This treasure drew Dutch, English and French pirates to the coastal areas of the Darién. At a safe enough distance from the trading points, the Pirates could hide in the sandy atolls and feed off sea turtles, waiting for the Spanish bounty.

Pirates needed both guides and mercenaries. The Kuna filled those roles because of their hatred for the Spanish. By the end of the sixteenth century, the Kuna would be launching attacks on Panama, in cahoots with the Pirates.