Caño Cristales, popularly known as the River of Seven Colors, is one of the top destinations to visit in Colombia. It’s a safe and enchanting place where you can witness some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world.
In this travel guide, based on our own experience, you’ll learn where Caño Cristales is located and how to get there from Bogotá, Medellín, and other cities. We’ll also cover what to do, the best time to visit, and recommend a travel package to fully enjoy this paradise.
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Where is Caño Cristales, Colombia
Average altitude: 200 meters above sea level
Average temperature: 30°C
Caño Cristales is located in the Meta department, in the eastern region of Colombia, specifically in the municipality of La Macarena, within the Sierra de La Macarena National Park, just a 1-hour flight from Bogotá.
This tourist destination is extraordinary, as it combines the ecosystems of the Amazon, Orinoquía, Andes, and Guiana Shield. In addition to discovering the river of colors in Colombia, travelers have the opportunity to admire a vast biodiversity.
Is it dangerous to visit Caño Cristales? Although it was closed to tourism for years due to the armed conflict, it has now transformed into a destination of peace. Thanks to the rise of community-based tourism, public initiatives, and the presence of the Army, it is now a safe destination.
Recommended destination: San José del Guaviare
How to get to Caño Cristales from Bogotá and Medellín
The fastest and safest way to reach Caño Cristales is by taking a flight to the municipality of La Macarena, Meta. These flights typically depart only from Bogotá, Medellín, and Villavicencio, so if you plan to travel from another city like Cali, or Cartagena, you’ll need to make a connection.
Once you arrive at La Macarena airport, you are required to stop by the Colombian National Parks and Cormacarena office to receive an orientation on where the river of seven colors is located and the rules to follow within the park.
Afterward, head to La Macarena dock to take a 30-minute boat ride along the Guayabero River to Puerto Los Mangos. From there, you’ll need to take a 4×4 vehicle for a 40-minute drive to the entrance of the Sierra de La Macarena National Park, where the Caño Cristales river is located.
It is important to note that at Caño Cristales, there is strict control over the number of visitors allowed per day, and entering the national park with a guide is mandatory. Additionally, visitor spots fill up quickly, so it’s essential to book your trip several weeks in advance. You can book this package:
What is the best time to visit Caño Cristales, Colombia
While you can visit the Serranía de La Macarena National Park and its surroundings at any time of the year, tourism on the trails where Caño Cristales is located is only permitted during the second half of the year, typically from July to mid-November.
The reason the season of the river of seven colors in Caño Cristales is from July to November is that it coincides with the rainy season in the region. During this time, the river’s level rises, and the macarenia clavijera, the aquatic plant that gives the river its colors, blooms.
If you want to organize your trip to Caño Cristales on your own, you can quote the tour starting in La Macarena here. Additionally, we provide some links so you can check flight prices for the dates you need and from the city you want:
✈️ Flights from Bogotá to La Macarena
✈️ Flights from Villavicencio to La Macarena
What to do in Caño Cristales
1. Enjoy the trails of Caño Cristales
When traveling to Caño Cristales, Meta, keep in mind that there are several trails from which you can explore the river of colors. Each trail has a defined carrying capacity, which means there is a limit to the number of people who can enter each day. For this reason, it is important to book your trip in advance.
The main trails are Los Pianos and the Salto del Águila, as they offer a more complete experience by covering the most notable points of interest and allowing you to see the areas of the river with the greatest diversity of colors. The other trails are variations of these two and are shorter.
The Los Pianos trail is our favorite. It is 7 kilometers long and is an easy hike that allows you to enjoy the beauty of Caño Cristales at all times. During the route, you will visit stunning places such as La Virgen waterfalls, Los Pianos, and Los Cuarzos, swim in La Piscina del Turista, and be amazed by Los Ochos and El Tapete, the most colorful areas of the river.
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The Salto del Águila trail is much longer, with a distance of 9 kilometers. It typically takes 7 hours to complete and is a demanding hike, recommended only for people in good physical condition. On this trail, as well as on the Los Pianos trail, you can visit Los Ochos and the Piscina del Turista, in addition to Salto del Águila, Cascada Negra, and Caño Escondido.
Regardless of the trail you take, Caño Cristales in Colombia is an ecotourism destination that offers you the chance to enjoy a recreational swim in its natural pools. The park’s environmental authorities are responsible for assigning the appropriate trail, with the Los Pianos trail typically being the one assigned.
Important: The ecosystem of Caño Cristales is very fragile, so the use of sunscreen, creams, repellents, or any other chemicals that could alter the water and affect the plants is prohibited within the Sierra de La Macarena National Park. Additionally, it is highly recommended to be vaccinated against yellow fever at least 10 days before the trip.
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How to Find Last-Minute Cheap Flights? While it is important to plan your trip in advance, we understand that it’s not always possible. So, if you are looking for affordable tickets to travel soon and save some money, we recommend using Skyscanner.
Skyscanner.com is a tool that allows you to compare flights from different airlines to find the best rates. To use it, click here, enter the departure and destination cities, and the travel date. With this information, it will search for the most affordable options, and you can choose based on price or layovers.
Is it safe to buy flights on Skyscanner? It depends. After selecting a flight, you’ll see a list of links from various airlines and agencies. The safest way is to purchase your tickets through the airline´s link. If you decide to buy from an agency, you should be a bit more cautious.
