San Blas (or Kuna Yala) is a Native Comarca, that is an area basically run as it’s own country by the local indigenous people (the kunas).  It’s a beautiful area full of islands with White sand beaches and palm tres.  There are a variety of places to stay ranging in price from $17.50 a night to $100s a night.  All prices are per person and generally include food, boat transport and daily tours.  That can vary though, depending on the place.  You don’t need to book for a length of stay before you go, you can decide when you’re down there.

Transport leaves daily in a 4x4 at 5am and costs $25 each way.  There are no later departures as it’s best to get there early, met the people from your accommodation and get to the beaches!  There are no buses to San Blas as the road at times can be a bit of an adventure.  It’s a dirt road which has been improved greatly over the last year but can still become very muddy when it rains.  Driving time is around 2.5 hours but has been known to take 10 hours (not that common, luckily). There are also Kuna taxes to pay, ranging from $2-4 depending on where you are met.  There are two drop off points, first is a river if it’s been raining and water levels are high.  If the level is down then the 4x4s can cross the river and take you to the airport.  It can get confusing at the drop off point, due to local disorganisation.  Keep an eye out for the people you’re staying with and they’ll find you.

You can fly down but you’ll need to arrange that in advance.  There’s not a lot of flights per day and they can fill quickly.  You’ll need to find out the closest airport to the place you want to stay at and book accordingly.  Flights to Carti cost around $37.50 at this stage.

WHERE TO STAY IN SAN BLAS, THE FACT SHEET.

Eulogio’s Place: One of the original homestays on one of the main Carti islands.  They’ve recently built an upstairs part to their house which actually has good airflow.  This is the best way to experience Kuna culture, but don’t expect to be there alone, it’s kinda like a hostel.  Conditions are basic and it’s as the locals live.  Food is basic and toilets are placed over the sea.  The price includes all food, accommodation and daily tours off to the local beach islands.  Each morning you’ll be taken to a variety of local islands where you’ll spend the day swimming, snorkelling and lazing on the beach.  In the afternoon you’ll return to Carti for the night.  Eulogio also has access to a variety of local islands where you can also spend the night.  Some of these have nothing but a local family and a couple of cabins to an island with 2 cabins and 2 palm trees.  Staying here gives you a variety of options to move around a bit.  He charges $25 per person per night and includes everything except for water.  The town has a number of small stores where you can buy snacks, drinks and so on.
Nixia’s Place: Another of the Carti originals, this place is very similar to Eulogios.  The concept is the same but here town is a little nicer and she has more open areas around her house for people to spend time.  Again it’s pretty basic and don’t expect luxury.  Nixia also has a number of beach islands where you can spend the night.  Her basic charge is $25 per night per person including everything (food, water, all tours).  She charges $30-35 a night to stay on the beach islands.
	Kuna Niskua: This is a bit more upmarket and expensive place.  The deal is basically the same (boat transport, food, no water, daily tours) but the food and accommodation are noticeably better.  Accommodation is  more focused to private rooms and is more hotel than hostel style.  The hotel is again in a Kuna town, this time closer to El Porvenir.  The town is actually quite pretty, for a Kuna town!  The hotel has an upstairs section with hammocks looking over the water.  Prices are $50 per person per day for a double and $65 per day for a single.  It’s a bit more expensive, but for the few days you’re in San Blas it may be better to pay the higher price.
Our Secret island : This deal is too good to disclose, but we have to tell you anyway. We can't tell you the name of the island because we've got such a great deal on the price. This island has a great beach in it's own little corner. You'll practically be here alone as there are only 3 cabins available for hire. Thats a total of only 6 people staying here. Plus, of course, your own private chef and cleaner.  Each cabin is built on stilts and has a small balcony overlooking the water. All food is included (and of a better standard than normal) as are daily tours to other islands. If you can drag yourself off the beach that is. A spot on this secret hideaway is normally going to cost you $110 per person per night. Due to our great contacts we can arrange places for an incredibly low $50 per person per night!!! You can find cheaper out there but for the standard of food and accomodation I don't think you can beat this deal. Theres some places in the world that you shouldn't try and do as cheaply as possible, and the San Blas islands is one of them
Franklin’s: Only becoming well known over the last year or so, Franklins has become VERY popular with Israelis.  They have a number of cabins and a beach on their half of the island.  The island is small but split into two and you apparently have to pay to cross over!  There's a beach at one end and a variety of cabins and palm trees. We don’t really have a lot of information about them but can make a booking for you if you like.  They charge $17.50 per person per night (food, no water, but no tours) plus you have to pay $7.50 each way for the boat to get to the island.
Robinson’s: One of the original places in San Blas for backpackers.  Another small island with cabins and a beach.  Again we don’t know a lot about these guys but can make a booking for you if you like.  They charge $20 per person per night (food, no water, tours), plus $7.50 each way in the boat to get there.

Please remember that this isn’t a tour as such.  It’s something we can arrange for you.  Each accommodation place is responsible for their own levels of service and comfort!!