Private Cabin in San Blas — Pelicano Island, Panama
Our most recommended choice: Enjoy total privacy in our traditional Guna-style cabins in San Blas, Panama. Perfect for couples and small families (up to 4 guests) seeking an authentic, romantic, and comfortable island escape on Pelicano Island, the real filming location of Netflix's Money Heist (La Casa de Papel). The all-inclusive price of $160 USD per person (1 night) covers roundtrip 4x4 transport from Panama City, boat transfer, all meals, and island excursions.
What's included in your stay at Pelicano Island
Important Information
Check-in: 09:45 AM (arrival on island after 5:30 AM pickup in Panama City) | Check-out: 08:00 AM (next day). All packages include 4x4 transport from Panama City, boat transfer, full board and island tours.
Why Choose the Private Cabin in San Blas?
The Private Cabin at Pelicano Island offers the perfect blend of intimacy and adventure for couples and small families visiting San Blas, Panama. Built in traditional Guna style with native woods and thatched palm roofs, it gives you your own private sanctuary in an island paradise. It is the very same island in the Guna Yala archipelago that gained worldwide fame as Tokyo and Rio's Caribbean hideout in Money Heist (La Casa de Papel).
The rate of $160 USD per person (1 night) is completely all-inclusive: 4x4 pick-up from your Panama City accommodation (5:30–6:00 AM), motorboat transfer to Pelicano Island, breakfast, fresh lunch featuring the catch of the day, dinner, guided tours to Starfish Island and the Natural Pools, free use of kayaks and snorkeling gear, and evening beach bonfire under the stars. For stays longer than one night, please contact us privately for custom rates. Booking is 100% direct with the local Guna family, guaranteeing the best rate with zero agency markup.
Recommended Private Beach Cabin Itinerary (2 Days / 1 Night)
Organized to ensure maximum barefoot relaxation steps from the Caribbean surf in your Private Beach Cabin:
Day 1 · 05:00 AM - 05:30 AM | 4x4 Mountain Ridge Expedition
Pickup at your hotel in Panama City in a comfortable 4x4 SUV. Climb through the green jungle hills towards the Caribbean coastline with experienced indigenous drivers.
Day 1 · 08:30 AM | Territorial Checkpoint & Speedboat Departure
Passport inspection and territorial tax payment at the Guna checkpoint ($23 USD cash per foreigner). Board the covered speedboat at Puerto Cartí Tupile with life vests for a scenic 30-minute island cruise.
Day 1 · 09:45 AM | Beach Arrival & Private Cabin Check-in
Step onto the powdery white sand of Pelicano Island. Welcome orientation and check-in to your private timber cabin just 5 steps from the shore. Unpack and dive into the crystal lagoon.
Day 1 · 12:45 PM | Traditional Fresh-Catch Lunch
Plentiful island meal: fresh fish of the day, crispy patacones (fried plantains), fragrant coconut rice, and organic salad in the shaded beachfront open-air dining area.
Day 1 · 02:00 PM | Sandbar Excursion & Shipwreck Snorkeling
Boat trip to the iconic Natural Pools (shallow, warm waist-deep waters ideal for all ages) and a snorkeling stop at Dog Island (Isla Perro) over the coral-encrusted shipwreck.
Day 1 · 07:00 PM | Island Perimeter Walk, Dinner & Bonfire
Stroll around the entire island in just 3 minutes at sunset, savor a warm home-cooked dinner, and gather around the beach campfire under a canopy of stars.
Day 2 · 07:00 AM | Beach Sunrise & Morning Return
Wake up to gentle sea breezes, enjoy breakfast with hot Panamanian coffee, and board the 08:00 AM speedboat to Cartí for your 4x4 return to Panama City (arrival around 12:30–13:00 PM).
Accommodation Technical Specifications
- Structure: Native timber oceanfront cabin set directly on white coral sand
- Capacity: 2 to 4 guests (comfortable double bed + optional single beds)
- Bathroom Facilities: Clean shared exterior island facilities with fresh water showers
- Ventilation: Natural cross-breeze through traditional lattice louvers and sea trade winds
- Electricity: Solar power from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM for lighting and device charging in dining area
Why the Private Cabin is Our Most Popular Choice?
It is the #1 pick for couples and friends seeking intimacy, tranquility, and unbeatable value. You get an entirely independent, private lockable room with direct white-sand views and gentle ocean waves lulling you to sleep. Staying on Pelicano Island puts you right on the authentic filming location of Tokyo and Rio from Netflix's Money Heist.
Insider Tips for Beachfront Living
Soft Duffle Bags (12–15 kg)
Flexible luggage is strongly recommended to facilitate 4x4 stowage and keep cabin floor space open and uncluttered.
Small Cash for Molas & Drinks
Bring $1, $5, and $10 bills to purchase handmade Guna mola textiles and cold drinks ($2–$3) from the local island store.
Water Shoes & Reef Booties
Great for walking comfortably along the tideline and exploring shallow reefs without concern for broken shells.
Quick-Dry Towel & Dry Bag
A compact microfiber towel and a 10–20L waterproof dry bag will protect your camera and passport during boat excursions.