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Ina Cabins
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About

#1 of 1 campground in Isla Miria
4.7 of 5 bubbles
Location
3.1 of 5 bubbles
Rooms
3.7 of 5 bubbles
Value
3.2 of 5 bubbles
Cleanliness
3.6 of 5 bubbles
Service
3.4 of 5 bubbles
Sleep Quality
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Panama
Getting there
Playon Chico Airport
69.1 kmā€¢
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Tocumen Intl Airport
73.5 kmā€¢
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Detailed Reviews
Theodora wrote a review Feb 2014
Astoria, New York
4.0 of 5 bubbles
I stayed at Ina's for two nights this week and I really enjoyed it. The hosts were so kind and helpful even though they didn't speak English and I don't speak Spanish. I felt very welcome and at home there and the little island was so beautiful and relaxing.

Here is what I think you will find helpful to know
Expect camping-like accommodations. Not gross but not luxurious. The bathroom is a proper building but it's like a bathroom at a campsite. There is one room with just a shower and one room with a shower and toilet. The toilet is flushed by pouring a bucket of water into the toilet. The bathroom floor was perpetually very wet so wear flip-flops in there. It didn't seem dirty though and it didn't smell bad or anything. Someone else on tripadvisor described it like a porta-potty at a festival on a Sunday but it wasn't like that at all! The shower was like a shower at the beach, not hot not cold, but it's fine because it's 90F out so who needs a hot shower anyway.
The bed was made up with a flat sheet and a couple pillows and a small blanket under the flat sheet. I did not bring my own linens, just laid on top of the flat sheet and covered myself with a sarong I had brought. I did bring my own small pillow though.
The hut has a sand floor, I am sure I heard some critters in there in the night but it's their island too and I never felt anything crawling or biting
I didn't find bugs to be a problem on the island, I don't know if this varies by time of year, but I didn't need bug repellent there
I only saw one cockroach and that was in the bathroom late at night. I was nervous about this because roaches make my skin crawl but I only saw the one and it was gone in a flash
You will need to bring your own towel
Bring a flashlight. I brought a flashlight as well as my headlamp but I didn't end up needing the headlamp.
On the boat ride there/back don't bother wearing anything you don't want to get wet. Going there was fine but coming back I got soaked and my clothes never dried out for the rest of the trip. Ooops! I should have just work my bathing suit and a cover up
I traveled to the island alone but I met so many interesting people along the way as well as there and I had a great time, I would definitely recommend this place to solo travelers
I am from NYC and I met almost no one else from the states; lots of interesting people there, mostly from Europe
There is really no 'party' on the island (no bar or spot where everyone congregates) they sell beer and soda and rum which you can drink on the beach after dinner, so it's pretty relaxed though a big group could probably have a raucous time till the early hours
The food was simple and really good - I loved the breakfast of a piece of fried bread and a fried egg and coffee. Lunch and dinner were fried chicken and rice, pasta with a tomato and fresh fish sauce, and finally lobster and potatoes on the last night. Others on tripadvisor recommended bringing snacks and I would agree. I brought maybe 4 granola bars but it didn't end up being enough. My driver didn't stop for provisions on the way there, though some do, so you may want to plan ahead on bringing some food. I think if I went again I would bring a whole box of granola bars and maybe some nuts. I kept my food in a big zip lock bag and had no problem with pests. For two days I brought two large bottles of water and that was plenty.
If you have a chance to go to Isla Perro I would go because there is a sunken ship where you can go snorkeling, it was really beautiful. There wasn't more than an hour or so worth of activity on Isla Perro so bring a book. They did have a small shop with souvenirs and snacks at Isla Perro so I would bring a few dollars to spend there.

