Everything you need to know before your trip to San Blas.
Yes, having your original physical passport is strictly mandatory. Guna Yala is an autonomous indigenous territory with an official mountain checkpoint operated by the Guna General Congress and Panama's border police (SENAFRONT). Digital photos or photocopies are strictly refused. Panamanian citizens and legal residents may enter using their original national ID card (cédula).
The territorial entrance fee set by the Guna General Congress is $23 USD per person for international tourists and $7 USD (plus $1 USD port fee, total $8 USD) for Panamanian citizens and residents. This fee must be paid exclusively in cash at the checkpoint. Please carry small, crisp bills.
Our shared 4x4 SUVs pick you up directly at the front entrance of your hotel, hostel, or Airbnb anywhere in central Panama City (Casco Viejo, Obarrio, El Cangrejo, Bella Vista, San Francisco, etc.) between 05:00 AM and 05:30 AM. The drive takes approximately 2.5 hours to Cartí port, including a quick stop for water, snacks, or coffee.
All our rates are transparent, direct all-inclusive packages per person:
• Full Day Trip: From $100 USD (includes round-trip 4x4, boat, Natural Pools and Starfish Cay tour, and fresh lunch).
• Isla Aroma Cabins: From $140 USD per night (beachfront wooden hut, 3 meals daily, transfers, and boat excursions).
• Shared Cabin on Pelicano Island: From $145 USD per night (ideal for backpackers and social travelers).
• Private Cabin on Pelicano Island (⭐ Recommended): From $160 USD per night (private room for couples or small families, sea views, all meals, and boat tours).
• Premium Cabin on Pelicano Island: From $175 USD per night (features an en-suite private bathroom inside the cabin).
The islands are powered by solar panels and evening generators. Cabins have ambient lighting, and common multi-socket charging strips are provided in the dining area from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM to recharge mobile phones and cameras. Cellular data coverage (especially Tigo network) reaches the island with 3G/4G connectivity, but we encourage guests to immerse themselves in nature.
No. Flying recreational drones is strictly prohibited by the Guna General Congress across the entire archipelago to protect the privacy of indigenous families and preserve peaceful wildlife habitats. Operating unauthorized drones may result in immediate device confiscation and substantial fines.
Our island meals celebrate the daily ocean catch (red snapper, sea bass, seasonal lobster or crabs), served alongside fragrant coconut rice, crispy fried plantains (patacones), and fresh garden salads. If you are vegetarian, vegan, or have food allergies (such as shellfish), please let us know via WhatsApp when booking so our Guna hostesses can prepare custom plant-based meals with eggs, beans, and fresh local produce.
Dutch Cays (Cayos Holandeses) is the most pristine and remote outer reef chain in San Blas, situated roughly 45 to 60 minutes away by speedboat. It is an optional excursion with a $70 USD per person add-on, available to guests staying 1 or 2 nights and subject to favorable calm ocean weather and minimum passenger numbers.
Traveling to San Blas is a rare privilege that combines raw Caribbean beauty with ancient tribal heritage. To ensure a flawless journey, review these key recommendations from our native Guna team:
Keep your original physical passport and the exact $23 USD per person cash fee accessible in your daypack to ensure swift clearance at the mountain border gate.
Bulky hard-shell suitcases with wheels take up excessive space in 4x4 boots and speedboats. Bring a flexible 30–40L backpack or duffle bag, leaving heavy rolling bags at your Panama City hotel luggage hold.
The final 40 km of highway traversing the continental divide includes steep hills and sharp bends. If you are prone to motion sickness, take a travel sickness tablet 30 minutes before leaving Panama City.
It is illegal to extract live seashells, coral pieces, or lift cushion sea stars out of the water at the Natural Pools. Respect indigenous women and kindly ask permission before photographing them in their traditional handmade mola garments.
By reserving your stay or day tour at Pelicano Island or Isla Aroma through our official site and WhatsApp (+34 679 797 101), you connect directly with local indigenous caretakers. You get genuine transparent pricing with zero agency markups and dedicated support every step of your trip.
Explore our recommended 7-day itinerary: Panama City, the Panama Canal, 2 unforgettable nights on Pelicano Island (San Blas), and the Caribbean shores of Bocas del Toro, complete with transfer logistics and cost breakdowns.
Read the Complete 7-Day Panama Itinerary GuideExpert tips to plan your perfect direct getaway to San Blas.