Caño Cristales

The most beautiful river in the world?

Caño Cristales is also called “the most beautiful river in the world.” The rivers, rapids and waterfalls stretch over 100 km and are part of The Serranía de la Macarena National Park in the Meta region. The park is a “meeting point” of the Andes mountains, the Amazon rainforest and the plains of the Llanos. This makes it and perfect place to spot wildlife in the jungle, hike to rock formations and waterfalls, take boat trips and chill in natural pools.

Here you can read all about the Caño Cristales. Why does the river turn pink, how to get there and tips.

Why does the river turn pink?
Half the year, Caño Cristales looks like any other river in Colombia, but between June and November, red, purple, green, blue and yellow colors give the river the nickname “the liquid rainbow,” “the river of 5 colors” or simply the most beautiful river in the world. It is the aquatic plants “Macarenia Clavígera” that give the river its special pink-purple colors. The colors change under the influence of the sun.

How to get to Caño Cristales?
Access to Caño Cristales, is only possible from the town of la Macarena, south of Serranía de la Macarena National Park. About 32,000 people live in the town and there are a few hotels and restaurants. You cannot visit Caño Cristales on your own; you can only do so with an official guide approved by the park. Transportation to/in the park is by all-terrain vehicle and boat.