Landing Caño Cristales
73° 47´ 47,75´´ W
Caño Cristales


Caño Cristales the River of the 5 Colors
An Adventure in a unique place in the world
Introduction
Caño Cristales is one of those destinations that you don't want to miss; It's an incredible wonder of nature. It is located within the 673,000 hectares of the National Natural Park located in La Macarena, a small town in the department of Meta located about 270kms east of Bogotá, the capital of the country, in the direction of Los Llanos.
Caño Cristales is a small river that runs down the Sierra de La Macarena, which is part of a very unique region. Its Quartzite rock is part of the Guyanés Shield, one of the oldest geological formations in the world and more than 1,200 million years old; this small and isolated mountain range emerges next to the Andes and in the Colombian Llanos right on the border of the Amazon rainforest; demarcating its importance between three different ecosystems.

Duration:
4 days
Season:
June to November (only view of Caño Cristales)
Accommodation:
Village hotels of basic category but clean and comfortable. Upgrades can be made at an extra cost.
LEVEL ACTIVITY
Journey Type
Tourist: This trip is for relaxing, having fun or both. The type of activities included do not require any sort of physical preparation. It is available for all types of people and all ages.
Sportive-Active: These types of trips are more physically demanding. You need to be mentally and physically prepared for long range routes of some sort of adventure sport. You should be in good physical shape.
Active: This type of journey means a certain type of physical effort as well as physical preparation is needed. This is the first of the Active levels, so only basic and low physical preparation is required.
Expedition: Adventure trips which require varying physical levels of fitness. They are only suitable for well-prepared people, and you may face some uncertainness due to time or weather in the trip location. Some situations will require mental as well as physical strength.
Activity Level
1 For people with physical disabilities.
2 For people who have never done any sort of physical exercise.
3 For people who have done some exercise in the past but may have spent the last 2 years not moving a finger.
5 For people who exercise every month of the year but not necessarily with great regularity. People with good health and travelling experience. You will face every day activities which require average physical effort, such as short treks, or other types of activity which are not longer than 2 to 3 hours a day during the trip.
5: Para personas que hacen ejercicio todos los meses pero que no necesariamente tienen una continuidad o una exigencia alta, con buena salud en general, experiencia viajando. Pueden enfrentar actividades con esfuerzo físico todos los días, pero en lugares sin pendientes, o trayectos cortos, que no pasen de 3 horas al día de actividad durante el viaje.
6 For people who like to do exercise, even with some discontinuity during the year, and are in good physical shape and good health. Those who have travelling experience, as well as camping experience. You can face 17kms (11Milles) hikes in one day, and changes in altitude of 800mts (265Ft) height at least once a week.
7 For people who exercise 3 to 4 times a week, are in good physical shape, have experience in adventure sports, as well as experience of camping for periods of 3 to 5 days. You can face a 20km (12mile) hike every day for 4 days with changes in altitude of 900mts (290Fts) or more. You know your rhythm, as well as how your body performs in difficult weather conditions.
8 The same characteristics as 7, plus technical knowledge of some adventure sports.
9 For specialized professional sports people. Routes carefully designed for high performance. Only by request.

LEVEL ACTIVITY
Journey Type
Tourist: This trip is for relaxing, having fun or both. The type of activities included do not require any sort of physical preparation. It is available for all types of people and all ages.
Sportive-Active: These types of trips are more physically demanding. You need to be mentally and physically prepared for long range routes of some sort of adventure sport. You should be in good physical shape.
Active: This type of journey means a certain type of physical effort as well as physical preparation is needed. This is the first of the Active levels, so only basic and low physical preparation is required.
Expedition: Adventure trips which require varying physical levels of fitness. They are only suitable for well-prepared people, and you may face some uncertainness due to time or weather in the trip location. Some situations will require mental as well as physical strength.
Activity Level
1 For people with physical disabilities.
2 For people who have never done any sort of physical exercise.
3 For people who have done some exercise in the past but may have spent the last 2 years not moving a finger.
5 For people who exercise every month of the year but not necessarily with great regularity. People with good health and travelling experience. You will face every day activities which require average physical effort, such as short treks, or other types of activity which are not longer than 2 to 3 hours a day during the trip.
5: Para personas que hacen ejercicio todos los meses pero que no necesariamente tienen una continuidad o una exigencia alta, con buena salud en general, experiencia viajando. Pueden enfrentar actividades con esfuerzo físico todos los días, pero en lugares sin pendientes, o trayectos cortos, que no pasen de 3 horas al día de actividad durante el viaje.
6 For people who like to do exercise, even with some discontinuity during the year, and are in good physical shape and good health. Those who have travelling experience, as well as camping experience. You can face 17kms (11Milles) hikes in one day, and changes in altitude of 800mts (265Ft) height at least once a week.
7 For people who exercise 3 to 4 times a week, are in good physical shape, have experience in adventure sports, as well as experience of camping for periods of 3 to 5 days. You can face a 20km (12mile) hike every day for 4 days with changes in altitude of 900mts (290Fts) or more. You know your rhythm, as well as how your body performs in difficult weather conditions.
8 The same characteristics as 7, plus technical knowledge of some adventure sports.
9 For specialized professional sports people. Routes carefully designed for high performance. Only by request.