Overall I had a great time and would definitely recommend Ina's
Brush up on your Spanish - I think the more Spanish you know the more you will learn about the fascinating Kuna culture and that's really the best thing about San Blas
Read more
Date of stay: February 2014
4.0 of 5 bubblesValue
3.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
3.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
3.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TabsterInc wrote a review Apr 2015
Los Angeles, California
4.0 of 5 bubbles
If you manage your expectations right, your stay here could be magical. That certainly how I felt the 3 days I stayed here. The transportation to get to the port is separate. Booked mine thru Mamallena and pick up is very early between 530 - 6 am. They require that you finalize your booking before 7 pm the night before. They don't really tell you much other than to be up and ready between those times. If you place offers bfast, make sure you get up early to chow something down before you head you as the ride could be for a few hours. We did stop at this local food stop but not much was offered at that time. The road to the port is quite interesting as you will navigate thru the hills, a bit curvy and some spots require that you drive a 4x4. Make sure you have cash to pay the $20 kuna tax to be paid at that entry point. Once at the port/pier, your driver will direct you to sit on the designated spot for your accomodation. Its small little shack with wooden bench, a shelter attached to local eatery where I think they serve food and drinks. We had to wait for at least 45 minutes before our boatmen collected to us. The boat ride was around 40 minutes, Pick your spot carefully if you do not wish to get wet from the splash of waves the entire ride. It was a bit cloudy that morning so the sun was not much of an issue as our boat did not have any roof. The island itself is very small. It only took me 15 minutes to walk around the entire shoreline. The cabins are very basic. Stayed in one of the dorms. Bring plenty of patients as the guy assisting us was not veyr organized. But once youve checked in and get your assigned cabin or beds, all should be well. They don't really bother you but they friendly. Contrary to what Ive read about them being rude and not accomodating to outsiders.

The beach is magical. Clear, calm and warm water. Plenty of spot to lounge. You go further our if you wish to be alone away from the other people. Tons of hammock to use. It could get really hot though so bring plenty of sunscreen. No much to do but relax and enjoy the remoteness of the place. This is for the main reason why I wanted to go to San Blas. This place is total paradise for someone who wnats to get away from everything for a few days.

The food was good except for bfast. Didn't care much for the egg and some sort of pancake. But lunch and dinner were good enough for me. I could see how it may not be enough for some so its best to bring your won snacks for in between meals.

I wouldve given this a 5 stars but I had to take 1 star away bcuz the their restroom. It was broken almost the entire time I was there which I can understand since there is only one for the entire group. Other than that small details, I would h
Read more
Date of stay: March 2015
3.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
4.0 of 5 bubblesService
4.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
laurapoint wrote a review Apr 2012
seattle
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Ina is one of the two families, the other is Robinson, hosting backpackers in the island of Narangandup in San Blas. The huts are basic but cozy, with beds and sand floor. The bathroom and the shower are a few feet away, to share with the rest of the guests. No electricity. It is essential to bring a flashlight, some candles for the night, water, sun screen, snorkeling gear, glasses and a waterproof light jacket for the boat transfer ride. Though they recommend to bring snacks, do not bring any or they might attract cockroaches. At Robinson's, a few feet away, they sell water and snacks.
We were in a hut on the beach in front of the water, $25.00 per person per night including basic breakfast, lunch and dinner. There are huts with two and four beds. Nono, the cook, is a wonderful person, always willing to help.
There is a beautiful white beach, warm, calm water and a reef to snorkel. We saw lots of fishes, lobsters and my son saw even a moray eel. At night we did a bonfire, chatting with the other guests.. During the day when we put together enough people for a small boat we went to see other islands, like Isla Perro with a shipwreck right in front, a sand bar with star fishes and another island full of star fishes. We also went to visit an island with a typical Kuna village getting to know how they live.
Most of the people on the island were young backpackers traveling around the world, but there were also some families with kids. It takes some time to get to the island from Panama City, about 3 hours by car and one hour and a half by boat from Carti where the car drops us off.
It is a beautiful place and we would like to go back. It is pure nature, far away from anything we are used to. It is good to go there with the idea of enjoying a tropical paradise without complaining for not being in a five star resort. Actually, after San Blas we went back to Panama City at the Westin and for as luxurious as it is, I missed San Blas and I surely want to go back.
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Date of stay: April 2012
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
3.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
4.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
4.0 of 5 bubblesService
3.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DeanKellyJr wrote a review Mar 2015
New York City, New York
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Everything was broken...

THE GOOD, BAD & UGLY :

1. THE BOAT RIDE :
Think you'll be gambling your life in a small boat with a mini-motor with a careless Kunas Captain at full motor towards the big waves, your rear suffering all the way, the ride is bumpy and you get all wet; we barely survive.

My girlfriend and her mom, both feared for their lives.

2. FOOD :
Sad, Tasteless and 0 creativity.

3. ACCOMMODATION :
Beyond basic...
Cabin, sand floor; everything in the cabin was broken, and;
the bed / sheets, I think Christopher Columbus used in his first visit to the Americas, I mean the thing was old, dirty and is extreme conditions.

