One of the most spectacular of the Isthmus of Panama is without doubt the Barro Colorado Island located in Gatun Lake within the famous Panama Canal. This island was created during the construction of the Panama Canal when the Chagres River was dammed and the water level rose. This increase in water levels led to a mountain being flooded, leaving only the peak visible, surrounded by water, thus creating the spectacular Barro Colorado island.
Barro Colorado Island
In 1923 a group of scientists asked for Barro Colorado Island to be taken into account for a Biological Reserve so that it would be protected. Thus a scientific research laboratory was created on the island and became the first Tropical Forest Biological Reserve in Panama. In 1946, the Smithsonian Institute was handed the responsibility to administer and manage this biologically rich area. In 1979, Barro Colorado was declared a National Monument because of its great importance.
The only way to reach this incredible island is by boat from Gamboa. The island itself is located about 38 kilometers from Panama City and so getting there is relatively short and easy. However if you want to visit the island of Barro Colorado, you will have to do obtain prior authorization from the Smithsonian Institute, an organization that regulates all activities carried out on the island. Once the permission has been granted, tourists will be charged a small amount which includes dinner at a restaurant in the visitor center. The visitor center also offers videos on various investigations that have been carried out in the area, as well as information on habitat, flora and fauna of Barro Colorado island.
Spider Monkey at Barro Colorado Island
Barro Colorado Island is incredibly rich in biodiversity. The activities on offer for people visiting the island include hiking through virgin rainforest with expert guides. The hiking trails on the island, which were built in 1986, ensure that the you enjoy the wide selection of flora and fauna while causing no damage and leaving as little impact as possible. There are 53 stations of interest on the island and the expert guides provides all the necessary information for tourists. The island also has a small shop where you can buy gifts.
The amazing and diverse ecosystem of Barro Colorado Island has been almost untouched by human presence, and that is why this place plays a very important role in Panama. Barro Colorado Island has been studied for over 80 years by a variety of biological disciplines, making it undoubtedly one of the finest natural laboratories in the world and tropical.
