If you’ve ever googled “San Blas Islands” while planning your trip to one of Panama’s top-rated tropical destinations, you’ve likely also come across the name Guna Yala. That might have left you wondering: are these two different places—or just two names for the same spot?
The short answer: Yes, San Blas and Guna Yala refer to the same beautiful Caribbean paradise, home to over 365 pristine islands.
In this post, we’ll clear up the confusion between San Blas and Guna Yala, explain the historical context and significance of the name change, and explain why the distinction matters—not just for travelers, but for cultural respect and awareness.
Behind the breathtaking beauty of this place lies a story of resilience, identity, and tradition. So—is it San Blas, or is it Guna Yala? Let’s find out.
San Blas: A Name Inherited from Colonial History
The name San Blas has its roots in Panama’s colonial era, when Spanish explorers and missionaries came to the archipelago and named it after the Catholic figure Saint Blasius.
For centuries, “San Blas” appeared on maps, charts, and in travel literature. Today, it’s still widely used in the tourism industry because of its historical familiarity and ease of recognition.
But this name came at a cost. Long before Europeans arrived, the Guna people had lived on these islands for centuries, nurturing a rich culture, language, and deep spiritual connection to the land and sea. The name “San Blas” wasn’t just a label—it represented an attempt to erase or overshadow the Guna identity, much like what happened in many other colonized places around the world.
Yet the Guna resisted. Unlike many Indigenous groups, they maintained strong control over their territories and cultural practices. Their continued resistance to both colonial and later national powers preserved not just their way of life, traditions, and own language but also their connection to the land that outsiders called San Blas.
Guna Yala: Understanding the True Name Behind San Blas
Guna Yala means “Land of the Guna” in the Guna language and marks a reclaiming of their identity and a rejection of colonial and national impositions. Officially adopted after their autonomy, the name reflects their deep connection to the land. Today, it is widely used in formal contexts, particularly in government and cultural discussions.
This autonomous Indigenous region, known officially as Comarca Guna Yala, includes a narrow strip of mainland Caribbean coast and the archipelago of over 365 islands. Of those, only 49 are inhabited by Guna communities, and a limited number are open to tourists.
Guna Yala is governed by the Guna people themselves, through their own traditional leadership structures. When visiting, it’s important to understand that things don’t work the same way here as they do in the rest of Panama. Tourism, transportation, land access, and even photography are subject to local Guna regulations, which are based on community decision-making and respect for their culture.
The Name Change from San Blas to Guna Yala
In 2011, the former province of San Blas was officially renamed to Guna Yala to honor the heritage and self-identification of the Guna people.
This change marked a significant milestone in the recognition of Indigenous rights and the ongoing fight against erasure and discrimination.
Should You Stop Saying “San Blas”? Two Names, One Identity
The short answer: It is okay to say San Blas as it’s still commonly used in tourism, even by many Guna people themselves, especially when speaking with international travelers. No one will be offended.
However, if you choose to use Guna Yala, it’s a small but meaningful gesture of respect. It shows that you recognize the Indigenous roots and autonomy of the region. Many Guna appreciate it when visitors make the effort to honor their identity, even in something as simple as using the name they have chosen for their land.
Key take away:
San Blas and Guna Yala refer to the same place, as we have learnt they reflect two very different meanings.
- “San Blas” remains widely used in the tourism industry for its familiarity and ease of recognition.
- “Guna Yala” is the official name, preferred by the Guna people and increasingly used by culturally aware travelers, government institutions, and NGOs.
Whether you use San Blas or Guna Yala, what matters most is traveling with respect, open mind and awareness of the rich culture that makes this destination so unique.
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