DISCOVER THE RIVER THAT TURNS INTO A RAINBOW
Caño Cristales is a once-in-a-lifetime journey deep into Colombia’s most magical river. Limited access. Only from June to November
Why Caño Cristales?
For a few magical months each year, Colombia’s Caño Cristales turns into a river of colors. Thanks to the unique Macarenia Clavigera plant, it’s a natural wonder you can only see from June to November.
Unique Natural
Phenomenon
Limited Daily
Visitors
Unique Natural
Phenomenon
Supports local
Communities
All logistics
Included
Sustainable
Tourism
What’s Included
Everything’s handled so you can focus on the experience.
- Local hotel accommodation (upgrades available)
- Guided hikes & river journeys
- All transport within La Macarena
- All meals included
- Permits & conservation access
- Support for local communities
Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Cristalitos Stream
Boat ride + short jungle hike to colorful Cristalitos. Swim & relax.
Day 2: Caño Cristales
Full-day hike to the rainbow river. Swim, picnic, and marvel at nature.
Day 3: Stone City
Explore surreal rock formations in the savannah. Boat & hike experience.
Day 4: Llanero Sunrise
Early morning savannah views. Return to Bogotá with your soul full.
Dates & Pricing
Season: June to November · 4 Days / 3 Nights · Moderate Hiking
Shared group
3D in ENG
4D in ENG
3D in SPA
4D in SPA
Kids under 12 and above 5
Price per person
Since: 750 USD
Since: 970 USD
Since: 573 USD
Since: 456 USD
25% OFF
Shared Group | Price per person |
---|---|
3D in ENG | Since: 750 USD |
4D in ENG | Since: 970 USD |
3D in SPA | Since: 573 USD |
4D in SPA | Since: 456 USD |
Kids under 12 and above 5 | 25% OFF |
What our travelers say
The magic of the 7 colors
Marcelo helped me fulfill one of my dreams: visiting the River of Seven Colors, Caño Cristales, in La Macarena, Meta.
It was an amazing 5-day trip where the magic of the landscape, the warmth of the people, the safety, the organization—everything—allowed me to disconnect from my routine and experience one of the most beautiful places in Colombia.

Great Experience
Without a doubt, if you’re going to Colombia with them, it’s the best way to experience it. Everything is easy, safe, and hassle-free. They offer you the chance to enjoy both the country’s natural beauty and its culture, guided by local experts who give you an in-depth view of this wonderful country. Marcelo provides a warm and exceptional service. Totally recommended.

WHO WE ARE
GO EXPLORE COLOMBIA is a proud member of the Colombian Association of Responsible Tourism (ACOTUR). We believe in sustainability, fair trade, and protecting the beauty and culture of Colombia’s most sacred natural spaces. When you travel with us, you’re not just seeing the river — you’re helping protect it.


FAQs
Do I need to speak Spanish?
Nope! Our guides speak English and we take care of all logistics
How do I get there?
We’ll guide you to book flights from Bogot á to La Macarena (available 3x / Week), or we can handle it for you.
Is it safe?
Yes. The area is protected and managed by local authorities, the National Natural Parks system, and the military. We’ve safely guided travelers for over 10 years.
What do I need to bring?
A valid passport, yellow fever vaccination (min. 10 days in advance), hiking shoes, sun protection, and a sense of wonder.
Ready to See the River of Five Colors?
Spots are limited. The season runs only a few months each year. Don’t miss it.
