Meta, Serranía de la Macarena · Colombia
The river of five colours, a shallow mountain stream whose bed blooms red, yellow, green, blue and black for a few months each year.
Photo: Gicaman · CC BY-SA 4.0
Caño Cristales is a river in the Serranía de la Macarena, an isolated mountain range where the Andes, the Amazon and the Orinoco plains meet. It is called the river of five colours, or the liquid rainbow, because during a short period of the year its rocky bed is covered by a plant, Macarenia clavigera, that turns red, alongside yellow sand, green algae, blue water and black rocks.
The effect depends on water levels. The colours are best when the river is at a middle level, roughly from late June or July until November, and dull in the heaviest rains or in the dry season. The river runs through the Sierra de La Macarena National Park, where Amazon, Andean and Orinoco species meet, with pools, waterfalls and potholes carved into quartz-rich rock.
Visiting is regulated and remote. Colombia's conflict once kept the area off-limits, and today access is by a short flight from Villavicencio or Bogotá to La Macarena, then guided tours with local operators. Visitors follow strict rules to protect the river, including no sunscreen or insect repellent in the water, and groups are small. It is a special but demanding trip, best for those who are willing to plan and to check current conditions.
Why visit
Caño Cristales is one of the most unusual natural sights in the world.
Red, yellow, green, blue and black.
Swimming in clear water.
Where three ecosystems meet.
Protected by strict rules.
Unique light and colour.
Main attractions
Tours visit different stretches of the river, with walking of 1 to 4 hours.
A waterfall over quartz-rich rock where the colours are strong.
Tip Swim in the pool below.
A series of cascades where the red plants glow beneath the surface.
Tip Bring a waterproof camera.
The stretches where the plants, sand and stones combine into stripes of colour.
Tip Ask guides for the best spots.
Cylindrical potholes carved by whirling water.
Tip Swim in the pools.
A natural pool for swimming.
Tip Bring water shoes.
A quieter stretch of the river.
Tip Good for beginners.
Things to do
A visit is a guided river experience.
Required for all visitors.
Tip Book through an authorised agency.
Clear, clean water.
Tip No sunscreen or repellent.
Walk through savannah and forest.
Tip Wear sturdy shoes.
Best in sunlight.
Tip Use a polariser.
Rare species.
Tip Bring binoculars.
A small frontier town.
Tip Try local food.
Local food
Food is provided by local operators.
Carne a la llanera.
Where to try it Restaurants in La Macarena.
River fish.
Where to try it Restaurants.
Staples.
Where to try it Restaurants.
Local juices.
Where to try it Stalls.
Provided on tours.
Where to try it With your guide.
Accommodation
Stay in La Macarena.
Transport
Access is by air.
Tours handle transport.
When to go
The river is only open for a season, and colours peak at moderate water levels.
Closed or dull colours.
Opens late in the month.
The best colours.
Colours fade as water drops.
Worth planning around: December to May, when the river is closed or dry.
Itinerary
Fly in, two river days and fly out.
La Macarena.
Cascades.
A last stretch.
Travel tips
A few tips help you plan.
FAQ
Roughly July to October.
No. Guided tours are required.
Tours run regularly, but check current advice.
By flight to La Macarena.
Yes, compared with the rest of Colombia.
An aquatic plant turns red in sunlight.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Caño Cristales, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Cundinamarca, Andean highlands, Colombia
Colombia's capital at 2,640 metres, with La Candelaria's colonial streets, the Gold and Botero museums, Monserrate, street art, restaurants and the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral.
Don't miss Riding the cable car to the Monserrate sanctuary for a view over the vast city.
Explore Destination — BogotáSan Andrés y Providencia, western Caribbean, Colombia
A small coral island 775 km from the Colombian mainland, with Johnny Cay, Rocky Cay, snorkelling, scuba diving, the Hoyo Soplador blowhole and Raizal Creole culture.
Don't miss Floating in the shallow, seven-shades-of-blue water off Johnny Cay.
Explore Destination — San AndrésAntioquia, Aburrá Valley, Colombia
Colombia's innovation city, with Comuna 13's street art and escalators, Plaza Botero, Metrocable rides, Parque Arví, El Poblado's restaurants and a mild climate all year.
Don't miss Riding the Metrocable up to the hillside neighbourhoods, with the whole valley spread out below.
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