Guna Yala

Guna Yala is an autonomous region along the Caribbean coast of Panama that stretches from the mainland to hundreds of small coral islands. The territory includes dense rainforests in the interior and narrow sandy strips offshore lined with coconut palms.

The region became officially autonomous in 1925 after an uprising by the Guna, when the local population defended their rights against state prohibitions. Administration has since remained in the hands of the communities, which organize themselves through their own congress.

The name comes from the Guna language and refers to the land of the people, which they govern according to their own rules. Visitors immediately notice that women here wear traditional mola textiles, colorful hand-stitched fabrics with geometric patterns.

Access is only possible with permission from local authorities, which is checked upon arrival. Small planes connect the region with the capital, while boats shuttle between the islands.

Many of the tiny islands are home to just a few families who build their houses from bamboo and palm leaves. Residents often share the harvest communally and store rainwater in large containers, as there is no piped water supply.