While
You're Here

To make the most out of your visit to STRI, being familiar with the following information will be of great help. Please don’t hesitate to contact the Visitor Services Office before your visit if you require more information.

On the first business day after arrival, all visitors should plan to stop at the Tupper Center in Panama City to check in before heading to research sites. If this is not possible due to your travel schedule, please contact the Visitor Services Office before your arrival.

Many long-term visitors choose to live in off-campus housing in Panama City, Gamboa, Bocas Town and at other sites. STRI can provide some assistance and direct you to sources of information about rentals. Please contact the Visitor Services Office for details.

Supermarkets and convenience stores abound in most of Panama. Residents of Barro Colorado, Fortuna and other remote sites can stock up in Panama City or Davíd.

If you have questions about safety and security that are not addressed on our safety and security pages, please consult with the safety officer in the Office of Human Resources or with the Office of Security and Protection Services. Please visit our safety and security page for detailed information.

There are a number of general and activity-specific rules and policies. Please check the following documents and web pages for more information related to the Smithsonian Code of Conduct an STRI’s specific policies involving different facilities, activities and the use of vehicles, chemicals and laboratory equipment.