Meta Department
The gateway department to the eastern plains, home to the "river of five colors," Caño Cristales, and llanero cowboy culture.
Meta Department lies in east-central Colombia, bordered by the Andes to the west and opening eastward onto the Llanos plains. Its capital, Villavicencio, is relatively close to Bogotá and is known as the "Gateway to the Plains." In Serranía de la Macarena National Natural Park, the Caño Cristales river is called the "River of Five Colors" because aquatic plants turn red, yellow, green and other hues at certain times of year; the best viewing period is generally June to November, and you must enter with a local guide. The plains are known for cattle ranches, joropo music and barbecue. Villavicencio can be reached by road from Bogotá, and getting to Caño Cristales usually goes via La Macarena town.