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2. Visit the Guayabero River Lookout
The Guayabero River borders the urban area of La Macarena and runs along the boundaries of the Meta, Vichada, and Guaviare departments. Besides being the main route to reach Caño Cristales, it also provides access to other areas of great natural and cultural beauty, such as the Lookout, Caño Cristalitos, and Laguna del Silencio.
The Guayabero River lookout is one of the first places to visit upon arriving in La Macarena, as flights typically arrive around noon, making it too late to go to Caño Cristales. Therefore, a great option is to visit the lookout, where you can enjoy beautiful panoramic views, natural pools, and see wildlife and part of the river of colors in Meta.
To reach the Guayabero River Lookout, head to the La Macarena port and take a boat that will take you about 20 minutes along the river to the start of the trail that leads to the lookout and the charming spot known as Caño Cristalitos. This hike can be a bit demanding due to the heat and the steep path.
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Tips for booking good, affordable accommodation: The first recommendation is to book your accommodation in advance. If you wait until the last minute, it’s very likely that the best or most affordable places will be fully booked, and you’ll have to settle for the remaining options.
Our favorite website for finding accommodation is Booking.com. If you click here, you can save up to 15% on your stay. By entering your destination and travel dates, you can filter by price and location, and read reviews from other travelers. In many cases, you can also book without a credit card and enjoy free cancellation.
If you frequently book on Booking.com, you can access exclusive discounts, enjoy free breakfasts, and receive better rooms at no extra cost. This will allow you to get more affordable rates and enjoy additional benefits to save on your trip.
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3. Visit Caño Cristalitos
Caño Cristalitos is the little brother of Caño Cristales, a small river with crystal-clear waters where you’ll have your first encounter with macarenia clavijera, the endemic aquatic plant that, when exposed to sunlight, paints the river in shades of yellow, blue, green, and red.
The natural trail leading to Caño Cristalitos is the same one that takes you to the Guayabero River Lookout. Along this path, you’ll be able to appreciate native flora, see moriche palms, vellozias, and the typical herbaceous vegetation of the Amazon savanna.
Additionally, in the surroundings of Caño Cristalitos, you’ll find a small waterfall that forms a natural pool where swimming is possible. Remember that recreational bathing is allowed, but only in authorized places, and to conserve this ecosystem, the use of sunscreen or any other creams that may affect the river is not permitted.
Tip: If you’re planning to travel to Colombia from abroad, with this Holafly eSIM, you’ll have unlimited data and keep your number for calls and WhatsApp without worrying about expensive roaming fees. Also, remember to get international medical insurance.
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4. Spotting Monkeys, Birds, and Moriche Palms at Laguna del Silencio
Laguna del Silencio is a very tranquil place, ideal for travelers passionate about observing flora and fauna. Although it is not frequently visited, it is recommended for those who have at least five days and wish to complement their trip to Caño Cristales.
The plan to visit Laguna del Silencio begins with a boat trip along the Guayabero River to the La Cachivera neighborhood. From there, you will need to walk for approximately an hour or ride a horse for 30 minutes to reach the lagoon.
Once at the lagoon, you can board a “potrillo” (a traditional canoe) to explore the local wildlife. With some luck, you might spot birds such as the trogon, kingfisher, and Amazonian umbrellabird, as well as some primates like the howler monkey and the capuchin. Finally, you will arrive at a farm where you will enjoy a traditional llanero lunch and you can take a recreational bath.
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Tip: Save time and money by booking on platforms like GuruWalk, Civitatis, or Denomades. We recommend these sites because, in addition to being secure, they allow you to compare prices, read reviews from other travelers, learn about the itineraries in detail, and know exactly what each tour includes.
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5. Visit Pailones or Watch the Sunrise from Bajo Losada
Another place you can visit in Caño Cristales is the Pailones Trail. However, keep in mind that in this area, the river does not show its characteristic colors, as the macarenia clavigera does not receive much sunlight here, which prevents its maturation and causes it to remain green.
Another recommended plan in La Macarena is to navigate along the Guayabero River to the mouth of the Losada River at sunrise. From there, you can enjoy the sunrise over the river and have the opportunity to spot pink dolphins, caimans, turtles, and a wide variety of birds that characterize the Serranía de La Macarena.
Where will you stay during your visit to Caño Cristales? In La Macarena, you have the option to spend the night in hotels equipped with all possible comforts, including 24-hour electricity, air-conditioned rooms, and swimming pools. Additionally, the town of La Macarena has cellular signal coverage, wifi areas, and supermarkets.
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Frequently Asked Questions and Recommendations
Where is Caño Cristales located? Caño Cristales is situated in the Meta department within the Sierra de La Macarena National Natural Park, just a 30-minute boat ride from the municipality of La Macarena.
How to get to Caño Cristales? The safest and quickest way to reach Caño Cristales is by taking a flight from Bogotá, Medellín, or Villavicencio to La Macarena. Flights can be challenging to secure, so an excellent option is to book an all-inclusive travel package.
Now that you know how to get to Caño Cristales, make sure to pack essentials such as a hat for sun protection, a water bottle to stay hydrated, a rain poncho, swimwear, and shoes with good grip. Also, be sure to bring comfortable, quick-drying clothing.
Before we wrap up this travel guide, we hope you enjoy every moment of this incredible destination. For now, here are some other travel guides you might find interesting:
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