Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Information
Flights are limited, so book as far in advance as possible. You should also reserve your
hotels in advance, especially since package deals are the norm in the Comarca. There's
no cash machine, so visit an ATM
before
reaching the islands.
From May through November temperatures are generally lower. When there's no
breeze and the mercury rises, the humidity sets in and life on the San Blás islands can
cease to be paradise. During January and February the trade winds kick in.
In the Comarca it helps to have a good command of Spanish as few Kuna outside the
tourist centers speak English. In fact, many older Kuna do not speak Spanish. In more re-
mote areas your guide or boatman may have to do the talking for you. A few words of
Kuna will win you friends and favors wherever you go.
The Kuna are very particular about what foreigners do on their islands. As a result,
tourists must register and pay a visitation fee, between US$3 and US$12 per person, on
nearly every island. The price varies and you're expected to pay regardless of whether
you stay for a week or only half an hour. On smaller, privately owned islands, you must
seek out the owner, obtain permission to stay and pay a fee of around US$5 per person.
Visitors are expected to pay to take photographs of the Kuna people (around US$1 per
subject or photo). If you want to take someone's photo, ask his or her permission first.
You may not be required to pay for a photograph taken of an artisan from whom you buy
crafts, but it depends on the person. Some islands may charge you US$50 just for pos-
sessing a video camera.
A GUIDE TO THE KUNA LANGUAGE
Feeling a little tongue-tied? The following glossary will help you break the ice with the
Kuna. Note: the second entry in all listings is Spanish, the third is Kuna.
GETTING STARTED
Yes.
Sí.
Elle.
No.
No.
Suli.
Thanks.
Gracias.
Dot nuet.
Please.
Por favor.
Uis anga saet.
OK.
Esta bien.
Nued gudii o.
Good.
Bueno.
Nabir, nuedi.
Welcome.
Bienvenidos.
Nuegambi uese be noniki.
GREETINGS
