Panama & Colombia Through the Lens: A Photographic Journey

Another travel story, but this time through the lens of an analogue camera in one of the warmest parts of the world. Weather-related escapes have become somewhat of a tradition for me at the start of each year, and this time, instead of heading to Asia, I was drawn to Central America. So, I packed my bags and left behind the cold and rainy streets of Amsterdam for a month-long adventure.

Choosing the right camera for my travels was a challenge, but I ultimately decided on my trusty analogue Minolta XG-M. Its compact size, lightweight build, and, of course, the rich colors that digital cameras could never quite replicate won me over. I also kept my iPhone in my pocket for quick snaps, hoping the combination would offer the perfect “ready-to-shoot” setup. Little did I know, my phone would take a dive into the ocean during the first week, and my boyfriend’s phone would mysteriously vanish on an empty island beach. Fortunately, my Minolta took over, albeit with a mind of its own, creating pictures independently. After a brief crisis, I found my groove, and the photos turned out just as I had hoped.

Since writing isn’t my strong suit, I’ll spare you the long-winded details of my month-long journey and instead give you a concise (hopefully!) recap of the trip.

I kicked off my adventure on December 18th in Panama City, where I spent a few days before making my way to Bocas del Toro by night bus, taxi, and a series of boats. After a fun Christmas celebration and an unfortunate iPhone dive, we hopped on a flight to Medellin, Colombia. From there, we ventured to Guatape, a picturesque village nestled next to a stunning lake and lands once owned by Pablo Escobar. We spent three days there before returning to Medellin to celebrate New Year’s Colombian style. One of the highlights was the hidden techno gem, Top Secret, which made for an unforgettable night.

The following day, we flew to the steamy city of Cartagena, but after just one day of intense heat, we decided to head to Palomino, known for its proximity to the breathtaking Tayrona National Park. In typical fashion, I embarked on a 22 km jungle trek in a single day—something most people split into two days with an overnight camp. It was an exhausting yet exhilarating experience.

After our time in Palomino, we returned to Cartagena for some relaxation before flying back to Panama City. From there, we made our way to the stunning islands of Contadora and Saboga, where I fell in love with the serene beauty of Contadora, despite a few bumps along the way.

Now, let me stop talking and let the images do the rest of the storytelling! If you’re planning a trip to Panama and Colombia, my advice is simple: plan your route, book accommodations and flights in advance, and brush up on your Spanish! Adios!

Colombia