Caño Cristales

Deep in the Sierra de la Macarena mountain range of Colombia lies a place where one of the most astonishing natural wonders on Earth rises: Caño Cristales.

It's affectionately named "the five-color river" because its crystal-clear waters offer shades of yellow, blue, green, red, and black. This natural miracle is thanks to the Macarenia clavigera, an endemic aquatic plant that, upon contact with sunlight, paints Caño Cristales in beautiful colors.

Getting there

To visit this natural wonder, you must first arrive in the municipality of La Macarena, located in the department of Meta, and board a canoe that will take you along the Guayabero River to the Sierra de La Macarena National Natural Park, where Caño Cristales is located.

The journey itself is breathtaking, as you can see exotic animals along the Guayabero River, such as turtles, birds, monkeys, and perhaps even a babilla.

Things to do and see

Once in the area, you'll first pass by the Mirador, a small mountain that rises above the Guayabero River and offers an unforgettable panoramic view of the banks of Caño Cristales, where you can explore several sites. The most famous is the Tourist Pool, where you can swim in a rainbow-colored river.

There's also the Red Carpet, one of the most beautiful areas thanks to the abundance of Macarenia clavigera; Los Ochos, a site with spectacular views where the rocks have created small pools of water that, viewed from above, seem to repeat the shapes of the number eight; Los Cuarzos, a magnificent waterfall of cascading water that forms tranquil, crystalline pools; and Caño Cristalitos, a small river "sister" to Caño Cristales.

This incomparable experience is complemented by the richness of the Sierra de La Macarena National Natural Park, home to some 420 bird species, 10 amphibian species, 43 reptile species, and eight primate species.

This is, without a doubt, one of the most important natural treasures in Colombia, and perhaps the world. You can visit it at any time of year, although we recommend visiting during the second half of the year, when the riverbed is high and the aquatic plants are at their most beautiful.

Impulse Travel Tours

Don't miss the opportunity to witness the uniqueness of its beauty by yourself to make new indelible live experiences. The three day excursion with Impulse Travel features scenic boat rides, a thrilling and rugged 4X4 vehicle ride, and wildlife viewing.