BEHIND THE LENS
COLON, PANAMA BY ISAAC LÓPEZ
Tell us briefly about this trip. What brought you there?
Colon is a place that, despite having visited many times, I do not fully know, especially its downtown area. A part of my girlfriend’s family is originally from the city, so we decided to visit and document not only its urban life, but also the history of those who have lived there for more than fifty years.
What was your first impression of Colon?
That it’s a little box of surprises: the city holds potential that very few people can see. It’s for this reason I’ve been returning and documenting since 2015.
What is the most beautiful thing about this place?
Absolutely everything. It’s no surprise to anyone that, at some point, it was called “The Little Golden Cup.” And I don’t think it was just because of its strategic geographical location, but also because of its people, its culture, its cuisine, and its beautiful and distinctive Caribbean beaches.
An interesting fact?
Two things I didn’t know: Colon was previously called Aspinwall, and its location was a crucial enclave for the separation of Colombia in 1903.
Where to stay?
A place I haven’t visited yet, but has been highly recommended to me is the El Otro Lado Resort/Retreat, located in Portobelo.
What memory comes to mind when you think of this destination?
In 2018, I documented the French artist Mathieu Des Longchamps for his album Vivo en Panamá. It was my first assignment with Polydor, a division of Universal Music Group. I was commissioned to create the album cover and all the photography, in which the artist describes his early years in La Guaira, a small village near the coast of Colon.
What was your favorite place?
Out of all the places I’ve visited, La Guaira. It’s a small fishing village next to Isla Grande, a spot frequently visited by foreigners and with great tourism potential.
Share a local secret.
The best Plantitá and Patty can be found at Panadería Colón.
What does Colon taste like?
Like coconut with curry.
Is there a song that reminds you of this place?
La Guaria by Mathieu Des Longchamps.
Listen here.
If you had to choose a favorite thing about Colon, what would it be?
Los Congos.
Something about Colon that you haven’t seen elsewhere?
Colon is a blend of Afro-Caribbean culture, but something truly impressive is seeing its ports.
Survivor’s tip – what should you pack?
Plenty of sunscreen and OFF (insect repellent).
Something everyone should know before arriving?
Come ready for an unforgettable experience—and come hungry!
You have only 48 hours to visit—what must be on the itinerary?
Portobelo, downtown Colon, and Panadería Colón.
What is beauty to you?
Beauty is authenticity, something with history and character. Beauty doesn’t lie in perfection but in identity, in what makes a face, a landscape, or a culture unique. It’s the result of a combination of light, texture, and emotion, captured at just the right moment.
Beauty, to me, isn’t perfect. It’s raw, vibrant, and full of nuances, where the ordinary becomes extraordinary when observed with the right sensitivity.
