45/person les
s yo
u can bring your own food and pay someone to cook for you. Transfer
from Cartí is $40.
$35
/person
