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Shared Bathroom

Shared Cabin in San Blas — Pelicano Island, Panama

The ideal option for backpackers, solo travellers, and groups looking for an authentic island experience in San Blas, Panama without breaking the bank. Share the cabin with fellow travelers at Pelicano Island, the private island of the Guna Yala archipelago that served as the filming location for Netflix's Money Heist (La Casa de Papel). The all-inclusive price of $145 USD per person (1 night) covers 4x4 transport from Panama City, boat transfer, all meals and island hopping tours.

Aerial view of shared cabins on the white sand beach at Pelicano Island, San Blas Panama
Cozy interior bunk beds of the shared cabin at Pelicano Island, San Blas
Hammocks overlooking the Caribbean sea at Pelicano Island, San Blas Panama
Aerial view of shared cabins at Pelicano Island, San Blas Panama
Inside the comfortable shared cabin with bunk beds at Pelicano Island, San Blas
View from the shared cabin overlooking the Caribbean sea at Pelicano Island, San Blas

What's included in your stay at Pelicano Island

Up to 10 guests
Shared bathroom
Comfortable beds
All meals included
4x4 transport + boat included
Island hopping: Starfish Island & Natural Pools

Important Information

Check-in: 08:00 AM | 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 Shared Cabin in San Blas?

The Shared Cabin at Pelicano Island is the most affordable way to experience San Blas, Panama without giving up comfort or the magical atmosphere of the island. Pelicano Island is a private island in the Guna Yala (San Blas) archipelago managed by a local indigenous Guna family. It gained worldwide fame as the island where the Netflix series Money Heist (La Casa de Papel) was filmed, where the characters Tokyo and Rio took refuge in the Caribbean.

The price of $145 USD per person (1 night) is fully all-inclusive: 4x4 pick-up from Panama City at 5:30–6:00 AM, boat transfer to the island, breakfast, lunch and dinner, tour to Starfish Island (Isla Estrella), Natural Pools visit, snorkeling, kayaks and beach bonfire under the stars. For stays longer than one night, please contact us privately for custom rates. Book directly with the Guna family — no middlemen, no agency fees.

Detailed Overnight Itinerary (2 Days / 1 Night)

To ensure you make the most of your stay at the Backpacker Shared Cabin, our local Guna host family coordinates every detail with precision:

01

Day 1 · 05:00 AM - 05:30 AM | Panama City Hotel Pickup

Your driver meets you directly at your Panama City hotel or Airbnb in an air-conditioned 4x4 SUV. We journey through the lush mountain range into the autonomous indigenous territory of Guna Yala.

02

Day 1 · 08:30 AM | Guna Border Checkpoint & Cartí Port

Passport check at the Guna General Congress entrance checkpoint ($23 USD foreigner entry tax payable in cash). Arrival at Cartí port and boarding of the covered speedboat with life vests.

03

Day 1 · 09:30 AM | Island Welcome & Cabin Check-in

Warm greeting by your Guna host family, tropical orientation, and check-in to your cabin. Change into your swimwear and jump into crystal-clear turquoise waters or grab a kayak.

04

Day 1 · 12:45 PM | Fresh Caribbean Lunch

Delicious meal served in the beachfront dining area: catch of the day (red snapper or local sea bass), fragrant coconut rice, crispy patacones (plantains), and organic salad.

05

Day 1 · 02:00 PM | Guided Boat Tour: Natural Pools & Dog Island

Speedboat excursion to the world-famous Natural Pools (shallow waist-deep ocean sandbars with giant cushion sea stars) and Dog Island (Isla Perro) to snorkel over the historic sunken shipwreck teeming with tropical marine life.

06

Day 1 · 07:00 PM | Sunset Dinner & Starlit Beach Campfire

Fresh dinner, peaceful stargazing under dark island skies, and beach campfire listening to ancestral legends from our indigenous hosts.

07

Day 2 · 07:00 AM | Caribbean Sunrise & Breakfast

Wake up to gentle ocean sounds and enjoy a wholesome breakfast (eggs, Panamanian coffee, fruit or bread). Cabin check-out at 08:00 AM, speedboat ride back to Cartí port, and 4x4 return to Panama City (arrival around 12:30 PM).

Accommodation Technical Specifications

  • Structure: Large traditional Guna timber dormitory cabin with high thatched palm roof
  • Capacity: Up to 10 guests (individual single beds with fresh linens and mosquito nets)
  • Bathroom Facilities: Clean shared exterior island facilities with fresh water showers
  • Ventilation: High airy ceilings providing natural island breeze circulation
  • Electricity: Common solar charging hub in dining area from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Why Choose the Shared Cabin in San Blas?

The perfect option for backpackers, solo travelers, and groups of friends looking to experience the world-famous San Blas paradise at the most affordable rate. You enjoy a fun social atmosphere, sharing travel stories with adventurers worldwide while receiving the exact same all-inclusive package (4x4, boat, 3 daily meals, and guided tours).

What to Pack (Local Insider Tips)

Original Physical Passport

Your actual passport is legally required at the Guna Yala territorial checkpoint (digital copies or photos are not accepted), plus $23 USD cash per person for the entrance fee.

US Cash ($USD) in Small Bills

There are zero ATMs on the islands. Bring small bills ($1, $5, $10, $20) for extra bottled drinks, cold coconut water, local beers ($2-$3), and artisan mola crafts.

Lightweight Attire & Water Shoes

Breathable cotton/linen clothes, UV sunglasses, sunhat, quick-dry beach towel, and reef shoes for walking over submerged coral fragments safely.

Portable Power Bank

While evening charging outlets are available in the dining area, having your own 10,000–20,000 mAh battery bank ensures your phone and camera stay powered all day.