Can you imagine yourself immersed in nature, standing in front of a beautiful river that comes to life with an explosion of colours such as yellow, crimson, and blue that will take your breath away? You may experience this for a short period every year between June to November at Caño Cristales, Colombia, recognised as one of the most beautiful rivers in the world. This paradise is inside the Serranía de la Macarena National Park, which covers over 2,000 Square miles of biodiversity in fauna and flora. The experience will be one to treasure as this magical place is perfect for visiting alone, with family and friends, or with your partner in 2023.
The fact that it transcends mere colours
If you wonder how it is possible to see all these hues in the water, it is thanks to Macarenia Clavigera. This absolutely gorgeous plant lives underwater and is responsible for producing those mystical colours. They can vary depending on environmental conditions, such as sunlight, weather, soil and minerals.
But this paradise is not limited only to colours. The scenery around the river is spectacular; you will be surrounded by absorbing geographical characteristics such as cave-like holes that occur by chance, waterfalls, and many natural pools where you may cool down and unwind. The natural biodiversity of this mystical place is very important, so in order to preserve the aquatic ecosystem, swimming is prohibited in certain areas.
You will have an extraordinary experience before reaching the river, as you will have to cross its woodland ecosystem. Three ecosystems from different regions of Colombia meet here: the Amazon, Orinoquia, and the Andes. You will feel tiny in the midst of so many trees, but at the same time, you will be delighted because you will be able to discover a great variety of plants and animals.
Anteaters, jaguars, pumas, deer, eight kinds of monkeys, 500 species of birds, a thousand species of insects, and hundreds of reptiles call this location home. If you’re lucky enough to see them, you’ll have one of the finest memories of your life.
The landscape changes as you advance on your walk. One of the most beautiful points on the route is at the top of the mountain, where you can see the Guayabero River. At this point, you lose the perception of time because you want to stay contemplating the landscape. You have a 180-degree view of the river, and on the other side, you will discover large rocks where you can climb and take your best memories.
Pro tip: keep an eye out for pictograms on large rocks and signs of past cultures along the route.
Getting there is an exciting adventure
Undoubtedly this is one of the most desired places to visit, and it is also quite an adventure to get there. It would be best if you first arrived at the Municipality of La Macarena as it is important to go with a tourist agency since it is required to have permission to enter the park. However, without a tour guide, getting lost in the immense forests is very easy.
The adventure begins with a small aircraft flight from Bogotá, Cali, or Medellín. It takes an hour to get there from Bogota. Once you are in the municipality of La Macarena, you must board a boat that travels down the Guayabero River for approximately 20 minutes. This is a superb tour. You can start to feel immersed in the jungle environment, the river’s light brown colour, and also, in this journey, you can see turtles, birds, monkeys and some stifles.
Once the boat arrives at its destination, you need to take a jeep that drives along an unpaved road for about 30 minutes or so, and each time the forested majesty will surround you. Then it’s time to walk — on this walk, during which you’ll be pleased by the many ecosystems present in this park and the variety of fauna and flora mentioned above.
Finally, you will experience the joy of arriving at Caño Cristales. After the forested road, you will begin to see glistening streams of crystal-clear water, and as you advance, you will witness the presence of those coloured aquatic plants. Undoubtedly, after this great journey to get to this place, you can take your time to enjoy this paradise and absorb yourself in the refreshing natural pools.
Using insecticides and sunscreen is prohibited to maintain sustainable tourism and protect aquatic habitats. With this in mind, it is recommended that you wear a long-sleeved shirt and a cap to protect yourself from the sunlight.
On your return, be prepared to see a breathtaking sunset as you cruise down the Guayabero River.
Is it safe to travel to Caño Cristales?
If you do not live in Colombia, you may wonder if it is safe to travel to this place. The answer is yes.
This natural paradise was once restricted because illegal groups occupied it, and the municipality was plagued by violent conflict for many years. However, today after the demobilisation of these groups, it is a territory of peace, tranquillity and security. The army is present throughout the park, monitoring the areas and providing protection. There is also a security control to be sure that all the tourists who enter leave safely.
You will also be able to learn about the history of the place from the testimonies of the natives, who talk about the experiences they had in the past and how it has changed. In 2022, Caño Cristales received 9,423 visitors, of whom 2,366 were foreigners from 58 different countries. You will feel safe and amazed by everything you discover; the only real risk is that you will want to return.
In short, you can be guaranteed an unforgettable experience where all your senses will be captured. Your eyes will always remember the beautiful colours of the river or the magical flora and fauna. Your nose and lungs will thank you for filling them up with the pure oxygen that only this intact ecosystem can give you. Your ears will be surrounded by the natural sounds of the rainforest and its species, and you will love the history of the place.
There are many tourist agencies that take care of everything. It is recommended to take the 3-day tour to see all the natural places in the area and learn about people’s culture. They will take you to a special music show, where you will learn their typical dances, and your palate will be able to enjoy the region’s traditional food and be part of some cultural exchange with locals. It is an extraordinary experience; it is Caño Cristales.
If you are passionate about hiking in the wild nature, check out our Naturalist Journeys page to discover other exciting destinations.
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Stephanie Hurtado
Stephanie Hurtado is a Colombian social communicator, journalist, presenter, freelance writer, and actress. She loves travelling and learning about new cultures.