4. BEACH :
Beautiful, Natural and with tons of fish diversity; raw beach with trash everywhere.

TAKEAWAY : Be careful who you bring to Cabin Ina, KIDS and FAMILY "NO WAY"
Commando friends, OK; and be prepare to live in extreme conditions, or let's say slums type living experience and YES, you'll be paying $250 bucks to suffer basically.
If you go, 2 nights max; the experience is average.

KUNAS SERVICE :
Basically you're treated like a "Cargo Package" and Yes! You pay to have the full on "Cargo package experience" I was shock by the lack of service mind and goodwill the Kunas were with me and my family.

If you're looking for the Kunas "slums living experience" GO - HAVE FUN!

We paid 500 bucks / 2 person / Carnavales 2015;
And we were expecting, basic accommodation and services,
however this was something else....

We'll remember SAN BLAS as the KUNAS slums living experiences!

NO WAY we'll be back, no even for a million dollars in cash.

Those Kunas need to get their act together to be able to host people.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2015
1.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
1.0 of 5 bubblesService
2.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Olivier L wrote a review Dec 2014
Vancouver, Canada
1.0 of 5 bubbles
After staying at Ina's I am having a hard time understanding which this place has so many good reviews. This place is a disaster. The huts do not close or lock. We can actually see through the bamboo so forget privacy. The cabin we stayed in smelled so strong of mould it was hard to breathe. On top of that, we arrived the room to used up bed sheets and pillow cases (the bed was covered in sand). We asked them to give us new bed sheets, which arrived at night fall. We could not sleep all night as there is no ventilation in the room and we woke up multiple time in sweat. Some other habitant of Inas chose to sleep directly on the sand, while other who were promised dorm beds got shortchanged into sleeping outdoor in hammocks (eight people ended up being moved to a deserted island with only hammock, left out to wait to beds to open, and to wait for Ina's people to bring them food.

Another thing we hated was the way the Guna's would find ways to extort money from us every step of the way... At one point, even the cute little children started asking us money to take photos with them.

We were supposed to stay for three night and ended up leaving the San Blas disgusted about one day. Most people who stayed at the same time as us also were leaving, in search of better accommodation. This place is a disaster waiting to happen.

The only upsides I can see is the food was decent enough and the island was picturesque. My only complain would be about their inability to collect and dispose garbage. Garbage is spread-out throughout the island.

Any way, I cannot recommend this place to anyone. I would never go back there.
Read more
Date of stay: December 2014
2.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
3.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip:Ā Try to find a better accommodation. This place is the worst.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lilly S wrote a review Sep 2015
Cologne, Germany
4.0 of 5 bubbles
We stayed at Ina's for 2 nights which was the perfect amount of time!

The island is beautiful and you really get the "lonely island feeling"!

The cabins are rustic and the beds are directly in the sand!
I loved falling asleep and waking up to the sound of the wars crashing!
The 3 included meals were very basic, so I would recommend bringing some snacks and water!!

The included excursion to pelican island was awesome! At first we were a little confused because they dropped us of on this tiny island, with a tiny sand beach but nothing really to see or do. But luckily we had our snorkeling gear with us!!
We saw hundreds of starfish and a sting ray!

We had a lot of fun! But I also think that two nights were enough! We were glad to come back to real life and wash all our clothes! :)
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Date of stay: August 2015Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pols 07 wrote a review Apr 2014
London, United Kingdom
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We have just arrived back from 5 nights/6 days at Ina's Cabinas and had the most fantastic time! The cabins are basic but absolutely fine for what you need. They are on the beach and have a double bed with pillows sheets and a mosquito net. All bedding is clean and there are barely any insects in the cabins. The odd mosquito but nothing unbearable at all. The island is absolutely stunning with amazing white beach, clear water and the perfect sea temperature. There is a reef just off the beach which is fantastic for snorkelling and we spent many hours exploring and saw so many fish. We recommend taking your own snorkel and mask, you can buy in a supermarket in Panama City. The food was great. Fish or chicken everyday but what do you expect you are on a desert island!! The fish tastes great and they give you huge portions of rice. We took snacks but didn't really need them. Nice breakfasts with great coffee in the mornings.
Jorge is the kindest man who will do absolutely anything for the guests. From cutting down coconuts to filling the water for showers hes fantastic!
There is a volleyball net and ball which is fun and hammocks for chilling. We took our own supply of beer but they do sell cans for 1.50 which isn't bad if you run out like us!
Wonderfully kind people who made our stay amazing! Great value and the best place!
Read more
Date of stay: April 2014
4.0 of 5 bubblesValue
4.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
3.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
4.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AdventureTVProducer wrote a review Jan 2012
Sacramento, California
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Nutshell: Basic, simple, facilities. MUCH LIKE CAMPING. Toilet hut, shower hut, dining hut, private sleeping hut with places to hang your stuff. Small concession for water, beer, and maybe wine. 3 simple meals a day, FRESH seafood often, but not always. It would probably disappoint most people, BUT I LOVED IT.

