Cascada Los Cuarzos
A stepped small waterfall in the upper reaches of Caño Cristales, where water spills over quartz-studded rock steps and red aquatic plants stand out against the white spray.
Cascada Los Cuarzos is one of the upper endpoints of the main Caño Cristales trail. The river tumbles down in layers over a broad quartz sandstone terrace, and the rock surface glitters like crystal, with red and green aquatic plants dense on both sides. Nearby are other small waterfalls, including the Manto de la Virgen, and guides usually stop here to rest and explain the ecology of the aquatic plants. Some sections allow you to enter the water, but only at the spots designated by your guide. The return trail has exposed rock and no shade, so be sure to bring plenty of drinking water and a hat.
Opening hours
Open season with Crystal River; guide required
Nearby sights
- Los Ochos
- Cascada Manto de la Virgen
- Caño Cristales
- Caño Cristalitos
- Sierra de la Macarena National Park
- Raudal de Angosturas I
- Caño Piedra
- Guayabero River