Hola, I’m Abisua – a local Guna guide, and I’d love to share the beauty and traditions of my home, the San Blas Islands, with you.
Proud to be part of the Guna community and a native of the beautiful San Blas Islands, or as we call them, Guna Yala. I grew up surrounded by the traditions of my people, the turquoise sea, and white sand. San Blas is not just my home, it’s my identity.
What’s it like to grow up on an island?
The freedom of running barefoot around the island with my friends is a memory I’ll always carry with me. No cars, no TV, no paved roads, and no constant electricity — just nature and fresh air.
But what I loved most as a kid were the inter-school games. Every year, I played on my community’s soccer team, traveling to other islands to represent our school. We’d all ride together in a boat and spend several days away from our families.
But in Guna Yala, we’re all one big family, and the other communities always welcomed us with open arms. We stayed with local families who, without asking for anything in return, gave us food and a hammock to sleep in. Sharing without expecting anything back, being humble and respectful –
those are values my community taught me from a young age, and I still carry them with me every day.
That’s why I’m passionate about what I do today. I want to tell you our stories and share our way of life and the deep respect we have for Mother Nature. But I also want you to have an amazing time – whether you’re here to relax, explore, connect with our culture, or simply enjoy the rhythm of island life. Just enjoy your time on our beautiful islands!
Why Did I Start Organizing Tours in San Blas?
Like many young Guna people, I once left for Panama City in search of better economic opportunities. While I’m grateful for everything I learned during that time, deep down I always knew my true passion was in Guna Yala.
I started the Abisua Travel project back in 2015, but it wasn’t until 2019 that I made the decision to quit my job and return home for good — to fully dedicate myself to sharing my culture with travelers who wanted to explore our islands and learn about our indigenous way of life.
It wasn’t easy, though. Not long after, the COVID-19 pandemic hit and everything came to a standstill. Those were difficult times for all of us.
It was during that period that I met Petra — you can read more about her in a later blog post. Her support, her genuine interest in our culture, and her willingness to collaborate gave my project new energy. Since then, we’ve been working together to share with the world the natural beauty of our islands and the indigenous way of life we live here.
My Favorite Places in Guna Yala
All the islands in San Blas are beautiful — but here are a few of my personal favorites:
- Franklin Island: A stunning island, perfect for those looking for good vibes, bonfires, and new friendships.
- Chichime Island: One of the largest islands, with calm beaches and plenty of palm tree shade. Ideal for relaxing and swimming in turquoise waters.
- Perro Chico Island: Beautiful and the best spot for snorkeling with tropical fish and exploring a sunken ship.
- Natural Pool: A magical spot in the middle of the sea. You have to see it!
- Guasirdub Island: A lovely island with cabins over the water — perfect for privacy and total disconnection.
- Nurdub Island Community: A place to experience authentic Guna life and learn about traditional ways of living. Plus, there’s a nice little beach for sunbathing and relaxing.
Support Our Community with Your Trip
When you travel with us, you’re not just enjoying a natural paradise — you’re directly supporting local families and our communities.
We work with native guides and promote traditional and cultural practices, such as the creation of molas by Guna women, along with experiences that deeply respect our identity and way of life.
Your visit helps keep our culture alive and protects the islands for future generations.
What Makes My Tours Unique
- Led by a Native Guna Guide
- Authentic Cultural Experiences
- Respect for Nature & Traditions
- Hidden Gems Only Locals Know
- Eco-conscious and Community-Based Tourism
Join us and experience San Blas the local way
with heart, culture, and connection.
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