In the Sierra de La Macarena National Park, located in the Meta department, you will find Caño Cristales, considered the most beautiful river in the world or also known as the river of five colors, due to its shades of yellow, blue, green, red, and black.
Caño Cristales is not exactly a river; it is a drainage channel from the Serranía de la Macarena, a perfect ecosystem for the Macarenia Clavigera, endemic aquatic plants that give it its colors and make this place a unique river in the world. The Macarenia Clavigera only grows during the rainy season (second half of the year). So when the channel is dry, the plants are exposed and very vulnerable to human activity, risking disappearance.
When to Go?
You should visit Caño Cristales during the second semester of the year (mid-June to mid-November), the rainy season in the region, when the river’s water level is appropriate to enjoy the colors of the aquatic plants.
How to Get to Caño Cristales?
You can travel to La Macarena from Bogotá, Cali, and Medellín.
Once in La Macarena, you need to take a boat ride for about 20 minutes along the Guayabero River.
Upon arriving at the Los Mangos village, you must take an off-road truck for a journey that can last between 30 to 40 minutes, taking you to a control point where the hike along the trail assigned by local environmental entities begins.
You can explore places such as Los Ochos or Los Hoyos, Cascada de la Virgen, Los Pianos, Salto El Águila, etc., where you will be amazed by nature’s perfect colors for photography.
What Other Places to Visit in La Macarena?
Although Caño Cristales is the must-visit place in La Macarena, the most famous one, there are other scenically beautiful locations worth visiting.
- Caño Cristalitos, a true natural spa. It is a small river with crystal clear waters and natural pools, perfect for relaxation and enjoying the place.
- Pailones Sector: Unlike other sectors of Caño Cristales where the waters have vibrant colors, in Pailones, the plants present a dazzling emerald green, and the river flows through a beautiful stone canyon.
- Los Ochos, this sector of Caño Cristales offers a surprising image: the rocks have made holes in the rock forming channels, pools, and tunnels, which seen from above, resemble number eights. This is one of the most emblematic places for a photograph!
- Guayabero River, the most important communication route in La Macarena, with deep waters and abundant fishing, allowing navigation to appreciate turtles, monkeys, jungle pigs, pavas, and other native species.
- El Mirador, an ideal plan for the most adventurous and physically fit, it is a hike to the top of a mountain where you will have an incredible view of the plains, the Guayabero River, and the Serranía de La Macarena. Upon returning to the trailhead, if you wish, you can enjoy a refreshing swim in a natural pool fed by a waterfall.
- Bajo Lozada; here the Guayabero River meets the Lozada River. During the Caño season (winter), when the Guayabero River is very muddy, there is a possibility of seeing dolphins crossing to the Lozada River, where the water is clearer for that moment.
- Laguna del Silencio, a beautiful body of water in the middle of the forest, allowing you to disconnect and enjoy the tranquility of La Macarena, birdwatching, and interacting with locals living in the area.
What Should I Consider for My Trip to La Macarena?
Although La Macarena is a perfect plan for families, by regulation of National Parks, entry of children under 5 years old is not allowed.
For your visit to Caño Cristales and Caño Cristalitos, you cannot use sunscreen, repellent, creams, etc., that affect the water condition and degrade the plants. Let’s be conscientious travelers!
The use of disposable plastic bottles is prohibited. Carry a reusable bottle or camelback to transport your hydration.
Travel Equipment:
- Sunglasses.
- Insect repellent.
- Canteen, thermos, or camelback.
- Personal use towel for hikes.
- Carry your luggage in a medium-sized backpack. Additionally, bring a small backpack for use during daily activities.
- Basic personal hygiene items.
- A good flashlight, with spare bulb and batteries.
- Traveler documents: passport, identity card, military ID, and medical insurance card.
Travel Clothing:
- It is important to wear comfortable clothing, preferably quick-drying synthetic clothing in light colors.
- Long pants and long-sleeved shirts or T-shirts to protect you from the sun.
- Waterproof, non-slip boots.
- A pair of comfortable closed shoes.
- Lightweight raincoat (the weather in La Macarena is unpredictable).
- Dress or swimwear, water shoes, sarong.
- Hat or cap resistant to water.
- Vaccines and Health Issues:
- It is mandatory that your Yellow Fever vaccine be up to date; otherwise, you must apply it no later than 10 days before the trip.
- It is ideal to have your Tetanus vaccine up to date.
- If you take specific medications, take them with you. It’s always a good idea to carry a personal first aid kit.
Special Recommendations:
- It is very important to be well protected from the sun and constantly hydrated during the trip.
- As the climate is very humid, it is a good option to pack all clothes in airtight bags inside your travel suitcase, as well as your personal documents and electronic equipment.
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages or psychoactive substances before and during the trip.
- Go at your own pace; it’s not a competition but rather enjoying the landscape and connecting with the environment. If you feel tired or unwell to continue, inform your guide.
- Carrying a camera and binoculars makes it easier to observe fauna and flora. Ideally, bring a waterproof camera. If you bring a drone, you must request the required permits from National Parks.