Sapibenega The Kuna Lodge in Playon Chico

Sapibenega The Kuna Lodge is a small resort located in one of the 365 wonderful islands that form up the archipelago of Kuna Yala, which is known worldwide as the San Blas region.

Sapibenega is a secluded and tranquil spot. Cabins are equipped with private bathroom, wooden floor, WC composting toilettes, sweet water, solar panels, ceiling fan and balconies with hammocks to enjoy the spectacular landscapes. We also count with two bar & restaurant (Dibanan Kalu and Akuabiski), and a large outdoors terrace where you can enjoy a romantic dinner in a magic environment while tasting meals cooked with fresh seafood, fruits and vegetables.

The islands of Kuna Yala are all along about 250 miles from the Panamanian coast of the Caribbean sea, they are specially inhabited by the Kuna Indians who live a simple and real live. A funny fact is that travelers believe that all destinies in the Caribbean are similar, but they are not, in Panama you can find the Caribbean of Kunas!

Kuna Yala is known worldwide as the Land of Molas. Molas are part of the clothes worn by Kuna women, they are handmade in different colors, from two up to three cloth layer with different designs such as traditional geometric shapes, animals and flowers, etc. Mola is one of the most beautiful Indian clothes around the world, and you can find it here at Sapibenega!

Sapibenega in Kuna language means NATURE. It is the essence and beginning of life.

Sapibenega was called the Finest retreat in Kuna Yala for the Lonely planet tourists guide of Panama, besides it has being written about in different publications.

Sapibenega is also the place where one of the scenes of the CBS’ Survivor was filmed.

How to get there?

You must fly to Playon Chico where the airstrip is located on the mainland to reach the Kuna Lodge Sapibenega. Depart from Albrook domestic airport in Panama City at 6 am for a 40-minute flight. We recommend for you be at the Albrook airport an hour before your flight.

There are two domestic airlines that fly to Playon Chico: Air Panama and Aeroperlas.

Panama Travel Group is an authorized agent of both airlines.

Once you reach the airstrip of Playon Chico, one of the guides of the hotel will collect you and transport you to the hotel by canoe (boat) engine, about 8 minutes until Sapibenega.

Bar / Restaurant

Sapibenega The Kuna Lodge has the most comfortable and best equipped bar and restaurant in Kuna Yala.

You will enjoy a romantic dinner in front of the sea in the light of torches, under a sky full of stars.

IMPORTANT: Each year, the Kuna General Congress prohibits fishing for seafood throughout the Kuna Yala area from March 01 until early June. This is to preserve species such as lobster, prawns, crabs, among others. The menu of the restaurant will offer mainly fish (or beef or chicken according to your selection, please advise prior to entry).

CABINS

Let the Sapibenega huts on the sea and its crystalline waters of Kuna Yala lull your dreams. The cabins are comfortable and spacious and equipped with ceiling fans and furniture (Kuna style), plus a balcony where you can enjoy the beautiful sunsets of Kuna Yala. We recommend these cabins for people on their Honeymoon or for those on romantic moments with their partner.

The cabins are equipped with private bathrooms, wooden floors, composting toilets, hot water, 24 hour electricity provided by solar panels, ceiling fan, balcony with sun beds, queen size or double beds.

Photos of the Cabins:

Includes: breakfast, lunch and dinner, transportation (canoe) motor boat to Playon Chico Sapibenega and the described itinerary tours per day.

The above price does NOT include: Air ticket, equipment, extra drinks or alcoholic beverages, or gratuities.

Rates are subject to change at the disposition of the hotel.

Refunds and Cancellation Policy:

Cancellation 15 days before the date of entry the first night of the stay is charged.

Cancellation 10 days before the date of entry, 50% of the total booking value  is charged.

Cancellations made 9 days or less to arrival, NO REFUNDS.

NO REFUNDS FOR EARLY DEPARTURE DATE TO YOUR DATE AND/OR TIME.

Check in / Check out:

Given that there is only 1 regular daily flight in the morning (per carrier), our entry and exit times are as follows:

Check in time: 7:00
Departure: 6:00 am

Itinerary

First Day:

1. 9:30 a.m.  excursion to Dupir, an uninhabited island to spend the morning at the white sandy beach where you can swim.

