Cano Cristales
Inside Parque Nacional Natural Sierra De La Macarena (1989). A River Of Waterfalls And Pools Whose Bed Turns Red, Yellow, Green, Blue And Black With Macarenia Clavigera, An Aquatic Plant, In The Short Window When Water Levels Are Right; Widely Called The Most Beautiful River In The World. · La Macarena, Meta
Cano Cristales is a river of waterfalls, rapids and rock pools in the Sierra de la Macarena, in the department of Meta, whose bed turns red, yellow, green, blue and black for a few months each year. The colour comes from Macarenia clavigera, an aquatic plant that blushes bright red when the water level is just right, and the river is often called the most beautiful in the world. It is also one of the hardest places in Colombia to reach. There is no road: you fly in a small plane from Bogota or Villavicencio to La Macarena, buy a package from an authorised local operator, and walk in guided groups under strict park rules. The river is only open roughly June to November and is closed in the dry months to rest. Expect heat, insects, rough rock, delayed flights and a bill of several hundred dollars; most people who go say it was worth it. Confirm season dates, permit rules and security with the operator before paying any deposit, and book early.
River in the Sierra de la Macarena, reached by charter flight to La Macarena town and then a guided drive and walk,, La Macarena, Meta, Colombia
There is no gate or ticket booth; entry is by guided group through an authorised operator during the season only. The river is generally open for visits roughly from June to November and closed in the dry months from about December to May while the park rests, though the exact dates are set by the park authority and change from year to year. Groups leave La Macarena town in the morning and return before dark. Flights to La Macarena are small and weather-sensitive, so schedules slip. Confirm season dates, permits and the security situation with your operator before you book anything.