Caño Cristales: Travel Tips for Visiting Colombia’s Rainbow River

For much of the year, the Caño Cristales looks like any other normal river you could see anywhere in the world. Nestled in Colombia, even getting to this river is a difficult adventure.

Accessible only through the community of La Macarena, you can take a DC3 cargo plane from Villavicennco or a weekend flight from Bogota that requires a stayover.

Between June and November, however, the Caño Cristales transforms from a basic river to the “River of Five Colors,” filled with endemic flora and fauna that will give you a once-in-a-lifetime viewing experience. If you like adventure, seeing this river in full bloom should be on your bucket list.

What is Caño Cristales?

Caño Cristales is a river that runs through the Serranía de la Macarena National Park in Meta, Colombia. The River of Five Colors gets its name from the different endemic plant species that line the river and provide vibrant green, yellow, blue, black, and red colors.

The most notable plant is Macarenia clavigera, or “La Mesita” (the little table). This plant covers the riverbed and rocks with a thin layer of green moss.

When the sun hits at just the right angle, this moss reflects all the colors of the rainbow onto the clear water surface – hence why it’s called the Rainbow River.

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How to Get There

This beautiful river is located in the national park Serranía de la Macarena, on the border of the Amazon rainforest, and is truly a sight to behold.

The colors of the river range from yellow to green to blue, and it’s full of plant and animal life that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Visitors to the national park can take boat rides down the river, hike through the jungle, and camp under the stars. It’s an experience you’ll never forget!

The only way to Caño Cristales is through La Macarena. You can take a direct flight from Bogota to Villavicencio in about an hour. From there, it is a quick 20-minute flight on a small plane to La Macarena.

Or, you can take a longer but cheaper route and fly into Villavicencio on a Friday evening, stay the night, and then take the early Saturday morning flight to La Macarena. Once in La Macarena, you must arrange for transportation to Caño Cristales. You can do this through your hotel or a tour agency in town.

Tours as a Means of Transportation

You can try to arrange everything yourself for this trip to save a few bucks, but purchasing a full package that includes your flights, lodging, and guide to the river will save you a major headache.

The liquid rainbow river is becoming increasingly popular, and tour groups routinely book all the lodging available in La Macarena. Unless you want to go camping immediately, booking your full trip in advance will help you get the accommodations you want.

A typical tour includes three days and two nights in La Macarena. Two-day hikes, consisting of a short canoe trip, a Jeep ride, and a short hike of less than an hour, are typically booked.

In return, you see the incredible plants and corals that call the Caño Cristales their home. Most trips can be booked for around 1 million pesos, or about $500.

What to Expect When You Visit

A trip to Caño Cristales tour is not your typical river tour. This is an all-day adventure with you, hiking through the jungle, wading in the water, and swimming in some of the most beautiful waters you have ever seen.

You will be up close and personal with nature, so expect to get dirty and sweaty. Wear comfortable clothes that can get wet and shoes you don’t mind getting muddy. Most importantly, remember to pack your sense of adventure.

While the Caño Cristales may only be a river, it is a natural world wonder. The colors, wildlife, and scenery combine to create an unforgettable experience. If you can visit this amazing river, don’t hesitate – it is an experience you will never forget.

Best Tours of Caño Cristales – Colombia’s Rainbow River

The best way to explore Caño Cristales is by joining a tour. Many reputable companies offer tours, so you can be sure to find one that fits your budget and travel style.

Most tours depart from the town of La Macarena, which is located about an hour’s drive from the river. You’ll need to arrange transportation to La Macarena in advance, as it’s not accessible by public transport.

Once you arrive in La Macarena, your tour guide will take a short hike to the river. The hike is relatively easy and should only take about half an hour.

Once you reach the Caño Cristales River, you’ll see why it’s called the Rainbow River. The water is crystal clear and has a unique turquoise color. You’ll also see a plethora of fish swimming in the river.

After you’ve had a chance to explore the river, your tour guide will take you back to La Macarena. You can arrange transportation back to your hotel or the airport from there.

If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, add a tour of Caño Cristales to your Colombia itinerary.

What to see at Caño Cristales River

Yes, rainbows exist. Okay. That appears to be a very natural thing. Even though the Caño Cristales River is long, the trees and their lovely colors never reach their entire length.

There are several trails that run through the park that lead not just into the different portions of the river but to different waterfalls, pools, and other sights.

Caño Cristales is a river in Colombia well-known for its vibrant colors. The water is stained by different minerals, giving it a rainbow appearance. The Córdobo Cristales river itself is actually quite long, though the trees and their pretty colors never grow throughout its length.

There are several trails that run through the park that lead not just into the different portions of the river but to different waterfalls, pools, and other sights.

Caño Cristales is a popular tourist destination, and many people come to see the water’s unique colors derived from aquatic plants. If you’re planning on visiting Caño Cristales, be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water, as the trails can be fairly challenging.

Unfortunately, we haven’t seen them yet, but we’ve witnessed the park’s major attractions over our two days there. Here’s a rundown of the sights and experiences I saw while arguing about arranging it so we could visit different places on a trip.

