Hi, my friends and I are planning to visit the San Blas/Comarca de Kuna Yala archipelago in June and I had a few questions. Firstly, we are all vegetarian or vegan and I was wondering if we'd be okay eating if I gave the lodge prior notice of our diet. Secondly, what is the cost of a flight to San Blas from Panama City or Boquete? The Air Panama site won't list prices without me making a reservation request and Aero Perlas didn't list flights to the region. Would it be easier to book a flight through a travel agent or would hiring a ride to Carti be a good alternative? Any tips or recommendations for that area is appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Question
Posted on Jan 15, 2012
4 Answers
I flew there on Air Panama and I remember the flights being about $100 each way. The reservation is very easy to do online, once you've committed to purchasing and have your dates set in stone. You definitely want to fly there, it makes life much easier and saves a lot of time. I chartered a sailboat from San Blas Sailing (www.sanblassailing.com) and that is the best way to see several islands and meet multiple groups of Kuna. The sailboat charter would be your best bet for setting up a vegetarian meal plan, because the island lodges are run by Kuna and serve mostly seafood.
Posted Jan 15, 2012
Add a comment
** There are no flights currently (Jan 2012) ** From what I understand, many of the landing strips are under construction - - but I think also it is the Kuna goverment trying to set up more regulations re. their comarca. So to get into the area you should be able to make arrangements with the place you book for ground transportation from the city to a small village in San Blas called Carti. Food provisions typically are SIMPLE and BASIC, as getting food and water to the islands is very difficult. We chartered a sail boat, as well - www.theandiamo.com - - and they could meet any dietary requests, no problem. Highly recommend - - and it's a great way to see the area. Re. vegan diet - check out www.treehousecerroazul.com and www.cebacolife.com - - both places run by a vegan chef, all meals included. He's a friend of ours, great places - esp. Cebaco!
Posted Jan 16, 2012
Add a commentThanks Kristi, I was contemplating with a sailing trip. I had read mixed reviews about the Andiamo, did you enjoy your experience? Can't wait to check out your other links.
Posted on Jan 16, 2012
I don't have experience with other sailing charters, so I can't speak into those. I know that Andiamo is a little cheaper, but the captain and first mate were kind, helpful, easy company - - and capt (Italian) was a great cook. They lined up fresh lobster when we expressed interest. Took us to best places, while avoiding over-popular crowded spots. There wasn't too much "customer service" but there typically is not here. Seems a lost art, reserved for us Americans :-) But do check out cebaco - it's an amazing place, feels very undiscovered and untouched; plus the vegan spread was amazing. Nice guy, let me know if you pursue it and I'll let our friend know I recommended, maybe cut you a special deal :-)
Posted on Jan 16, 2012
There definitely are flights to multiple places in Kuna Yala (San Blas) both from Air Panama and Aeroperlas. Just went in to Air Panama's website and showed me prices without reserving. Depending on where you will be staying, the hotel will tell you to which airport you must fly. You can go by land but to very specific places so probably wont be very convenient; also, it is a 2 hour drive vs a 20 minute flight. I have never done it. I also suggest chartering a sailboat, specially if you are travelling in a group. You get to see the most and it is amazing. I recommend http://www.oceantrips.com; i was on the MINORCA about 5 or 6 years ago and it was wonderful. I'm a vegan and it wont be easy. Most of the meals are seafood and rice. Almost no vegetables whatsoever. Definitely let them know in advance to see if and how they can accomodate you. Otherwise, pack food you can eat and take with you!
Posted Jan 25, 2012
Add a commentThanks, this is very helpful!
Posted on Jan 25, 2012
You are most welcome. Pls let me know what you end up doing!
Posted on Jan 25, 2012
I travelled by sailboat. You could probably charter one or, depending on how many of you there are, hitch a ride on a boat. I agree that self-catering is the best way to do vegan, and you'll still have lots of interaction with the Kuna Yala on water and land.
Easiest way to meet boats is to volunteer as line handlers on the canal. see some of my other posts if you're interested in how to do it, or send me a message.
Posted Jan 16, 2012
Add a comment
