On this Caño Cristales Adventure 5 Day Itinerary, you will visit a series of remote rivers, waterfalls and streams inside the wilderness of Sierra de La Macarena Natural National Park. The stunning Caño Cristales have been called everything from ‘The River of Five Colors’ to ‘The Liquid Rainbow.’ This is due to a unique biological phenomenon that takes place for a couple of months between July and November when an eruption of the algae Macarenia Clavigera forms an underwater blanket of bright red. Between December and June, the park doesn’t receive tourists, because the ecosystem is protected for the next season. This transforms the crystal-clear water into a river of cabernet that contrasts magically with the lunar scape of ancient, hollowed-out riverbed rock and the surrounding savannah landscape of Colombia.
This place is important for its profound biological and geological significance, as it is one of the oldest formations of the planet, which means that the organisms that inhabit here have a long evolutionary history producing unique species. Additionally, this area is the meeting point for the Andean, Amazonian, and the Orinoco ecosystems.
Caño Cristales is a fast river with many rapids and waterfalls. In some areas of the river bed there has been a particular style of erosion which has formed small circular pits – giant’s kettles – which have been formed by pebbles or chunks of harder rocks. One of these harder rock fragments falls into one of the cavities and it is rotated by the waters current and begins to scrape at the cavity wall and increases the dimensions of the pit.
To get to La Macarena you can travel either fly from Bogotá or drive a few hours from Villavicencio. From Bogotá there are charter flights on some weekdays (Only Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays). You can fly from Bogotá to Villavicencio in small aircraft every day. An adventure here involves a lengthy travel time and some fairly unexciting meals, but the payoff is immense. You’ll no doubt agree when you dive into one of the numerous swimming holes, waterfalls or natural pools along the river, or come face-to-face with the impressive local wildlife.
This tour is completely flexible – activities & dates will adapt to personal preferences. Build Your Quote to view your obligation free, customised trip.
