Day
1 SAN BLAS ISLANDS & THE KUNA PEOPLE
Early this morning we are picked up at
the lobby of our hotel and transferred
to Albrook Airport. We depart by small
plane to San Blas early this morning and
arrive at Achutupu where a representative of Dolphin Island Lodge will meet
us.
Dolphin Island Lodge is located on Uaguitupu Island by itself, about 15 minutes
away from the airstrip via dugout canoe. Owned and operated by a Kuna family
the accommodations are basic but comfortable in traditional Kuna-style huts
with cozy beds, private bathrooms and a
hammock on the front porch. Family-style
meals
are served in the Bohio dining room overlooking the Caribbean. There is no
hot water and electricity is available
for a couple of hours every day provided
by
small generator.
After
settling in and having breakfast, our first
excursion is to the neighboring village in
the island of Achutupu providing us with an
excellent opportunity to learn about the Kuna way of life and their traditional
ceremonies. Visit the communal house of “Sahilas” (Kuna chiefs) where
decisions in favor of the community are made, advice on all aspects of life is
offered and the local laws are enforced. Learn about the construction of the
typical Kuna house, the economy, the traditional “mola”, and the
processing of sugar cane into the local drink. Return to the lodge to relax
at one of the hammocks before having lunch. Later this afternoon we will go
snorkeling
in the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean to see stunning marine life.
Night at DOLPHIN ISLAND LODGE (BLD)
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Day
2 EXPLORATIONS IN SAN BLAS
This morning we will visit the mainland by dug-out canoe and travel up the mouth
of the Achutupu River to the point where outboards are allowed. We will then
hike through scrub-like habitat and fruit trees (mango, cocoa, plantain, and
breadfruit) that are excellent for birding. In the afternoon we will go snorkeling,
relax at the beach or stay in one of the hammocks at the lodge. There will be
other tours to choose from.
Night at DOLPHIN ISLAND LODGE (BLD)
Day
3 RETURN TO PANAMA CITY
This morning we have breakfast and then will take the short ride aboard a dugout
canoe to the airstrip where we board our plane back to Panama City. We will
be met and transferred to the our hotel upon arrival (B)
TRIP
CLASSIFICATION: Easy
walking and hiking for all ages, flat trails with
non-slippery terrain.
Hotel or lodge accommodation comfortable
INCLUDED: Lodging,
domestic airport transfers, air transportation: Panama
City – Achutupu - Panama City, excursions,
meals at Dolphin Lodge, bottled water, all visit
fees and the services of a local bilingual guide.
NOT
INCLUDED: International airfare, tourist
card ($5 per person), Panama City hotel, alcoholic
beverages, bottled water, personal equipment, hotel
extras or gratuities.
NOTE: Women
travelers to the San Blas Islands should wear one-piece
swim suits. We suggest bringing you own snorkeling
equipment (mask and tube) for a better fit. Weight
restrictions apply to luggage in both commercial
and chartered flights within Panama.
A
maximum of 25 lbs. per person is allowed. Arrangements
can usually be made at Panama City hotels to store
luggage that will not be needed. Excess baggage charges
assessed by commercial carriers are the responsibility
of the passenger.
EQUIPMENT
CHECKLIST: binoculars (preferably 7x35
or bigger), camera with extra batteries & film,
flashlight with extra bulb & batteries, bathing
suit, insect repellant, sunscreen, hat, day pack/dry
bag, water bottle, lightweight/quick dry cotton
clothes, windbreaker, sandals, sneakers/aqua shoes,
rain gear, money in small denominations, toiletries & personal
medications
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