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gerardor967
We (wife, brother, sister in law, and I) drove from Bogota to Villavicencio great highway (do not speed in the tunnels, there are speeding cameras), spent the night at Villavicencio Plaza had cocktails in the roof bar, very cool. Had "mamona" for dinner in a local restaurant that is the typical dish in Villavicencio. Next day early morning we drove to the VIllavicencio airport left the car there. We embarked in a cargo military plane awesome experience, arrived to La Macarena, the tour people took us to our hotel, comfortable, clean, nothing fancy, then our guide took us to get our fiambre (lunch), from there to the river, after a short ride in a boat, then to the 4x4s, about 20 minutes ride, then we walk for another 20, and then...WOW!!! Caño Cristales!!!! Breathtaking and Spectacular. Worth every penny. The next day we did it again and flew back in a a five passenger airplane... to add to the experience! We loved every minute of it....had great pictures. You need to go, trust me is worth it. We used WWW.Cano-cristales.com Their service was great our contact was Ewa.
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Rompenclan
Caño Cristales is a river located in the Macarena province in Clombia. The river is commonly called "The River of Five Colours" or "The Liquid Rainbow", and is even referred to as the most beautiful river in the world due to its striking colours. The river from July - November is flushed in gaudy colours, including yellow, green, blue, black, and especially red, the last caused by the Macarenia clavigera.Caño Cristales is not a destination for the unlucky traveller. You need days without rain. It rains there. If it rains a lot, you need a day or so for the water to clear. A clear day, or so, lets the water be crystal clear. And the plants blooms with the sun, reds and pinks near the surface, greens yellows and fuchsias at more depth (hence less sun). With sun, you see it in its full glory. With rain, well, not.For the lucky traveller, it is fantastic. It is a unique place. No where else in the world because of the combination of this plant and the chemistry of the rocks. Even nearby gorges do not have it, only here. It is special and they are trying to preserve it as a protected Park. You need to be guided in the Park. Remember, to be lucky you want the sun, but the sun can be blazing hot. No sunscreen allowed (so a lucky traveller should bring or buy at hat with neck cover). A solid rain pouch for the unlucky traveller. No insect repellent is allowed either (though mosquitoes are not a problem there anyway). No smoking allowed in the Park.Only in the last 5 years has it become more accessible. Now a dug out canoe and 4x4 over rough terrain takes you 8 of the 10 kilometres. Primitive unmarked trails take you the rest of the way. A good pair of waterproof hiking boots are a must. The local tour operators have it well organized now, though expensive. Relatively few people have seen this wonder. Only 60-100 per day and given its season (July to December) this is only a few thousand per year and they are controlling the group sizes and visitors to protect it.I was one of the lucky travellers and got to see it in its full glory.
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Cath123_11
My boyfriend and I visited Cano Cristales with a 4 day tour by Colombia Oculta. The organisation of the trip was good, all the more since we only booked it one day ahead. It was quite an expensive trip, but we are not sure if it would have been cheaper arranging it ourselves. You could off course try it if you have time (everything goes on very Colombian time) and if you speak good Spanish.The trip was very special, seeing that La Macarena (town from which you can visit Cano Cristales) is not (yet) used to receive tourists of any kind. Therefore, don't expect any ambiance or luxury in town or in the hotel. Our hotel Casa was clean but our room looked more like a cell than a hotelroom. Furthermore, almost no english is spoken (which was ok with us). The area has long been closed because of guerrila's in the area, but has been open for tourists since 2005. We felt safe all the time; you will find military on every street corner. The Cano Cristales itself is one boat, car ride and a 30 minute walk away from La Macarena. There you can swim in the river and enjoy the amazing colors of the river (best with sun). Since there are no trees along the way and you are not allowed to swim in the river with sunscream and mosquito repellent on, bring long clothes, a sun hat, sun glasses and water. The walk down there and along the river is hot and in the blazing sun. Another thing wise to bring is watershoes, you will have to cross several small rivers. Besides the Cano Cristales itself, there is not much else to do in town. A 3 day/2 nights trip should therefore be long enough.We expect Cano Cristales to grow in tourism over the next couple of years; if you want an off the beaten track experience, go now before it has turned into a tourist attraction.
