CAYUCO EXPEDITION

Join us for a 10 day expedition style trip to the San Blas (Kuna Yala) islands on the Caribbean side of Panama. Spend 6 days paddling and sailing indigenous dug out canoes from island to island. The relaxed pace of the trip allows for plenty of time to snorkel and fish the crystal clear Caribbean waters. Discover the unique and fascinating Kuna Yala indigenous culture.

The islands of the San Blas Archipelago are strung out along the Caribbean coast of Panama from the Golfo de San Blas nearly all the way to the Colombian border. San Blas is a series of 378 islands of which only 49 are inhabited by the fiercely independent Kuna Indians. Although only a 20-minute plane ride away from Panama City, a trip to the San Blas islands will transport you 20 centuries into the past. The Kuna Indians, who run all the islands as an autonomous province, with minimal interference from the national government have maintained their own economic system, language, customs and culture, with distinctive dress, legends, music and dance and thus have avoided traditional tourism development. The economy of the islands is based on coconut sales, fishing and tourism, and they offer travelers good diving, snorkeling and swimming.

Day 1: Panama City - Arrival

The expedition leader will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to a comfortable hotel in Panama City. Evening trip briefing.
Lodging: Hotel in Panama City
Meals: none.

Day 2: Journey to Kuna Yala

After breakfast we begin our journey to Kuna Yala. The day starts with a 3 hour van ride to the coastal town of Miramar. Here we load our equipment into a motor boat and head to the port island of Provenir. Here we register with the local authorities and spend the rest of the afternoon preparing for our Kuna Yala expedition. This first night is spent in rustic cabins on the island of Provenir.
Lodging: Hotel Porvenir
Meals: B,L,D

Day 3-8: Kuna Yala Islands - Cayuco expedition

Now the fun begins! We meet our Kuna captains and begin our 6 day expedition exploring some of the 378 islands that make up the Archipelago. During the 6 days we will paddle / sail in the morning (3 to 5 hour) making camp on a different island each night. The afternoons can be spent snorkeling, fishing and enjoying the island.
Lodging: Island Camping
Meals: B,L,D

Day 9: Return to Panama City

This morning we say good bye to Kuna Yala and take a 30 min flight back to Panama city. The day is free to explore Panama City. A visit to the canal and the old part of the city are a must.
Lodging: Hotel in San Jose
Meals: B

Day 10: Panama City - Departure

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Lodging:
Meals: B