Visit the Punta Culebra Nature Center in Panama

The Punta Culebra Nature Center in Panama opened in 1996 and has been offering up a plethora of information, education, and excitement ever since. The approximately 3.7-acre outdoor, open-air nature center prides itself on researching and teaching others about the biodiversity, environments, and ecosystems in Panama as well as through the rest of Central America and in South America. Operated by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI), the Punta Culebra Nature Center is a fantastic place where you can experience and learn so much about wildlife and nature than you thought possible. Before you pack your bags and head off to Panama City, the following are some tips to keep in mind for your trip.

Bring the Whole Family
The Punta Culebra Nature Center is ideal for those of all ages so feel free to bring the family, and as an added bonus, it’s a budget-friendly adventure. The admission price for those under 12-years-old is $1.00 and it’s $1.50 for retirees; it’s $3.00 for residents and $5.00 for non-residents. They’re open Tuesday through Sunday, but their hours change during the year. Keep in mind that they’re also closed on major holidays.

Take a Tour
There are plenty of tours available in Panama, so consider taking one that could bring you around to some incredible sites in the area. It will give you the chance to see the Punta Culebra Nature Center as well as other spots, and you’ll be able to learn some interesting information along the way that you may not have learned otherwise. Taking a tour can be especially helpful if it’s your first time in Panama and you would prefer a little guidance to some great places as opposed to going about it on your own.

Watch for Wildlife
You could easily spot quite a bit of wildlife at the Punta Culebra Nature Center, so make sure to keep an eye out! Just some of the many animals you may find include sloths, pelicans, sharks, turtles, and iguanas. Some of the animals are roaming about while you’ll see others in the touching pools, aquariums, and more. There’s a dry tropical forest that you can explore via two trails, so feel free to take a walk and wonder at all the nature around you. You’ll also be able to see several exhibits that will definitely catch your interest.

Take Time to Read the Signs
The signs can teach you quite a bit about the wildlife and environments, so take the time to stop and read them. They’re in both Spanish and English and you could learn many fascinating tidbits of information just from doing a little reading of the signs around the Punta Culebra Nature Center.

The Punta Culebra Nature Center is located just 20-minutes from the central area of Panama City and is a little more than 2-miles from the Amador Causeway, so you’re in close proximity to many other places of interest. Should you have any questions about visiting the nature center, opt to ask them before you arrive so you’re all set when you get there.