Hi, I’m Petra – And This Is How I Ended Up in Panama in a Nutshell.

I’ve always had a deep curiosity about life abroad and so when a job opportunity in Panama landed in my lap back in 2019, I didn’t hesitate. I packed up my life in Switzerland, took a leap, and relocated to Panama City — without overthinking it and without speaking a single word of Spanish. That’s the super short version of how I ended up here.

My First Trip to San Blas

San Blas (also known as Guna Yala) is one of Panama’s must see destinations. From the moment I moved to Panama, it was at the very top of my travel wishlist. The first time I traveled to San Blas was in October 2019, when friends came to visit me from Switzerland.

I usually love planning all my trips on my own, but I quickly realized that San Blas is a different story. Consistent and comprehensive Information was surprisingly hard to find, and most colleagues at work advised against going independently or with my own car. It didn’t take long to understand why — San Blas isn’t your typical tourist hotspot. The remoteness, the unique culture, and the rustic infrastructure make it one of those places where it’s truly better to go with an organized day trip or overnight tour.

Luckily, some colleagues at work recommended a trusted local Guna guide and a great island to visit for my first time. It turned out to be an unforgettable 

experience — and definitely not my last trip to this little gem in the Caribbean paradise.

From the moment I first set foot in the San Blas Archipelago, I felt incredibly lucky to experience such a unique and untouched corner of the world. I had never seen anything even remotely like it — crystal-clear waters, tiny palm-covered islands, and a deeply rooted indigenous culture unlike anything I’d encountered before.

A quick side note: the region is officially and rightfully called Guna Yala, which is the name preferred by the Guna people who inhabit the area. “San Blas” is a colonial-era name that is still used on maps and in tourism marketing, which can be a bit confusing at first. I’ll admit — when I was doing my initial research, I actually thought San Blas and Guna Yala were two different places! (Shame on me, I know.) The lack of clear, accessible information didn’t help much, but that’s also what makes discovering this place feel even more special.

2019, driven by a deep love for his homeland. Together, we’ve made it our mission to share the beauty of Guna Yala with the world — from its postcard-perfect islands to the rich culture and traditions of the Guna people. It’s more than just a tour; it’s a way of connecting others to a place that means so much to both of us.

I mostly work behind the scenes in the back office, while Abi — our nickname for Abisua — handles things out on the islands. With me, you can communicate in English, French, German, Swiss German, Spanish and to some extent Italian. I used to speak Italian well, but after focusing on Spanish when I arrived here, I’ve somewhat forgotten how to speak it fluently…

Now It’s Your Turn to Discover San Blas

We truly care about making sure your experience in San Blas is nothing short of amazing, and we’re here to answer all your questions along the way. From the moment you start planning to the moment you return, we want you to feel confident and excited about your trip.

Tell us what kind of experience you want, and we’ll tailor your perfect San Blas trip for you. Whether you’re seeking a remote island to unwind in complete tranquility, a livelier spot with fun activities, or simply a stunning beach to relax and soak up the sun, whether you’re dreaming of a quick day trip or a tailored overnight adventure, we’re here to create the perfect experience just for you.

Ready to explore San Blas like never before? Contact us for more information or book your tour directly here. Your unforgettable island getaway starts now!