Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Comarca de Kuna Yala
POP 33,100 / ELEV SEA LEVEL TO 748M / AREA 2360 SQ KM
Why Go?
Imagine a turquoise tropical archipelago with an island for every day of the year. With
white sand and waving palms, these Caribbean islands cheat no one's version of paradise.
The Comarca is home to the Kuna, the first group in Latin America to gain indigenous
autonomy. Though they have had contact with Europeans since Columbus sailed these wa-
ters in 1502, clan identity is paramount, and many Kuna make tenacious efforts to pre-
serve a traditional way of life.
In 2009 the road to Cartí was completed, making the region far more accessible than it
has ever been. Still off the beaten track, this narrow, 226km-long strip on the Caribbean
coast stretches from the Golfo de San Blás to the Colombian border.
Community islands are acre-sized cays packed with bamboo huts, livestock and people.
Visitors often prefer the more remote outer islands with few inhabitants. Most areas re-
quire landing fees.
When to Go
»
Dec-Apr
During trade-wind season there's little rain. It can get hot in the thatched
huts, but conditions are ideal for sailing with winds from the north and northeast.
»
Oct
Isla Tigre celebrates traditional dance at the Nogagope, which brings communities
together for a week of dancing as well as canoe races and an art fair.
»
May-Aug
Good visibility for snorkeling, though rainstorms are around and so are an-
noying
chitras
(sand flies). Thunderstorms mean it's not a preferable time to sail.
Best Off-the-Beaten-Path Spots
»
Cayos Holandeses (
Click here
)
»
East Lemons (
Click here
)
»
Cayos Los Grullos (
Click here
)
»
Beyond Achutupu (
Click here
)