2. 1:00 to 1:30 p.m. Lunch at the restaurant Akuabiski (Los Corales)

3. Relax in the Kuna Lodge or if you prefer to swim in the crystal clear waters on the coral restoration project.

4. 4:30 to 5:30 pm Visit to the Kuna community of Playon Chico to meet their lifestyle, their sociocultural and organizational system in place or to buy crafts from the community.

5. Outdoor dining on the terrace or in the bar-restaurant Akuabiski (Los Coral) at 7:00 pm

Second Day:

1. Enjoy the sunrise on the terrace with a cup of coffee or hot tea.

2. Breakfast from 7:30 am .- 9 to am.

3. Visit the Kuna Cemetery at 9:30 am, to experience some of the rituals and customs of the Kuna. Optional: walk down the path of medicinal plants to learn about its traditional use.

4. Back to Sapibenega The Kuna Lodge

5. Lunch at Akuabiski (Los Corales) from 1:00 pm

6. Rest in Sapibenega or if you prefer to swim in the crystal clear waters on the coral restoration project, located on the hotel beach.

7. Trip to island Diadup

8. Outdoor dining on the terrace restaurant or bar Akuabiski (Coral) at 7:30 pm

Third Day:

1. Breakfast served from 7:30 a.m.

2. 9:30 am, Arridup excursion to enjoy a day of snorkeling on coral reefs and white sandy beaches or visit the waterfall Saiba Maid.

3. Back to Sapibenega at 12:30 m.

4. Lunch at the restaurant Akuabiski (Los Corales) from 1: 00 pm.

5. Afternoon free.

6. Dinner outdoors on the terrace restaurant or bar Akuabiski (Coral) at 7:30 pm

7. From the fourth day of stay, the hotel will program for you some of these tours for free.

Pictures:

ACTIVITIES

Guided tours to nearby uninhabited islands to enjoy the sun and white sand beaches surrounded by coral life, were you can swim over them and enjoy the beautiful landscape. Besides cultural tours to nearby communities to meet and learn about of the Kuna culture and history.

Ecotourism excursions are also optional for those who enjoy nature, where adventure awaits in the rainforest, waterfalls, trees and plants native this area. A local guide will explain about  their use in the Kuna culture.

Sapibenega offers a variety of natural and cultural activities:

• A tour to the Kuna community of Playon Chico to learn about their lifestyle, crafts  and organization system.
• Excursion to Uan (Kuna Cemetery) to experience part of Kuna rites and customs.
• Tour to Kolebir, a traditional Kuna community.
• For the presentation of the traditional Kuna dance the hotel requires a minimum of 8 people present.

Jungle Walk

Hiking through the jungle to the waterfall where you will have the opportunity to hear and see the flora and fauna as a native guide explains everything about the place

Birdwatching on Diwar Dumad where you will enjoy watching the tropical birds and vegetation. Optional walk through the woods to learn about the medicinal plants used traditionally by the Kuna.

Visit Urradi, also known among the Kuna as the lookout, “Sylvester Stallone” for their admiration for the actor. From this beautiful place you’ll enjoy the beautiful scenery of Kuna Yala.

History and Kuna Handicrafts

History: As the story goes, the community of Playon Chico was established in the island in 1850, before that date they lived in the jungle known as Neva Dummad (Great Forest).

Celebrations

Come from 17 to 21 February of each year to celebrate the Kuna Independence, which commemorates the Tule Revolution. At this time visitors are invited to participate in the dramas that take place and asked for a voluntary contribution.

On the 1st of December every year, Sapibenega celebrates the coexistence throughout the Commonwealth of Playon Chico. If you want to help, clothing, toys and other belongings will be welcomed and greatly appreciated, bringing joy to Kuna children.

Economy: The main sources of livelihood are fishing, agriculture and handicrafts, the most famous of these is the famous Mola made by women, whose sales income will provide for the education of their children.

Soon the Playon Chico community will be building a house of Handicrafts of the Community with the aim that the residents of the community may receive a fair income.

Language: Their language is the Kuna

Authorities: Leaders are called Sahilas by each community.

Gastronomy: Your typical dish is “Tulemasi” which is a kind of fish chowder made with coconut, bananas and other vegetables.

Reserve this hotel: info@panamatravelgroup.com

+507-202-1111 (Panama)   |    1-786-539-4731 (USA)