Author: Sarah Hackman
When I was planning my visa run to Panama, 
my original plan was to go to Bocas del Torro on my way back to Costa Rica. I have heard that the islands there are beautiful and that it has turned into a backpacker hot spot for surfing and partying. While in Panama city, after talking with other travelers I decided to visit the San Blas Islands instead, known for their relaxed atmosphere and beautiful beaches. The string of more than 300 islands is inhabited by the Kuna indigenous people. My journey began at 5 am and after a three hour jeep ride through the mountains of Panama we arrived to the Kuna Islands. I was taken to one of the village islands of Carti, Yandup. I was the only visitor on the island that night. One of the Kuna took me on a walk around the island which is packed with the huts of the families. 
Accommodations are very simple, shower with bucket of water and fish and rice for meals. The Kuna women wear tradition dress and make molas while the children fish and swim off the end of the dock. It is so peaceful here. The husband of the woman who runs the cabinas and two little boys took me to another island for the afternoon. I relaxed on the beach before going back to Carti for dinner. As I lay in my cabina, I fell asleep to the sound of the water and the quiet chatter of conversation and songs of the Kuna in their native language.
