This photo essay delves into the timeless tradition of dugout canoe travel in Gunayala, where the Guna people have navigated their waters for centuries. The word “Ulu” means boat in the Guna language, and it represents much more than just a vessel. It’s a symbol of connection—between islands, people, and ways of life.

Inspired by the ethos of Ulu, a project founded by Estefania Gamarra in 2012, these images reflect a way of living in which experiences are valued over material goods, and in which the open water serves as both home and horizon. Ulu pairs visitors with Guna hosts to offer an authentic experience, one that leaves both traveler and local with a deeper understanding of life’s simplicity and purpose.