Cao Piedra

I’ve done it before. The motorcycle cab driver arrived early to witness the sunrise on the grassland outside La Macarena, as he had previously done.

There are tiny sections of the creek where people can swim. Locals like the openness of this location. Sure, but it doesn’t compare to what our buddies saw on their last day at Caño Cristales.

Similarly, if our flight had left early, we might have tried Laguna instead. Nonetheless, it is a nice way to spend some time outside of La Macarena and see a small bit of the surrounding landscape, particularly when you are tired of hiking.

Los Ochos

Los Ochos is a waterfall series in Colombia known for its unique shape. The waterfalls are circular or conical, and they are fascinating to see. If you’re visiting Los Ochos, be sure to bring your camera, as you’ll want to capture the beauty of these falls.

It’s a maze with several Macarenia clavigeras flowing through it before cascading into the formation. The falls can be easily visited, but you should not swim or touch them.

Laguna del Silencio

The park is located in the Serrana Macara region east of Cano Cristales. The opportunity to observe animals and a variety of birds, as well as the reflecting water on the lake and surrounding trees, is one of the main draws. It was not the first tourism attraction established due to the Peace Agreement.

This is a great place for a picnic lunch or to relax and take in the scenery. If you’re interested in birdwatching, be sure to bring your binoculars, as over 100 species of birds have been spotted in the park. While we didn’t see any animals or birds, the scenery was still beautiful, and it was a nice place to relax after our hike.

Pozas Azules

Pozas Azules is a series of blue pools in the Cañon de la Cola de Caballo. The water is crystal clear, and the views are breathtaking. If you’re visiting Pozas Azules, be sure to bring your camera, as you’ll want to capture the beauty of these pools.

Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see the Pozas Azules, located in a different part of the park, and we didn’t have time to hike there.

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Why is the Caño Cristales So Colorful?

One of the biggest reasons the Caño Cristales can stay in bloom throughout the entire season is because it is completely devoid of fish life.

This beautiful river contains no drag or sediment, making it impossible for fish to survive. But aquatic plants in the river make this into a liquid rainbow and one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world.

Though the experience is a little less impressive outside the regular season, the different channels of the Caño Cristales also contain red flora throughout the Winter.

Another reason for the tremendous display of color is the water’s mineral content. The flowing water and high mineral content have formed many circular “pits” throughout the river basin.

As the minerals are deposited on the rocks, they build up, providing life for the river’s flora and fauna. With yellow, green, black, blue, and the ever-present red during the season, nature does put on a colorful show in the Caño Cristales!

Can You Swim in Caño Cristales?

Despite its name, swimming in the Rainbow River is not advised. The currents can be quite strong, and many hidden rocks and boulders can make for a dangerous swim.

In addition, the water temperature can vary drastically depending on the time of year; during the rainy season (usually between May and November), the water is much colder than it is during the dry season. There are designated swimming areas, but remember you should only go in if you are a good swimmer.

Also, the designated swimming areas are not prohibited if you apply sun cream or bug spray on your body. These products can destroy the precious river plants and algae, making this beautiful river a normal river. Let’s keep Caño Cristales natural and the most beautiful river in Colombia.

Best Places to Stay Near Caño Cristales River

Visitors to the vibrant Caño Cristales River often lodge in La Macarena, a quaint town roughly sixty minutes from the river. This town is well-equipped with a variety of hotels designed to accommodate tourists. Check Booking.com for the best available accommodation in the area.

Alternatively, Villavicencio, located a few hours from Caño Cristales, provides additional lodging options. This area boasts various hotels and resorts with many guest facilities.

Nestled within the department of Meta in Colombia, Caño Cristales River is just one of the many attractions this region offers. Villavicencio, the department’s bustling capital, is also located here.

The river lies within the Sierra de la Macarena mountain range, an ecosystem rich with diverse flora and fauna, including the iconic red-and-green macaw.

Moreover, the Caño Cristales is a smaller river branching from the Guayabero River. The expansive Orinoco River, one of South America’s major rivers, supports many fish species.

In addition to the red-and-green macaw, the river’s surroundings are a sanctuary for numerous plant and animal species, such as the majestic Aquilas, the national bird of Colombia.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the Caño Cristales River is June and November. This is the dry season in Colombia, and the river’s water level is at its lowest. This is also the time when the red-and-green macaw is most active.

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Travel Tips for Visiting

When considering a trip to the Caño Cristales River, remember that it’s nestled in Colombia’s remote regions, necessitating a well-prepared trek. The river’s jungle environment is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including numerous insects and creatures you might come across.

Additionally, given the area’s reputation for criminal activity, taking every precaution to ensure your safety while traveling there is crucial.

Are You Thinking About Going to the Caño Cristales?

Tours to see the Caño Cristales can be purchased directly from the La Macarena community website, as well as through several other reputable travel agencies.

Considering the relatively low price that brings about the reward of seeing the River of Five Colors, it isn’t easy to find a better deal for such an incredible experience. The Caño Cristales is calling for you to visit this year… are you ready to see it yourself?

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