As you sail through the crystal-clear waters of San Blas, surrounded by white-sand islands and endless shades of blue, it is difficult to imagine that these peaceful waters were once part of one of the busiest and most dangerous maritime routes in the world. For more than two centuries, Spanish treasure fleets crossed the Caribbean carrying unimaginable wealth. Gold and silver from the mines of South America were transported to Panama, carried across the isthmus, and loaded o
