The Story Behind How The San Blas Islands Got Their Name

The official name of the San Blas Islands is Guna Yala. The native indigenous people who call it home still refer to it as such today, though other variations also suffice: San Blas, Kuna Yala, or Comarca de Kuna Yala. This is the story of how the 378 islands of Guna Yala came to be called and now named San Blas.

The name San Blas was actually given to the archipelago by the Panamanian government long ago because the region was located in and bordering the Golfo de San Blas, which borders the Caribbean Sea with large reefs and sandbanks.

Later, upon the result of the revolution, the Guna people took back their ownership of the islands and returned to calling it Guna Yala or Kuna Yala, respectively, though San Blas is also still used.

The beautiful islands offer an incredible experience and an exotic, exclusive look at the way the Guna people live off the land and sea and creativity. The Guna Indians, indigenous to the San Blas Islands, welcome all to come visit their home respectfully to get a taste of their magically beautiful life that is entirely unique to their way of art, land and sea.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.