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Lizzyb_9
Walking up in Bogota for 6am departure we took a transfer bus, plane, arrived in Macarena put bags on donkey cart, walked to the hotel, took a river canoe, pick up truck then walked for 40 mins all in the name of algae. And so well worth the trip! The biological phenomenon happens in this Colombian water way where jagged cliffs fall to rounded carved boulders swathed in red & pinks fluffed up algae moving with the fast flowing water like a couture dress. The walking is hot work as no sun cream policy (not to upset bio balance in water) means full cover but the swimming pools revitalise. Macarena is authentic & charming. Mercedes who runs the hotel & restaurant is wonderful.
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Papito1955
If you have the opportunity don't miss the trip to Caño Cristales bit be aware that a few things need to be improved on the organization side .Before you go tour operators might forget to tell you a few things - use of sun creams and repellents are prohibited in the park ( to prevent these chemicals to poison the aquatic plants ) thus you might want to go with long sleeves .- visiting season May to November is the rainy season because it is the moment the plants and the colors are nicest ; thus tropical rain is likely to pour down , you might want to take along some protection for heavy rain ( or buy it in La Macarena ) . Next day might be very hot . - you must have a guide to enter the park ; local guides are nice people but not very prepared to tell you a lot about flora, fauna or geological formation ; do your own search on internet before .- if you need to keep in touch with the outside world , the only available cell signal is from Claro; there is a small Internet cafe , managed by a clever deaf and mute guy , connection is just extremely slow .- the nicest hotel , by far, is the Punto Verde , staffed with very nice people ; just try to have a room at the far end of the garden , sure you will hear the roaster calling at 5 30 but not the noise of the hotel discotheque the whole night . They even have a small swimming pool and outside temperature water in the shower ( not hot but not cold either ) Be aware that some of the excursions , without being tough , can include a bit of rock climbing , water crossing ... Safety can be sometimes light , especially when after strong rains , the rivers go up , the road is cut and you have to cross river holding a safety line with both hands ..Plan at least three days , two nights there and remember that the planes come and go depending on unknown rules .
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drac0r
This is and odd place to be on the earth.. But I regret that some pictures show what is contrary to the firts and one of the most important advices you have when arrived there.. Do not dare to touch the water species!! It is like break down a piece of sea coral to feel how is it...Please be aware of this to keep this landmark as it is.. Wild, wonderful.. Unique, clean and reserve for adventure..
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358aliciah
If you like adventure then go.... It looks like you have to be able to jump many obstacles to get there, but it is so fun. It is the way that Nature keeps this fare away and protected from the lazy and crauded turism. What a place..my best recommendation: Look for a good tourist operator that organize and guide you there.
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TheMetalTraveller
First, the "dangerous" and "go only with a tour agency" are not true anymore.For years this place was off limits, and now one can visit it again.You can go with a tour agency from Bogota or Villavicencio but it's best to go by yourself and arrange a guide there, you'll have more flexibility. There are flights from Bogota and Villavicencio.Caño Cristales can only be visited with a guide, but this is for ecological reasons. Arranging a guide and finding a hotel in La Macarena is easy, and gives more flexibility, especially f you have a rainy day.Also, allow at least 3 full days in La Macarena to visit all the places. When it rains, there's no point in visiting anything. I spent almost a week there and I think it's the right amount of time.
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duncan77Bournemouth
We booked through Vinatur, took the bus from Bogota to Villavicencio, flights to La Macarena, canoe up river, 4x4 transfer, then a walk of 30 mins. The operators, local people, and our guide, were fantastic!! The river is gorgeous, a true wonder of nature, with beautiful red plants and plenty of natural swimming pools. Take rubber shoes, long sleeves, and a camera. The local people are so proud of the transformation in security, with the guerrilla coca farms and factories long gone, and a strong military presence making it super safe now. We stayed in Casa Hotel- clean and modern, if a little basic. The food was delicious, and everyone is so attentive. I can't recommend this trip highly enough. Please go!!
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Hodero
Tengo una galeria con fotoos de Caño Cristales de mi ultimo viaje al Caño...por favor visita http://www.pbase.com/hodero/cao_cristalesmeta_colombiagraciasI have visited Caño Cristales in July 2013.This is probably the safest place on earth,and certainly paradise.Check out my pictures at http://www.pbase.com/hodero/cao_cristalesmeta_colombiaEnjoy !~
