Barro Colorado Island

Overview

Barro Colorado Island is a tropical research island and a National Monument of Panama. It is managed as a biological research station by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and is part of Soberanía National Park.

It is one of the most important sites for tropical forest research in the world and is a key location for studying biodiversity and ecological processes.

Research Station National Park

Location

Address

Coordinates: 9.154711258, -79.84691369

Neighborhood: Gatun Lake

Coordinates

9.154711, -79.846914

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

tuesday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

wednesday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

thursday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

friday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

saturday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

sunday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Admission

Adults

$20

Children

$10

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

December-April

Best Time of Day

Early morning

Wildlife is more active, and it's less crowded

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

2 hours

Recommended

4-5 hours

Full Experience

Overnight stay

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Warm and humid

• Lush vegetation
• Frequent wildlife sightings

summer

Hot and humid

• Fewer tourists
• Lush greenery

autumn

Warm and pleasant

• Transition to dry season
• Bird migration

winter

Warm and dry

• Best wildlife viewing
• Dry season

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Book guided tours in advance
Bring insect repellent
Wear appropriate footwear

What to Bring

essential

ID Water Insect repellent Binoculars

seasonal

Umbrella Long-sleeved shirts

not allowed

Drones Pets Large backpacks

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Moderate

• Bring plenty of water
• Protect against mosquitoes

Medical facilities: Basic first aid available

Payment Information

Accepted

Cash, Credit cards

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Typical Costs

entry $20

guided tour $50

parking $5

Dress Code

Casual, comfortable, Light, breathable clothing, Hiking boots or sturdy shoes, Open-toed shoes

Booking Tips

• At least 1 week
• Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute website
• 48 hours
• Guided tours

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

STRI Barro Colorado

Size: 30 MB

Features: Map, Tour information, Research updates

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Dock area

Charging Stations: Visitor center

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Tocumen International Airport

Distance: 45 km

Travel Time: 1 hour

taxi

$50 1 hour

public_transport

$10 1.5 hours

From City Center

Distance: 20 km

taxi

$30 45 min

public_transport

$5 1.5 hours

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Unique biodiversity and research significance

Historical Significance: Established as a research site in 1923

Insider Tips

Early morning visits are less crowded
Best wildlife sightings along the lake

Local Recommendations

• Visit the visitor center first
• Ask for guide Carlos

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Hola

thank_you Gracias

where_is ¿Dónde está?

how_much ¿Cuánto cuesta?

beautiful Hermoso

ticket Boleto

Guide Languages: English, Spanish

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Main dock

Best Time: Early morning

Tips: Capture the lake and forest

Result: Stunning landscape shot

#BarroColorado #PanamaNature

Photography Rules

allowed areas All outdoor areas

prohibited areas Research facilities

flash photography Not allowed

commercial photography Permit needed

drone policy Prohibited

tripod policy Allowed with permit

selfie sticks Allowed

Nearby Attractions

Gatun Lake

Distance: 5 km

Walking: N/A

Type: Lake

Miraflores Visitor Center

Distance: 30 km