Caño Cristales, a natural wonder

In the Colombian Eastern Plains, you’ll find a true natural gem that will surprise you: Caño Cristales, one of the most beautiful rivers in the world.

River of Five Colors

It is affectionately called this because, through its crystal-clear waters, you can see yellow, blue, green, red, and black tones. This natural wonder is due to the Macarenia clavigera, an endemic aquatic plant that, when touched by sunlight, "paints" Caño Cristales in beautiful colors.

How to get to Caño Cristales, Meta?

To visit this natural wonder, you must first arrive at the municipality of Macarena, located in the department of Meta, and get on a canoe that will take you along the Guayabero River to the Sierra de La Macarena National Natural Park, where Caño Cristales is located.

The journey itself is already impressive, as on your way along the Guayabero River you may spot some exotic animals, such as turtles, birds, monkeys, and maybe even a caiman.

What to see and do in Caño Cristales?

Once in the area, you will first pass by the Mirador, a small mountain that rises above the Guayabero River and offers you an unforgettable view of the banks of Caño Cristales, where you can discover several places. The most famous is the Piscina de los Turistas, where you can swim in a stream as colorful as a rainbow.

There’s also the Tapete Rojo, one of the most beautiful sections thanks to the abundance of Macarenia clavigera; Los Ochos, a spot with a spectacular view where the rocks have created small water holes that, seen from above, seem to form the number eight; Los Cuarzos, a magnificent cascade of water threads that form calm, crystal-clear pools; and Caño Cristalitos, a small “sibling” river to Caño Cristales.

This incomparable experience is completed by all the richness of the Sierra de La Macarena National Natural Park, where about 420 bird species, 10 species of amphibians, 43 species of reptiles, and eight primate species live.

It is, without a doubt, one of the most important natural treasures of Colombia and perhaps the world. You can visit it at any time, although we recommend doing so preferably during the second half of the year, when the river rises and the aquatic plants are at their peak.

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We also recommend that you do not take sunscreen or insect repellent to the river, as these substances can affect the ecosystem. Also, you should know that it is essential to get vaccinated against yellow fever 15 days before traveling to Caño Cristales.

Lastly, it is essential to bring comfortable and waterproof footwear, long-sleeved shirts and long pants, as well as a hat and sunglasses. And of course, don’t forget to pack your swimsuit to dive into the colorful stream of Caño Cristales, where we guarantee you will have a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Don’t miss the chance to visit this wonder of Colombian nature!