What to expect?
Caño Cristales, located in the Sierra de la Macarena in Colombia, is a river known as “The River of Five Colors” due to its vibrant shades of red/fuchsia (from the Macarenia clavigera), yellow, green, blue (from the reflection of the sky), and black (from the rocks on the riverbed). This phenomenon is due to the presence of aquatic plants called Macarenia clavigera. The best time to visit is during the rainy season between June and November (Color Season), when the vegetation is at its peak. You will enjoy unique natural landscapes and crystal-clear waters in a stunningly beautiful setting.
You will discover a place unlike any other in the world. Rediscover with us the River of Seven Colors, which flows through a peaceful and tranquil community that welcomes you to a rejuvenating experience in connection with nature.
Itinerary
DAY 1: EL MIRADOR – CRISTALITOS AND/OR BAJO LOZADA
Passengers will be met at La Macarena Airport and transferred to their selected hotel in La Macarena. A briefing from Cormacarena and the National Parks Administration will follow. We will then travel to either El Mirador – Caño Cristalitos or Bajo Lozada (depending on park conditions as determined by Cormacarena). We will visit El Mirador – Caño Cristalitos according to the permit. Lunch will be provided, and we will return to La Macarena for dinner at a local restaurant. Rest and end of the day.
DAY 2: CAÑO CRISTALES – LLANERO PARTY
Breakfast at a local restaurant before beginning a 30-minute boat trip on the Guayabero River to the Cachivera trail. From there, we’ll take a 4×4 to Caño Cajuche, and then hike for one hour to Caño Cristales. We’ll visit the River of Five Colors (trail designated by Cormacarena and National Parks) and explore the red-colored section (Tapete, Piscina del Turista, Los Ochos, Pozo del Corazón, Coliseo, Piscina de Carol Cristal).
Lunch, hike back, 4×4 transport back to the Guayabero River, boat trip to La Macarena. We’ll enjoy a Llanero party (a cultural, folkloric, and gastronomic showcase of the region), return to the hotel, rest, end of the day.
DAY 3: CAÑO CRISTALES – JUNGLE SECTOR
Breakfast at a local restaurant before beginning a 30-minute boat trip on the Guayabero River to the Cachivera trail. From there, we’ll take a 4×4 to Caño Cajuche, and then a one-hour hike to Caño Cristales, where we can visit the jungle sector (Los Pailones). Lunch, return hike, 4×4 transport back to the Guayabero River, boat trip to La Macarena. Return to the hotel, rest, dinner, and end of the day.
DAY 4: LOCAL VIEWPOINT – CAÑO PIEDRA – TIGRILLO CORRIDOR TRAIL
Sunrise in the Llanos region, breakfast at a local restaurant, visit to the viewpoint, and tree planting activity. We’ll enjoy a Canelazo (a traditional hot drink) or aromatic water with a 360° view of the Colombian Orinoquia region. Then we’ll travel to the Tigrillo Corridor trail, part of the Caño Piedra route, and finally, we’ll be escorted back to the La Macarena airport.
End of the experience, beginning of the memories.
What’s included in this tour?
- Transportation: Internal land and river transportation to complete the proposed itinerary.
- Accommodation: Nights at the selected hotel. Single, double, or triple rooms with private bathroom, fan, or air conditioning (subject to availability).
- Meals: Three meals a day (from lunch on the first day to lunch on the last day, if the return flight connection allows) at local restaurants in La Macarena (breakfast and dinner). Lunches will be picnic-style during the river excursions.
- Local guides in Spanish (1 guide for a maximum of 7 travelers).
- Activities: Visit to assigned trails Llanero celebration with a cultural and gastronomic showcase of the region.
- Contribution to the La Cachivera community (Caño Cristales area)
- Medical assistance insurance.
What is not included in this tour?
- Airfare
- Additional activities not described in the program.
- Bilingual guide (available in English or French).
- Accommodation: Additional nights at the destination – Accommodation in hotels other than those already established, resulting in a rate difference.
- Airport tax
- Cormacarena taxes
- Consumption of beverages, liquors, or food not specified.
- Personal and unspecified expenses
- Experiences or additional services not specified in the plan.
Please note:
The first day includes a mandatory environmental orientation provided by Cormacarena and National Parks.
The visit to Caño Cristales begins on the second day. The assigned trail is determined daily based on carrying capacity and environmental conditions.
Note: The visibility of the colors of the Macarenia clavigera, as well as the sunrise and sunset over the Llanos plains, depends on weather conditions.
For additional activities and supplementary information, please consult the attached document.
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