The Guna People and Their Molas: The Living Culture of San Blas

San Blas isn’t just about beaches: it’s the homeland of the Guna people, one of the most remarkable indigenous cultures in the Americas. Learning about them makes your tour twice as interesting.

A Century of Autonomy

In 1925, the Guna led a revolution that granted them control over their territory. Since then, the Guna Yala region has been autonomous: its local councils decide everything, from tourism to fishing. That’s why you pay an entry tax—you’re entering their nation.

The molas

The molas are textile panels sewn in layers of color using the reverse appliqué technique—the most famous Guna art form, found in museums around the world. Each one takes weeks to make and tells stories: turtles, birds, labyrinths, Guna cosmology.

On the islands, the artisans themselves sell them for $10–15. It’s THE souvenir of San Blas: authentic, handmade, and your purchase directly supports the family.

On Your Tour

Our guides are Guna, and they love sharing their culture—ask them anything you like. On cultural tours, you’ll visit communities and get an up-close look at island life: schools, cane houses, and carved canoes.

Interested in the cultural aspect? Check out the Guanidup and Guna Culture Tour or the El Porvenir and Narganá Tour.