Barro Colorado Island Travel Guide
Facts and practical information
Barro Colorado Island is a paradise for nature lovers located in the Panama Oeste region of Panama. This small, uninhabited island is situated in the middle of the Panama Canal and is home to the world-renowned Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. The island is a designated nature reserve, and its dense rainforest and diverse wildlife make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in ecology and conservation.
Visitors to Barro Colorado Island can explore the island's lush rainforest on guided tours led by knowledgeable researchers and naturalists. The island is teeming with biodiversity, and visitors have the opportunity to spot a wide variety of wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, toucans, and colorful tropical birds. The island's network of hiking trails offers a chance to immerse oneself in the sights and sounds of the rainforest while learning about ongoing research and conservation efforts.
In addition to its natural beauty, Barro Colorado Island is an important center for scientific research and education. The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute has been conducting long-term studies on the island's ecology since 1923, and visitors have the opportunity to learn about the institute's groundbreaking research on tropical biology and environmental sustainability. The island's visitor center provides a fascinating look into the world of tropical ecology, with exhibits and interactive displays that showcase the institute's work and the importance of preserving the world's rainforests.
Panamá Oeste
Barro Colorado Island Attractions - What to See and Explore
Barro Colorado Island offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Gatun Lake. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.
Best Time To Visit Barro Colorado Island
Learn when is the best time to travel to Barro Colorado Island weather-wise and what to expect in each season.
Best Ways to Experience the Park
Wildlife
AnimalsSee what popular animal species you can meet in this location.
Black-handed Spider Monkey
Geoffroy’s spider monkey, also known as the black-handed spider monkey or Central American spider monkey, is a captivating New World primate native to Central America, parts of Mexico, and possibly a small region in Colombia.
Mammals
Jaguar
The jaguar is a large cat native to the Americas and the only member of the Panthera genus found in this region. These majestic creatures can be found from the southwestern United States through Central and South America, thriving in tropical and subtropical forests.
Mammals
Baird's tapir
Baird's tapir, also known as the Central American tapir, is a remarkable mammal native to Mexico, Central America, and northwestern South America. It holds the title of the largest land mammal in Central America and is named after the American naturalist Spencer...
Mammals
Great curassow
The great curassow is an impressive bird that inhabits the Neotropical rainforests, ranging from eastern Mexico to western Colombia and northwestern Ecuador. Males are easily identified by their black plumage, curly crests, and vivid yellow beaks, while females exhibit...
Birds
Raccoon
Raccoons are captivating, medium-sized mammals native to North America, easily identifiable by their dexterous front paws, masked faces, and ringed tails. These intelligent creatures can remember solutions to problems for years, showcasing their remarkable cognitive...
Mammals
Panamá Oeste