Panama’s pristine San Blas Islands represent one of the Western Hemisphere’s last unspoiled paradises. This archipelago of approximately 365 islands and cays (one for each day of the year, as locals proudly say) stretches along Panama’s Caribbean coast, offering travelers an authentic experience that feels increasingly rare in our over-developed world.

As travelers seek more meaningful and sustainable experiences in 2025, the San Blas Islands have emerged as a premier destination for those looking to escape mass tourism while immersing themselves in natural beauty and Indigenous culture.

If you’re planning your travels for next year, here are six compelling reasons why the San Blas Islands should top your list of must-visit destinations in 2025.

Experience One of the World’s Last Autonomous Indigenous Territories

The San Blas Islands, known to their inhabitants as Guna Yala, are governed autonomously by the Guna (sometimes spelled Kuna) indigenous people. This self-governance has allowed the