Admiring the Beauty of the Five-Colored River in Colombia

The Cano Cristales River in the Meta Province is considered one of the most enchanting rivers in the world. The mesmerizing shades of blue water, golden sand, and red aquatic plants blend together to create a dazzling spectacle.

Located in the remote Serrania de la Macarena mountain range of Colombia, the Cano Cristales River is also known by various names such as the “Five-Colored River,” “Rainbow River,” “River That Escaped from Paradise,” or “Crystal River.”

Cano Cristales is renowned not only for its idyllic scenery along its banks but also for its unparalleled beauty. It is a place where five vibrant colors converge: red, yellow, emerald green, blue, and black.

The reason behind the river’s vibrant colors is a unique species of algae that thrives in the water, combined with other elements present in the river, giving rise to a diverse range of hues during the period from September to November each year.

The water undergoes a remarkable transformation due to a submerged aquatic plant called Macarenia clavigera, which is endemic to the Sierra de la Macarena, a mountain range located south of the capital city, Bogota. During a short period between the wet and dry seasons, along with moss, other aquatic plants, and coral, the red-colored Macarenia clavigera clings to the rocks along the 62-mile stretch of the river, creating a vibrant tapestry of colors.

This is the time that attracts tourists to marvel at the resplendent beauty of the river, where predominant colors include shades of green, sky blue, black, red, and yellow. Additionally, visitors have the opportunity to observe the underwater life and diverse aquatic creatures.

However, reaching Cano Cristales is not an easy task. Travelers must fly into La Macarena and then make their way to the Serrania de la Macarena National Park. From there, they embark on a journey to Cano Cristales on foot or horseback.

Today, this river is a captivating destination for both local and international tourists who come to admire its unique beauty.

Let’s now take a closer look at some stunning images of this extraordinary “priceless” river in the world.