Caño Cristales La Macarena
It is located in the municipality of La Macarena, Department of Meta. Most of the watershed's headwaters are within the Sierra de la Macarena National Natural Park and the rest of the watershed flows into the Guayabero River; therefore, management is coordinated between the Colombian National Natural Parks and the Corporación Autónoma Regional CORMACARENA.
It is the unique opportunity for tourists to recognize in a single region the four worlds of the La Macarena special management area in the macizo guyanés with elements of the plains, the jungle and the Andes. Its unique beauty due to the range of colors offered by both aquatic plants as its bedrock has allowed it to stand out worldwide as an iconic place. Elements such as the Macarenia clavigera endemic aquatic plant in charge of offering the spectacle of colors that makes Caño Cristales to be known as the "the most beautiful river in the world" or "the river of the five colors" is a sample of the unique characteristics and research potential of the Sierra de la Macarena.
The tourism development process in the municipality of La Macarena can be a worldwide example of the articulated work between the community, the private sector and the institutions.
PNN Sierra de La Macarena is the high presence of endemic flora and fauna, the presence of more than twenty species of flora and as many species of fauna including birds, fish and mammals.
The llanero sunrise or sunset is one of the spectacles that you should not miss, it will be worth it to enjoy it and take one of the best photos in the area.
The walks along the colorful river, you will enjoy walking along the rocks full of algae with its exuberant colors, take a swim in its warm waters, experience the food of the area, and the typical dances of the Colombian plains.
FOOD: It is important to understand that the food included in the plan is prepared by the people of the community and the menu is based on typical products of the region, avoiding the use of products from other regions. If you wish you can ask for the details of this menu and in case you need or want food that is not from the area, we ask for your understanding and suggest that you bring it as part of your luggage.
CHARTER FLIGHTS: No ticket is required when the air operation is offered in charter flight quotas (all the Biosafety protocols determined by the National Government for flights are carried out).
WHAT IS PROHIBITED IN CAÑO CRISTALES?
- The use of any type of sunscreen or repellents is not allowed.
- Smoking is not allowed in the natural park.
- Non-reusable plastics are not allowed, so it is recommended to bring your camel back or personal bottle to carry your hydration.
- No stones, plants, water or any other natural element or material that is part of the protected area's property may be removed from the park.
- You may not bring alcoholic beverages into the natural park.
CLARIFICATIONS OF CLOSINGS: In the event that it is deemed necessary to temporarily close a trail, a section of a trail, or in general Caño Cristales and other ecotourism attractions for reasons of maintenance, public order, environmental damage or other situations, the necessary measures will be taken to communicate to the community and other interested parties in order to avoid difficulties in the management and misinformation according to the powers of the entities for this type of actions.
According to the behavior of Caño Cristales with respect to the weather conditions (little rain), the authorities will determine the moment to suspend the recreational bathing for site or definitively without affecting the entrance to Caño Cristales.
In the event that Caño Cristales and the other ecotourism attractions associated with the water resource represent a danger such as a sudden increase in water flow, the environmental authorities, through technical criteria in conjunction with the ̈Concejo Municipal para la Gestión del Riesgo de Desastres ̈determined to temporarily close these scenarios while the risk situation passes.
Please note that for itineraries that only include three (3) days, the entrance to the Caño Cristales sector will be on the second full day.
TRIP RECOMMENDATIONS:
Bring enough clothes for tropical climates. Indispensable clothing that protects from direct sun exposure (long sleeve shirt, hat or cap, sunglasses) Closed shoes with enough grip.
- It is forbidden to enter Caño Cristales with sandals or flip-flops. Hydrate sufficiently before starting the trip to the municipality of La Macarena.
- Bring a camera, camcorder or other electronic device to capture the moments experienced.
- Garbage bag to return inorganic waste to a major city.
- VACCINATION AGAINST YELLOW FEVER AND CARRY THE VACCINATION CARD. THE VACCINATION CARD IS REQUIRED AT THE AIRPORT AT THE TIME OF BOARDING.