Caño Cristales
The five-colored river called the “most beautiful river in the world.” Aquatic plants on the riverbed, rocks and clear water weave together into red, yellow, green and blue. It is the unique highlight of this trip.
Caño Cristales lies at the southern foot of the Macarena Mountains. A native aquatic plant on the riverbed, Macarenia clavigera, turns bright red to pinkish purple when water levels and sunlight are right. Together with yellow sand, green algae and black quartzite, it forms a “liquid rainbow.” The classic route starts from the town dock, where you take a boat across the Guayabero River, then a 4WD vehicle for about 40 minutes to the trailhead. The round-trip hike takes about 3 to 5 hours. You will pass sections such as the Tourist Pool (Piscina del Turista, where swimming is allowed) and Eagle’s Falls (Salto del Águila). You must enter with a licensed guide, daily visitor numbers are limited, and sunscreen and insect repellent are banned. Bring non-slip shoes and a rain jacket.
Opening hours
June-November, daytime daily (guide required; visitor numbers limited)
Nearby sights
- Los Ochos
- Cascada Manto de la Virgen
- Cascada Los Cuarzos
- Caño Cristalitos
- Sierra de la Macarena National Park
- Guayabero River
- Caño Piedra
- La Macarena town