Far from the madding crowd lies a river so beautiful that it will make you question your knowledge of colours. We are talking about a living kaleidoscope of colour on the planet which is tucked in the heart of Colombia’s Serranía de la Macarena National Park and is known as Caño Cristales. Also known as the ‘River of Five Colours’ or the ‘Liquid Rainbow’, it is a river unlike any other on the planet. The river has long captured the imaginations of photographers, curious travellers and scientists globally. This extraordinary river paints its riverbed with shades of red, yellow, green, blue, and black displaying surreal landscapes. Let’s find out more about this natural beauty:Nature’s work of art
The striking colours define Caño Cristales. And it is not mineral deposits but by Macarenia clavigera which gives it the colour. It is a unique aquatic plant which is found in this region and clings to the rocks and riverbed giving the river its myriad shades. When the water level is just right and the sunlight warms the shallow waters, the plants burst into various shades. The sunlight only adds to the vibrancy. Location: The river flows in the remote eastern plains of Colombia. It is located inside the Meta Department’s Sierra de la Macarena which is an ecological crossroads where the Andes, Amazon, and Orinoco ecosystems meet. This river’s location in itself is remarkable and supports a wide variety of exotic wildlife.Best time to visit: It is a seasonal spectacle but the river is year round. Its colourful shades are mostly visible from June to November. But the peak viewing months fall between September and November.How to reach
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Some good planning is required to reach Caño Cristales. The small town of La Macarena has boat facilities along the Guayabero River. Then a guided hike into the national park. Flights to La Macarena are available from major cities like Bogotá or Villavicencio. Once you reach there, local guides are available who take explorers to the river. Ecology and ConservationSerranía de la Macarena is not only beautiful, the park is also ecologically valuable. The region is home to an incredible range of bird species. Besides, there is a rich variety of reptiles and amphibians thriving here. There is a cap on the number of daily visitors and swimming zones are regulated. What to expect
Exploring Caño Cristales is more than just ticking off a tourist attraction from your bucket list. It’s like immersion into Colombia’s wild heart, there is hiking, swimming and witnessing a lot of unique and rare birds, plants and animals. Tours are available which typically range from one-day excursions to jungle treks. The expert guides offer an insight into both the science and history of the place.A journey worth all sweat
The journey is worth it. If you are someone who wishes to see nature in its purest form, visit Caño Cristales and you’ll leave with irreplaceable memories. After visiting here, you’ll understand why in a world dotted with splendid landscapes, Caño Cristales stands apart.
