If you think Panama is just about the Canal and Bocas del Toro, think again. I recently explored Colon — yes, that Colon — and discovered a side of the country most travelers completely overlook. Between vibrant markets, historic streets, and unexpected natural beauty, I found photo-worthy moments at every turn. More than just pictures, I came home with stories — and a suitcase full of local specialty products you won’t find anywhere else. This is real, raw, and beautifully unfiltered Panama. It’s a place where history hums through cracked walls, where color spills from market stalls, and where everyday life unfolds with quiet dignity. For the thoughtful traveler, Colon offers not just scenes to capture, but moments to remember — authentic, unposed, and deeply human.

Reimagining Colon: Beyond the Misconceptions

Colon, Panama, long overshadowed by its reputation, is slowly emerging from decades of misunderstanding. Once dismissed as unsafe or overlooked due to outdated travel advisories, the city is now revealing a more nuanced reality. While caution remains important, especially in certain areas, a growing number of neighborhoods are opening up to respectful, mindful travelers. The historic downtown, with its pastel-hued buildings and ornate ironwork, tells a story of Caribbean elegance and colonial ambition. These structures, though weathered, stand as monuments to a vibrant past when Colon was a bustling hub of maritime trade and cultural exchange.

Community-driven revitalization efforts have begun to breathe new life into public spaces. Local artists, entrepreneurs, and civic groups are working together to restore facades, clean streets, and promote cultural pride. In some districts, you’ll find freshly painted murals, repaved sidewalks, and small cafes serving traditional Panamanian breakfasts. These signs of renewal are not yet widespread, but they are meaningful. For photographers, this transformation offers a rare opportunity: to document a city in transition, where beauty persists even in decay, and where every chipped wall and sun-bleached shutter holds narrative potential.

Travelers should approach Colon with awareness, not fear. Sticking to well-known, populated areas during daylight hours significantly reduces risk. Hiring a local guide not only enhances safety but also deepens the experience, offering access to stories and perspectives that no guidebook can provide. The truth is, perception often lags behind reality. While parts of Colon still face challenges, others are quietly thriving. By visiting with respect and curiosity, travelers contribute to a more balanced narrative — one that acknowledges complexity while celebrating resilience.

The Heartbeat of Colon: Portobelo and Its Cultural Legacy

A short drive from Colon brings you to Portobelo, a coastal gem steeped in Afro-Caribbean heritage and colonial history. This once-thriving Spanish port, established in the 16th century, was a key stop for treasure-laden galleons crossing the Atlantic. Today, its legacy lives on in the rhythms of local music, the colors of its festivals, and the enduring strength of its people. For photographers, Portobelo is a dream — a place where history, culture, and daily life converge in vivid, frame-worthy moments.

The town’s most iconic landmarks are the ruins of the Spanish forts — San Fernando and Santiago — which rise from the jungle’s edge like ancient sentinels. These stone fortifications, partially reclaimed by vines and moss, offer dramatic backdrops, especially during golden hour when the late afternoon sun casts long shadows across the weathered walls. Photographers can capture wide-angle shots of the forts against the sea, or focus on intricate details: rusted cannons, crumbling archways, and the interplay of light and shadow on centuries-old masonry.

But Portobelo’s true spirit is found in its people and markets. On weekends, the town hosts lively gatherings where locals sell handcrafted goods rooted in Guna and Afro-Panamanian traditions. Molas — intricately embroidered textiles made by Guna women — are among the most sought-after items. Each design tells a story, often inspired by nature, mythology, or daily life. Woven baskets, wooden carvings, and beaded jewelry are also common, all made by artisans who preserve cultural knowledge through their craft. These markets are not staged for tourists; they are real, working spaces where photography, when done respectfully, can capture genuine moments of connection and commerce.

