Panama
Costs of travelling to Panama
How much does a trip to Panama cost? How much does a trip to Panama really cost? This is exactly
December 13, 2024
Difficulty travelling: medium
Distances between photo spots: very long by car/bus, very short by plane
Safety: generally very safe, see HERE for advice from the Foreign Office
Language: Spanish
Photo spots: lots of nature with mountains and beaches
Drones: generally permitted, regional no-fly zones (including national parks), drones over 250g may require permission, HERE is the website of the Civil Aviation Authority
Mobile phone coverage: eSIM available here
Panama, the narrow country connecting North and South America, is a true paradise for photographers. With its mix of vibrant cities, lush rainforests, beautiful beaches and cultural treasures, Panama offers countless photo opportunities. Here I share some of the best photo spots and personal tips to make your trip and your photos unforgettable.
Panama stretches across a narrow isthmus connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. It borders Costa Rica to the north and Colombia to the south. The country is known for its impressive geographical diversity, ranging from tropical rainforests and picturesque beaches to mountainous regions and urban centres.
The climate is tropical, with distinct rainy and dry seasons. The rainy season lasts from May to November, while the dry season from December to April offers ideal weather for travelling and outdoor activities.
Panama City is a city of contrasts, where modern skyscrapers stand alongside colonial buildings.
Casco Viejo: Panama City’s historic old town is an absolute must for every photographer. With its cobbled streets, colourful facades and charming squares, Casco Viejo offers countless photo opportunities. The old town is particularly impressive at sunset, when the old buildings are bathed in warm light.
Panama Canal: The world-famous Panama Canal is an engineering marvel. Visit the Miraflores Visitor Centre to watch the huge ships and take impressive photos.Visit Casco Viejo early in the morning or late in the afternoon to take advantage of the best light and avoid crowds.
Use a wide-angle lens to capture the size of the skyscrapers and the vastness of the Panama Canal.
Experiment at night along the Cinta Costera to capture the city’s glowing skyline.
Santa Catalina is a small fishing village on the Pacific coast and a gateway to one of Panama’s most unspoilt places: Isla Coiba National Park.
Isla Coiba is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its pristine beaches, dense rainforests and rich underwater world.
Boquete is located in the green hills of the Chiriquí province and is known for its coffee plantations, hiking trails and spectacular natural scenery. A visit to a coffee plantation should be on your itinerary if you enjoy drinking coffee. Here you will find the rare and expensive Geisha bean.
Barú Volcano: Panama’s highest point offers breathtaking views of both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea on a clear day. Hiking up the volcano is strenuous, but the views and photo opportunities are well worth the effort.
Sendero Los Quetzales: This hiking trail is famous for its birdwatching opportunities. With a bit of luck, you might be able to capture the rare and colourful quetzal on camera.Use a telephoto lens to photograph the shy birds in the treetops.
Wear comfortable walking shoes and take plenty of water with you, especially if you want to climb the Barú volcano.
Bocas del Toro, an archipelago on Panama’s Caribbean coast, is a true paradise for photographers. With its tropical beaches, lush rainforests and colourful villages, this region offers countless photo opportunities. Unfortunately, I haven’t been there myself, but I’ve asked other travellers about it. Next time I’m in Panama, it’s high on my list.
Starfish Beach (Playa Estrella): This beach is known for the many starfish that can be seen in the shallow, crystal-clear water. A great place for close-ups and underwater photography.
Red Frog Beach: A popular beach with soft white sand and tropical jungle in the background. Here you can photograph the famous red poison dart frogs. Dolphin Bay: You can regularly see dolphins in this sheltered bay. The gentle waves and the opportunity to photograph these majestic animals make Dolphin Bay a special photo spot.
Equipment: Ensure you have the correct equipment with you: camera, lenses (wide angle, telephoto), tripod, memory cards, spare batteries and cleaning accessories. A waterproof camera or housing is useful for underwater photography.
Lighting conditions: The best time to take photographs is during the golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset. The light is softer and warmer, which makes for more beautiful and dramatic shots.
Safety: As in any other country, you should keep an eye on your equipment and not leave it unattended. In cities, it is advisable to take photos discreetly and be aware of your surroundings. It is best not to let your camera dangle around your neck.
Footwear: For adventurous shots in the mountains or jungle, such as in Boquete or Soberanía National Park, comfortable walking shoes and weatherproof clothing are a must.
Nature: Be careful not to disturb or damage nature. Stay on the marked trails and respect the wildlife. This is especially important on the protected Isla Coiba.
Panama is a photographic paradise that has something to offer everyone – from impressive urban landscapes and historical sites to pristine beaches and lush rainforests. The mix of culture, nature and adventure makes the country an ideal destination for photographers of all experience levels.
The dry season from December to April offers the best weather for photo tours. The golden hour (shortly after sunrise and before sunset) in particular provides soft, warm light for impressive shots.
A camera with interchangeable lenses (wide-angle and telephoto), a tripod, spare batteries, memory cards, a cleaning kit and, if necessary, a waterproof camera or housing for underwater photography. A lightweight and sturdy camera tripod is also recommended.
Panama City: Old Town, Panama Canal, Coastal Strip
Bocas del Toro: Starfish Beach, Red Frog Beach, Zapatilla Cays
Boquete: Vulkan Barú, Los Quetzales Trail
Isla Coiba: Granito de Oro and the underwater world
Be patient and keep your distance so as not to disturb the animals. Use a telephoto lens to take close-up shots without intruding on the animals’ habitat. Respect nature and do not leave any rubbish behind.
Drones are permitted in Panama, but there are certain rules and regulations. Be careful not to fly near airports, national parks, and crowds of people. Find out about the current regulations in advance.
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