Caño Cristales: discover the famous rainbow river - private option 4d
Where : Caño Cristales
Tomplanmytrip connects you with this local expert to discover the rainbow river and La Macarena.
4 Days
Spanish, English*
30% deposit to secure the reservation.
With us, no overpay!
A palette of colors and natural riches
Discover all the hues that create the beauty of Caño Cristales and enjoy the diversity of the surrounding landscapes.
Reach the village of La Macarena to explore the Rainbow River and its surroundings. Several trails lead you to the most beautiful sites of this vibrant-colored watercourse and its majestic waterfalls. Enjoy the area's geography and its spectacular rock formations, which offer fabulous natural scenery. Observe the wildlife along the Guayabero River, in the forests of the Serranía de La Macarena, or in the savannah.
Roadmap
4 Days
- Day 1 Arrival in La Macarena and visit to Caño Cristalitos and its lookout point
- Day 2 Excursion to Caño Cristales: the river of five colors
- Day 3 Discovery of Raudal Angosturas I or Laguna del Silencio
- Day 4 El Amanecer Llanero: admire the sunrise over the Llanos savannah
What to expect
Land in the morning at La Macarena. A member of the agency will welcome you at the airport. Depending on your arrival time, settle into your hotel or visit the agency's offices.
Next, head to the port and board a motorized canoe. After about 30 minutes of navigation, begin a walk that allows you to observe rock paintings and the local flora.
Upon reaching the peak of your excursion, admire the Guayabero River, the landscapes of the Serranía de La Macarena, and the savannah.
Continue your journey to Caño Cristalitos, where you will see the Macarenia Clavijera plant for the first time. This plant colors this river, Caño Cristales, and many others. A small preview of your program for the next day.
Next, head to the port and board a motorized canoe. After about 30 minutes of navigation, begin a walk that allows you to observe rock paintings and the local flora.
Upon reaching the peak of your excursion, admire the Guayabero River, the landscapes of the Serranía de La Macarena, and the savannah.
Continue your journey to Caño Cristalitos, where you will see the Macarenia Clavijera plant for the first time. This plant colors this river, Caño Cristales, and many others. A small preview of your program for the next day.
It's the day of your adventure to Caño Cristales. Hop into a canoe and ride up the Guayabero River for 20 minutes to the port of Los Mangos. Continue with a 25-minute 4x4 ride on a bumpy trail.
Then, take a 30-minute walk to see the river's first vibrant colors finally. Different routes form a loop in the park to prevent heavy crowds in the same spots. Don't worry, all the trails pass through the most spectacular and well-known sites of Caño Cristales.
Discover waterfalls, "carpets" of colors, and natural pools, where the red of the aquatic plants dominates in various shades. Throughout the journey, you can appreciate the rock formations of the terrain. Lunch is a fiambre (wrapped in a banana leaf) enjoyed at specific spots with views of Caño Cristales.
Then, take a 30-minute walk to see the river's first vibrant colors finally. Different routes form a loop in the park to prevent heavy crowds in the same spots. Don't worry, all the trails pass through the most spectacular and well-known sites of Caño Cristales.
Discover waterfalls, "carpets" of colors, and natural pools, where the red of the aquatic plants dominates in various shades. Throughout the journey, you can appreciate the rock formations of the terrain. Lunch is a fiambre (wrapped in a banana leaf) enjoyed at specific spots with views of Caño Cristales.
If you didn't have good weather the day before at Caño Cristales, you have the option to return there. Otherwise, there are two options for this day. Here is one of the two:
From the port of La Macarena, go up the Guayabero River (1 hour 40 minutes) to the Raudal de Angosturas I. This is an opportunity to observe the wildlife along the riverbanks.
Your experience is coupled with the Ciudad de Piedra. Begin a hike of about 1.5 hours through various landscapes, including gallery forests and savannah, to the famous "stone city." This geological formation of the Guiana Shield consists of rocks 10 to 15 meters high, giving the impression of a ruined city. The icing on the cake: have lunch at a farm with a viewpoint over the Guayabero River.
From the port of La Macarena, go up the Guayabero River (1 hour 40 minutes) to the Raudal de Angosturas I. This is an opportunity to observe the wildlife along the riverbanks.
Your experience is coupled with the Ciudad de Piedra. Begin a hike of about 1.5 hours through various landscapes, including gallery forests and savannah, to the famous "stone city." This geological formation of the Guiana Shield consists of rocks 10 to 15 meters high, giving the impression of a ruined city. The icing on the cake: have lunch at a farm with a viewpoint over the Guayabero River.
If you didn't have good weather the day before at Caño Cristales, you have the option to return there. Otherwise, there are two options for this day. Here is one of the two:
Go down the Guayabero River by canoe (30 min) to the port of La Cachivera path. Then, on horseback (optional), you can ride through a savannah landscape (2 km) to the Laguna del Silencio.
There, navigate peacefully on the lake in a non-motorized boat and discover the local flora and fauna. One of the farms in the area will welcome you for a delicious lunch and a moment of relaxation in a pleasant setting.