Capturing Color: The Market Scene in Colon City

The central market in Colon City is a feast for the senses and a paradise for street photographers. From the moment you step inside, you’re surrounded by a kaleidoscope of color, sound, and scent. Pyramids of mangoes, pineapples, and starfruit glow under the dim light filtering through the building’s cracked ceiling. Bolts of rainbow-hued fabric drape over stalls, while hand-stitched dolls, embroidered blouses, and beaded necklaces catch the eye at every turn. The air hums with conversation, the clatter of baskets, and the occasional burst of laughter — a symphony of urban life.

What makes this market so compelling is its authenticity. Unlike tourist-oriented bazaars, this is a place where locals shop for daily essentials. Vendors call out prices, haggle with customers, and share stories while arranging their goods. For photographers, this means endless opportunities for candid shots — a woman adjusting her headwrap, a child reaching for a piece of fruit, an elder vendor smiling behind a stack of plantains. The natural light, though uneven, creates dramatic contrasts, turning ordinary moments into striking compositions.

To photograph here with respect, a few guidelines are essential. First, always ask permission before taking close-up portraits. A simple smile and gesture can go a long way. Many vendors are happy to pose if approached kindly, and some may even welcome the chance to share their story. Second, visit in the morning when the market is busiest and the light is softest. By midday, the heat intensifies, and activity begins to slow. Finally, take time to engage — buy a snack, ask about a product, learn a few words in Spanish. These small acts build trust and often lead to the most meaningful photos — not just of people, but with them.

Urban Textures: Street Art and Architecture in Old Colon

Wandering through the quieter streets of Old Colon is like walking through an open-air gallery of urban poetry. Here, beauty is not polished or preserved — it is raw, evolving, and deeply expressive. Faded facades with peeling paint reveal layers of history, each color a chapter in the city’s story. Wrought-iron balconies, once grand, now sag slightly under the weight of time, their intricate scrollwork softened by rust and rain. Sun-bleached shutters hang at odd angles, casting geometric shadows on cracked sidewalks. These are the textures that draw photographers — the details that turn a simple street into a visual narrative.

In recent years, a quiet artistic renaissance has taken root. Local artists have begun transforming neglected walls with murals that celebrate Panamanian identity — images of dancers in traditional pollera dresses, scenes of harvest festivals, and portraits of community elders. These works do more than beautify; they reclaim space, assert pride, and invite dialogue. For photographers, they offer bold compositions, rich in color and symbolism. A single mural can serve as the centerpiece of a series, especially when framed with surrounding decay, creating a powerful contrast between past and present.

To make the most of these streets, focus on composition techniques that highlight texture and form. Use leading lines — a row of arches, a cracked sidewalk — to draw the eye into the frame. Look for symmetry in colonial architecture, or break it intentionally for dynamic effect. Play with light and shadow, especially in the early morning or late afternoon, when the sun skims at low angles, emphasizing depth and dimension. A macro lens can reveal the beauty in small details: a rusted hinge, a chipped tile, a splash of graffiti over weathered stucco. These close-ups, when combined with wider shots, tell a fuller story of a city that is not dying, but transforming.

Nature’s Comeback: The Jungle Meets the City

Just beyond the urban sprawl of Colon, the jungle reasserts itself with quiet power. The Chagres River, a vital waterway that feeds the Panama Canal, winds through dense rainforest, offering a stark contrast to the city’s concrete and noise. Protected areas and community-led eco-trails provide safe, guided access to this lush environment. Here, the air is thick with humidity, the canopy alive with the calls of howler monkeys, toucans, and parrots. For photographers, this is a chance to capture Panama’s biodiversity in its natural state — not in a zoo or reserve, but in the wild, where every rustle in the underbrush might signal movement.

Kayaking through the mangrove forests along the river’s edge offers a unique perspective. Paddling slowly through narrow channels, you glide beneath tangled roots and overhanging branches, where sunlight dapples the water in shifting patterns. This low-angle vantage point is ideal for reflections, abstract compositions, and intimate wildlife shots. Early morning is the best time — mist rises from the water, birds are active, and the light is soft and golden. A telephoto lens allows you to capture distant animals without disturbing them, while a polarizing filter helps reduce glare on the water’s surface.

