Known as the river of the five colours, Caño Cristales is considered the most beautiful river in Colombia and even the world. Located in the Sierra de la Macarena National Natural Park, this multicoloured river is an impressive visual spectacle thanks to the uniqueness of its waters. Every year, from July to November, its crystal clear waters are dyed different colours, creating a unique landscape unlike anything else in the world. A truly special swimming experience!
What to do in Caño Cristales Colombia?
For many years, this natural area has been totally closed to tourism. Nowadays, Caño Cristales has several trails and itineraries through which you can appreciate the park’s amazing scenery. However, these routes can only be done with a guide and prior reservation, as it is a protected area.
Sierra de La Macarena National Natural Park
The Sierra de La Macarena National Natural Park covers 630,000 hectares and is home to one of the world’s best kept treasures, Caño Cristales. The park is also home to 420 species of birds, 10 species of amphibians, 43 species of reptiles and eight species of primates.
This is without a doubt one of the most important natural areas to see in Colombia. You can visit the park at any time of the year, but we recommend the second half of the year. This is when the riverbed grows and the colourful aquatic plants are at their most splendid.
Caño Cristales, the river of five colours
Between July and November yellow, blue, green, red and black tones can be seen through Caño Cristales’ clear water. This natural phenomenon is due to the Macarenia clavigera, an endemic aquatic plant that, when in contact with the sun’s rays, turns Caño Cristales beautiful colours.
It’s not a very wide or fast-flowing river, starting in the southern plateau of Serranía de La Macarena, in Meta. Caño Cristales at its widest part is no more than 20 metres wide and no more than 100 kilometres long.
Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.
What to see in Caño Cristales?
In addition to the uniqueness and beauty of this river, Caño Cristales has different swimming areas landscapes worth admiring.
- Piscina del Águila is one of the best places for diving thanks to the diversity of aquatic flora and fauna.
- The Pozo Cuadrado is a natural pool with a square shape, perfect for enjoying a swim in this beautiful landscape. The wall that surrounds this well is about 8 metres high and the bravest dare to climb it.
- The Tablets of Moses is an area where the rock formations are reminiscent of the famous tablets of Moses’ commandments.
- Los Ochos is a spot where the rock formations are arranged in the shape of an eight under the crystal clear waters, and this part of the park is also home to the famous coloured aquatic plants.
- Another highlight is the Remanso de las Tortugas, a place where, as its name suggests, turtles live and you can watch them swimming in these special waters.
- You will also discover bathing areas that are well worth a visit, such as La piscina de Turistas, La cascada de la Virgen, La Cascada de los Cuarzos, La Cascada de los Pinos and La Escalera which are places that are sure to take your breath away.
Travel map to Caño Cristales
How to get to Caño Cristales Colombia?
To access this natural wonder, you must first get to the town of La Macarena, located in the region of Meta. After a canoe trip on the Guayabero River, you will reach the Sierra de La Macarena National Natural Park, where Caño Cristales Colombia is located. There are direct flights to the Sierra de La Macarena National Park from Villavicencio and Bogotá.
You cannot visit Caño Cristales on your own, as you have to enter the national park with an official local guide, although it is possible to get to La Macarena on your own. Most tours of the park include transport to La Macarena airport by charter or scheduled flight from Bogotá, Medellín or Villavicencio.
Where to eat near Caño Cristales?
In Caño Cristales Colombia you can find several restaurants near the park, which serve typical Colombian food, such as Mamona, one of the typical llanera beef dishes.
- El Caporal. The most elegant place in La Macarena, with a lively bar, a fireplace in the centre, a large stage for concerts and a meat-heavy menu, although vegetarians are also well catered for.
- Café de lithos. Very cheap prices, this restaurant offers a wide variety of South American recipes at very good value for money.
Where to stay near Caño Cristales?
- Hotel Punto Verde. The best hotel in La Macarena, with a large swimming pool, a spectacular tropical garden and good coffee. From June to November, to get a room you have to travel with Ecoturismo Sierra de La Macarena.
- Hotel La Fuente. One of the most comfortable places in the city, with spacious and bright rooms around a garden with swimming pool, bar and restaurant.
Tips for your trip to Caño Cristales Colombia
- It is recommended to not bring sunscreen or insect repellent to the river, as these substances can affect the ecosystem of Caño Cristales Colombia.
- It is also imperative that you get a yellow fever vaccination 15 days before travelling to Caño Cristales.
- It’s important to take out travel insurance when travelling to Colombia.
- Try to promote local produce when buying food and handicrafts.
- Remember to exercise caution and keep an eye on your personal belongings at all times.
- If you take a taxi, it’s best to use the phone numbers and mobile apps of reputable companies such as Easy Taxi or Taxis Libres.
- Listen to the recommendations of tour guides and staff at your accommodation.
How to organise your visit to Caño Cristales Colombia?
Sign up or download the app to discover all of its useful features.
- Get inspiration from the experiences of other travellers.
- Create your own itinerary and add the app’s suggestions to it.
- Add the spots you are most interested in, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest listed in this post as a reference).
- Organise your itinerary by days and according to their location (you can take inspiration from the routes presented in the post).
- Check the travel budget that the app calculates for you based on your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
- Make the necessary modifications and you are ready for your trip.
- Finally, share your experience. Upload photos of each of the places you have visited to the app so you can inspire other users.
Frequently asked questions about your trip to Caño Cristales
The municipality of La Macarena is part of a warm thermal floor, with an average temperature of 30ºC and a high level of humidity. The hottest period is between December and March. The months of April, May and June are very rainy, due to the winter.
Although is is good to visit Caño Cristales all year round, between July and November is the ideal time to visit the Sierra de La Macarena National Park.
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