Barro Colorado in Panamá: Complete Guide to Visiting the Island

Barro Colorado is a living laboratory on an island in the middle of Gatun Lake. This island is a haven for wildlife. It’s completely protected and used to conduct scientific research on tropical life in Panamá.

In 1923, after the construction of the Panama Canal (1904–1914) was complete, a part of the tropical forest was flooded to create a reservoir so the canal could operate properly. Today, in addition to serving as a source of water, Gatun Lake is a wildlife refuge with unique biodiversity and a tourist center for nature lovers.

After being flooded, what was once the top of a hill became an island in the middle of Lake Gatun. From the start, the island was a refuge for a large number of animals and it preserved a sample of the area’s native flora.

Barro Colorado is the perfect destination for fans of science, conservation, and tropical forests.

Due to the construction of the Panama Canal, several scientists came to the country, where they saw a unique opportunity to do research in the deepest part of the tropical jungle. Barro Colorado was a key point at the start of these research projects, and since then, the 15-km2 island was declared a living laboratory.

While exploring the island, you’ll walk through a landscape that has remained intact so that biodiversity in the canal basin can thrive. Your guide will be someone who lives, breathes, and understands this forest more than anyone else. You’ll learn about nature, the cycle of life, and the importance of our forests.

Visit this incredible island at any time of year while keeping in mind that the environment changes. If you go during the dry season, from December to March, the forest will be much drier, but you’ll enjoy a bright blue sky during the day. 

During the green season, from April to December, the forest comes alive. It may rain constantly, but biodiversity will be at its best. 

If you want to visit the island, make a reservation and head to the dock in Gamboa, 34 km from the city center, at the agreed time. The journey starts by taking a boat around the huge ships crossing through the canal and the islands in the lake. You’ll get a glimpse into this varied, natural environment that’s one of a kind.

When you get to the island, you’ll be welcomed with a coffee while your guide explains a bit about the natural wealth and history of Barro Colorado and gives you safety instructions before starting the walk.

Then the adventure begins with a walk through the tropical forest, lasting approximately two hours. This experience is a must. Follow the paths with your expert guide, who will tell you about the species that live on the island, as well as about the research being done.

With hundreds of species of birds, butterflies, and trees, you’ll feel fully immersed in natural beauty while exploring some of the paths on the island. If you’re lucky, you might see howler monkeys—or at least hear them—colorful toucans, and immense ant colonies.

After the walk, the visit includes a simple lunch so you can share and process everything you’ve learned. Finally, you’ll spend a few free moments at the viewpoint overlooking the canal.

Without a doubt, visiting the island means disconnecting completely from urban life to connect with nature and with those making every effort to protect it.

Visiting Barro Colorado is a great activity for families.

The only thing to keep in mind is that there is minimal human intervention on the island, and most of it is for the labs and scientific equipment, so the visit is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

Always keep in mind that the guides’ instructions must be followed very carefully so that no research project is put at risk, so it’s important that children are always accompanied by an adult and that they can follow instructions. 

The walk is long and requires slight physical exertion to climb small hills and walk through tropical humidity.

Remember that the only way to visit the island is by making a reservation in advance.

Visit the official website to make a reservation and be sure to include the number of people, their ages, your preferred language, and any dietary restrictions. Your request will be evaluated, and once it is approved, you’ll receive an email with all the instructions and recommendations to prepare for your visit.

The price of the visit includes water transport and lunch. Boats depart on time, so you should be at the port at the scheduled time so you don’t miss it.