Eco-tourism in this region is still developing, but several local guides offer sustainable, small-group tours that prioritize conservation. These experiences are not just about photography; they are about connection. Guides share knowledge about medicinal plants, animal behavior, and the importance of protecting these ecosystems. Travelers are encouraged to stay on marked paths, avoid loud noises, and refrain from feeding wildlife. By following these principles, photographers can create powerful images without compromising the environment. The result is not just a collection of photos, but a deeper understanding of how nature and community coexist in this part of Panama.

Specialty Finds: What to Bring Home from Colon

One of the most rewarding aspects of traveling to Colon is the opportunity to bring home truly unique, locally made items. Unlike mass-produced souvenirs found in tourist shops, these goods carry the imprint of culture, tradition, and craftsmanship. Among the most distinctive is jewelry made from tagua nut — a sustainable, plant-based material often called “vegetable ivory.” Carved by hand into beads, pendants, and figurines, tagua products are both beautiful and eco-friendly, supporting artisans who rely on this craft for their livelihood.

Panama hats, though named for the country, are often woven in rural villages near Colon. These finely woven toquilla straw hats are lightweight, breathable, and remarkably durable. Each hat takes days or even weeks to complete, with weavers using techniques passed down through generations. When purchasing, look for tight, even weaving and a natural color — avoid bleached or overly stiff versions, which are often machine-made. A high-quality Panama hat is not just a fashion item; it’s a wearable piece of cultural heritage.

Other meaningful souvenirs include coconut shell utensils, hand-carved wooden bowls, and natural soaps infused with tropical scents like guava, coconut, and ylang-ylang. Hand-dyed fabrics, often made with natural pigments, make beautiful scarves or wall hangings. When shopping, prioritize items sold directly by artisans or through community cooperatives. This ensures fair compensation and supports local economies. Ask questions — where was this made? Who made it? — not out of suspicion, but out of respect. These conversations often lead to richer experiences and more meaningful keepsakes.

Traveling Responsibly: Tips for a Meaningful Visit

Visiting a place like Colon comes with a responsibility — not just to stay safe, but to travel with integrity. Respectful tourism means more than taking good photos; it means leaving a positive impact. One of the most effective ways to do this is by hiring local guides. They not only enhance your safety but also provide insights that deepen your understanding of the culture. Their knowledge of history, language, and customs can transform a simple walk into a meaningful journey.

Supporting community-run businesses is equally important. Choose family-owned guesthouses, eat at local eateries, and buy from street vendors and artisans. These small choices have a cumulative effect, helping to sustain livelihoods and preserve traditions. Dressing modestly and behaving with courtesy also goes a long way. In many neighborhoods, flashy clothing or loud behavior can draw unwanted attention. A respectful demeanor, combined with a willingness to listen and learn, fosters goodwill and opens doors to authentic interactions.

Environmental responsibility is another key aspect. Carry a reusable water bottle, avoid single-use plastics, and dispose of waste properly. When photographing nature, stay on designated paths and never disturb wildlife. The goal is to observe, not intrude. By minimizing your footprint, you help protect the very places that make Colon so special. Ultimately, the most powerful photos are not just those that look beautiful, but those that were taken with care, intention, and respect.

Colon, Panama, isn’t a polished resort town — and that’s exactly what makes it powerful. It’s a place of resilience, color, and authenticity, where every photo tells a deeper story. By exploring its hidden corners and supporting its people, travelers don’t just capture beauty — they help preserve it. In a world where so many destinations feel commercialized or staged, Colon remains refreshingly real. It invites you not to consume, but to connect. And in that connection — through a shared smile, a handmade gift, or a quiet moment in the jungle — lies the true heart of travel.