Barro
Colorado
Island
Tour the most-studied
tropical forest in the world.
Experience Barro Colorado Island
The Smithsonian’s first tropical research station was established over 100 years ago during the construction of the Panama Canal. The island is a hub for tropical science, where hundreds of researchers study wildlife, ecology, and evolution each year.
Day tours include:
- Round-trip boat transportation from Gamboa
- A guided rainforest hike
- Lunch at the research station
Note: Overnight stays are only for registered researchers. Tours fill quickly—please book in advance and review visitor guidelines before reserving.
Attractions
Gatún Lake and the Panama Canal
The Barro Colorado adventure begins with the boat trip to the island, with views of the lush forests that line the canal shores and the chance to encounter a massive cargo ship.
Naturalist Guides
Barro Colorado is one of the few protected areas in Panama that has bilingual naturalist guides to explain the wonders of tropical nature to visitors.
Forest trails
The guides take you down a network of trails winding through the forest. Most trails have steep inclines and declines and may not be suitable for all visitors.
Flora
The impressive ceiba, the peculiar “walking” palm, and the monkey ladder vine are just a few of the 1,459 species of vascular plants that make up the tropical forests of Barro Colorado.
Fauna
BCI is home to 110 species of mammals, 335 species of birds, 35 species of amphibians, and 71 species of reptiles. Lucky visitors may see, hear, or even smell several of these charismatic inhabitants.
Science in Action
With dozens of scientists working on Barro Colorado Island at any given time, visitors can get a firsthand look at research in action.
Plan your visit
Your visit to BCI includes round-trip boat transportation, a guided forest hike, and lunch. Remember: Advance booking is required.
Boat Ride: 30–45 minutes
Guided Hike: 2–3 hours, approx. 3 km with rest stops. Trails may be steep in some areas.
Lunch: Cafeteria-style with a vegetarian option available (requested during booking).
| Day visits | Hours |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 6:50am - 3:40pm |
| Wednesday | 6:50am - 3:40pm |
| Thursday | 6:50am - 3:40pm |
| Saturday and Sunday | 7:40am - 2:00pm |
Please arrive 30 minutes early at the Gamboa Dock. Smithsonian boats adhere to a strict schedule. Late arrivals cannot be rescheduled or refunded.
Closed during local holidays: New Year’s Day, Martyrs’ Day, Carnival/Shrove Tuesday, Good Friday, Labor Day, Independence Day, Colón Day, Cry for Independence Day, Independence from Spain, Mother’s Day, National Mourning Day, and Christmas Day.
Rates and Payment Information
Payments are only accepted prior to the visit (not on site) once the reservation is confirmed. Please see section ”Book your visit” below for more information.
| General Admission Rates | Cost |
|---|---|
| Foreign adult | $125.00 |
| Foreign student | $75.00 |
| Panamanian or resident | $55.00 |
| Panamanian retiree | $44.00 |
| Local student | $30.00 |
We accept VISA, MasterCard and American Express credit cards.
Barro Colorado is an island right in the heart of the Panama Canal. To get there, hop on one of our boats at the Smithsonian dock in Gamboa, just about 1 km past the Panama Canal’s dredging division dock. We encourage you to be on time as Smithsonian boats follow a strict schedule. Please see the Plan Your Day Visit section for more information.
Remember: All visits must be booked in advance. BCI day visits are closed during Panamanian holidays.
What to Wear and Bring
To stay comfy and safe on the trails, we recommend wearing lightweight long pants, closed-toe shoes (like sneakers, hiking boots, or rubber boots), and long socks—tucking your pants into your socks helps keep bugs out!
Long-sleeved shirts and hats are also a great idea for extra sun and insect protection.
Feel free to bring along:
- Sunscreen
- Mosquito repellent
- A reusable water bottle
- Binoculars for wildlife spotting
- Snacks (just enjoy them before the hike—no food is allowed on the trail)
Get ready for a fun and safe nature walk!
Book Your Visit
Fill out the BCI Day Visit Request Form (link below). Make sure to read the Safety and Security section prior to booking.
Once we receive your form, someone from our team will reach out to help you plan your visit. Your spot will be confirmed once payment is complete.
Please note: Visitors must be 12 years or older, and all minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
For information about payment, cancellation and reimbursement policies, click here.
Amenities
Cafeteria
A cafeteria-style lunch is served in the dining hall. Vegetarian options are available. Drinking water, coffee, and tea are complimentary.
Conference Room
Comfortable and safe space with an audiovisual projection system where guides share information about the history of the island and BCI research.
For School Groups
School groups with less than 10 people can visit BCI on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. School groups with more than 10 students (but less than 20 people) can visit on Saturdays and Sundays only. The minimum age for visitors to BCI is 12 years old. BCI does not receive visits on Mondays and Fridays.
Team
Jenniffer Saucedo
Public Program Coordinator
Aldy Mariscal
Public Programs Assistant
Eugenio Gordón
General Assistant
Contact Us
For additional information, please contact us during our office hours:
Mon - Friday 8:00a.m. to 12:00p.m.
The office is closed during weekends and Panamanian holidays.
Email: stribci@si.edu
Phone: +507 212-8951