Ina and his family own the island (as I understand it), and also run Robinson Cabins. Myself and two friends arranged transport and rooms through Mamallena Backpackers Hostel in Panama City, and chose Ina Cabins based on reviews and word of mouth. Probably not much difference, although word of mouth said food was better with Ina.

The cabins are thatch, the beds are foam mattress on wooden frame with a bottom sheet and a top sheet. The floors are sand. Geckos everywhere. Breeze keeps the bugs at away.

Meals are usually quite basic, although we had lobster one night and it was SPECTACULAR. Beer $1.50. Bottled water is $1.00 if I remember correctly. Bring a bottle of Ron Abuelo rum with you, and/or a box of wine, and some juice.

The beach is spectacular, the snorkeling is excellent depending on the conditions. The seaward / east end of the island had excellent coral if you're willing to swim out past the reef and go around the island. That's my personal favorite recreation, and I was EXTREMELY HAPPY WITH THE SNORKELING. Swam with a friendly eagle ray

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHrIYow8tYw&feature=g-upl&context=G2da4835AUAAAAAAABAA

and other wonderful sightings.

I give it a high review because I knew what to expect and didn't want anything more than camping on a desert isle. That's what we got.

I had the pleasure of hanging out with Ina and talking with him (his English is about as good as my Spanish but somehow we managed to communicate) for a couple hours by the fire... and got a tour of his impressive collection of American heavy metal CDs. He's quite a fan of Iron Maiden. Very interesting experience.

There were quite a few Israeli 20-something kids there celebrating the end of their military service. They were very friendly and we had a great time at dinner and around the bonfire.

Caution: If you're visiting the Comarca Kuna Yala, do yourself and the Kuna a favor and do some reading on Thorntree and some other research so you'll understand their way of life, culture, fierce independence, and lifestyle.

You'll see heaps of trash on the inhabited islands and a culture clash of people who don't want to embrace western culture, but are willing to share their islands with you on THEIR terms. Get acquainted beforehand or prepare to be alienated.

If you want a more pristine experience, head south to one of the eco resorts like DOLPHIN.
Read more
Date of stay: January 2012
3.0 of 5 bubblesValue
3.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
2.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
3.0 of 5 bubblesService
3.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ronne M wrote a review Jan 2016
Belo Horizonte, MG
3.0 of 5 bubbles
I can not say I was disapointed, for I was not expecting luxury. I just want all those who read this to know that there will be no hot water (in fact, sometimes you must wait like an hour even for the simple fresh water to have a quick shower). The room floor is plain sand. There is no electricity at all in the accommodation. The food is rather simple and it is strongly recomended to bring your own food. But the guy there is honest and never promised something he did not deliver. So if you want to know these part of the Caribbean and are short kn money, go. But know this will be far less comfortable than the most basic 2-star budget hotel you've ever been. This is for the service. The island is beautiful, but you can see signs of rubbish in some points.
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Date of stay: January 2016
3.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
3.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
4.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheHinduFace wrote a review May 2015
Hamburg, Germany
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Thanks a lot to the owner of inas cabins it was Magic.

If you want to go to San Blas and you wanna have more tours And spend your time in the Paradise go to Inas Cabins en San Blas.
Good food great coconuts nice dorms
Tour to pelikano island you can see starfish
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Date of stay: May 2015Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Connie D wrote a tip Feb 2017
Embro, Canada38 contributions5 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"We noticed other travellers who had kept food in their huts, which attracted bugs. Do not leave food out or bag it properly & store it."
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Olivier L wrote a tip Dec 2014
Vancouver, Canada79 contributions56 helpful votes
1.0 of 5 bubbles
"Try to find a better accommodation. This place is the worst."
Read full review
SJWoodrow wrote a tip Dec 2014
Bristol, United Kingdom40 contributions9 helpful votes
4.0 of 5 bubbles
"The private cabana's were nice, worth the extra $5!"
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LOCATION
PanamaGuna Yala RegionSan Blas IslandsIsla Miria
NUMBER OF ROOMS
6
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INA CABINS - Campground Reviews (Isla Miria, Panama) - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Ina Cabins
What food & drink options are available at Ina Cabins?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant during their stay.