Who Lives in the San Blas Islands?

The Guna people (also spelled Kuna) are the Indigenous inhabitants of the San Blas Islands. They’ve lived in this region for hundreds of years, long before it became a travel destination.

Today, the Guna maintain full control over their territory, which they call Guna Yala. They govern their own communities, protect their land and waters, and carefully manage tourism to preserve their culture and environment.

When you visit San Blas, you’re stepping into a living, self-governed Indigenous region — and every experience is shaped by the Guna way of life.

Updated on: 05/11/2025