Set on a small private island, Yandup Island Lodge is surrounded by coral reefs and a features a white sand beach and some of Panama's clearest water. Serene Yandup Island Lodge is a secluded getaway.
Yandup is a family owned lodge with seafront and over-water cabins, located on a small private island near the Playon Chico community in Kuna Yala. The clear water is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, rowing, and sailing in a Kuna Indian canoe. Guests may hike in the rainforest and reach a small waterfall or visit the Kuna cemetery and learn about rituals and traditions of these people.
*Dining Room
*Wooden floors
*Private bathrooms
*Closets
*Orthopedic mattresses
*Mosquito netting
*Ceiling fans
*Hammocks
*360° terrace balcony
Activities at Yandup
Visit the Mangrove
Enjoy a pleasant promenade by the mangroves, on the islands or the coasts, known by the Kunas as home of the sardines. You can distinguish the red, black and white mangrove. The eco-system of the mangroves serves as a spawning area for many aquatic animals, as the larvae and other small species are reproduced here and protected by the roots.
These forests are the habitat for a immense variety of fishes of alimentary value, crayfish and "guabinas" (fish from the river), and other wild animals such as the heron and the pelican. It also serves as a resting area for many migratory birds.
Hike the Forest
The major part of the area is covered by primary forests with an immense diversity of flora and fauna. Many of the flora species found are used by the Kunas as forestry products for the construction of houses, boats, tools, artisan's work and medicine. The very few alterations that the forest has faced makes it very attractive to ecologists and scientists, as well as for adventurers. There is also a huge amount of wild mammals, reptiles, insects and birds in the forest.
Tour the River
Tour the Diiwar Dummad or Diiwarak river, near Playon Chico can be a fauna visual show: birds, caymans, amphibian, etc. Depending on the weather visit the river at the afternoon when most animals return to their homes and a perfect environment is created for observation.
The marine birds can be observed from the island of Yandup, but for a greater diversity the visitor can get up in the early morning and observe the birds at daybreak from a boat in the river. "Tangaras", hummingbirds, gulls, woodpeckers, parrots, macaws, toucans, and pelicans are some of the species of birds that you can encounter.
Visit Nearby Uninhabited Islands
Be whisked away to the uninhabited islands nearby where you can spend the morning snorkeling, swimming, exploring or simply relaxing. These beaches, like the one at Yandup, are from coral origin, white sand and crystal clear water.
Tour the Cemetery
The Ukupseni (Playon Chico) cemetery is situated on a crest near the coast, and seems similar to a small town. A visit with explanations about the significance of the death and the rituals surrounding the traditional funeral is complemented with the excellent panoramic view from the cemetery. From here you can see the small archipelago surrounding the community of Ukupseni and Yandup.
Experience the Community
Learn more about everyday life in the community and the architecture of the houses which are constructed with local materials. But you can also go for a walk to see the congress house (Onmaket Nega) where the community members hold their daily meetings and sing traditional and religious songs.
See the Chicha house (Inna Nega) where the traditional rites are performed to celebrate the "chicha fuerte" in different ceremonies.
A sale of handicraft is established in the community for the benefit of the locals. Acquire such famous handicraft articles as the "molas" and other objects such as wicker baskets and figures made of mahogany, "balso", "espavo", "amarillo" and other materials.
Watch the Kammu Burwi
A dancing representation of everyday situations, imitations of certain animals or histories. It stems from the word "kammu" which is a sacred flute that evokes strength when accompanied by the dance. It resembles the movement of the wind. The music is generated with small flutes (kammu burwi) played by men and with maracas (nasis) played by women.
Inquire
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
Lisa Bridge