Go down the Guayabero River by canoe (30 min) to the port of La Cachivera path. Then, on horseback (optional), you can ride through a savannah landscape (2 km) to the Laguna del Silencio.
There, navigate peacefully on the lake in a non-motorized boat and discover the local flora and fauna. One of the farms in the area will welcome you for a delicious lunch and a moment of relaxation in a pleasant setting.
It's your last day and the time of your departure will determine the length of your morning activity.
Start with "El Amanecer Llanero," which translates to the Llanero sunrise. This experience takes place from a lookout near the village. The viewpoint offers a stunning view of the savannah, enhanced by the dawn light.
If your flight schedule allows, continue your excursion to Caño Piedras. It's a small stream that forms beautiful natural pools perfect for swimming.
Start with "El Amanecer Llanero," which translates to the Llanero sunrise. This experience takes place from a lookout near the village. The viewpoint offers a stunning view of the savannah, enhanced by the dawn light.
If your flight schedule allows, continue your excursion to Caño Piedras. It's a small stream that forms beautiful natural pools perfect for swimming.
- Depending on the weather and your arrival and departure times in La Macarena, your schedule can be slightly adjusted.
- On day 3, you have two different excursion options. Choose the one that interests you the most.
- One of your evenings is dedicated to the Paranda Llanera, depending on the day it is scheduled. It is a cultural celebration organized to welcome new visitors. The program includes a demonstration of Joropo (traditional music and dance of the Llanos) and a gastronomic trip featuring culinary specialties.
Must know
- Click on the "contact this expert" button and complete our online form (1min).
- Tomplanmytrip will receive your answers and create a WhatsApp group to put you in touch with the agency.
- Once the group has been created, you can chat freely with the agency to get all the answers you need.
- Then it's up to you to decide whether or not to book your experience.
- Caño Cristales can only be visited from mid-June to the end of November. The exact dates are provided each year by the park's management.
- It is possible to return to Caño Cristales if the weather on day 2 is bad or if you simply wish to return to the park.
- The village of La Macarena is the only entry point to Caño Cristales and the starting point for other tours.
- The only ATM in La Macarena is not always working. Be sure to withdraw money before your departure.
- You can request an English translator for the tours at an additional cost of 150,000 COP/day.
- Sunscreen, insect repellents, or any other chemical products are prohibited in the park to avoid contaminating the river. Bring clothes to protect yourself from the sun.
- Plastic is also banned at the Caño Cristales site. Bring a water bottle for your water.
- The prices correspond to a private package. Group tours are available if you want better rates.
- Mandatory environmental and local taxes: 215,000 COP/person, payable on-site at your agency.
- All logistics from your arrival in La Macarena to your departure.
- Transfers and internal transportation required for the activities.
- A private room with a double bed and bathroom for three nights. For an extra fee, you can choose higher-end establishments with a pool and air conditioning. Discuss it with your expert.
- Private visits to Caño Cristales, Caño Cristalitos, Laguna del Silencio, or Raudal Angosturas I paired with Ciudad de Piedra, and finally, Amanecer Llanero.
- Meals: breakfasts, lunches, and dinners during your stay.
- Professional and local guides (in Spanish).
- Dinner with a typical regional dish followed by Parrando Llanero, a folkloric cultural show.
- Local medical assistance.
Prices:
- Prices are indicative and are to be confirmed with your expert.
- Prices depend on the options chosen, the number of people, and exchange rate variations.
Choose your package:
- The prices on the page correspond to a 4-day/3-night private stay without a translator.
- The accommodation included in the package is standard: a private room with a double bed and bathroom. For an additional fee, you can choose a higher-end establishment with a pool and air conditioning. Decide it with your expert.
Extras:
- English translator 150,000 COP/day for the group.
- Possibility to stay longer. The agency can organize activities for 5 or 6 days. Decide it with your expert.
- In five days, you will participate in the following experiences: Caño Cristalitos, Caño Cristales, Laguna del Silencio, and Raudal Angosturas with Ciudad de Piedra.
- In 6 days, enjoy the same experiences as in 5 days, plus an additional visit to Caño Cristales on a different circuit, allowing you to see the plants when they are green.
- The impressive Caño Canoas waterfall can replace one of the program's planned day activities. The Additional cost is 400,000 COP/person.
Why choose this option:
- Discover the charm of Caño Cristales, the famous rainbow river.
- It is possible to return to Caño Cristales if the weather on day 2 is not good or if you simply wish to return to the park.
- Visit each site at your own pace.
- More chances to see animals as you are alone with your guide.
- The additional experiences are worth it.
- Handling of the logistics for travel and organization of the experiences is included.
- The agency handles the often cumbersome administrative formalities for entering the park and ensures that you are within the daily quota of travelers allowed to visit Caño Cristales.
- Discover a bit of the Llanera culture and its traditions.
- Participate in community and solidarity tourism, which has a real impact in this type of isolated region.
What may disappoint:
- The magic of Caño Cristales doesn't work when the weather is bad because it's the sunlight that brings out its beautiful colors. Unfortunately, the weather is beyond our control.
Contact this partner
No fee, no commitment, no headache
We help you travel smart
1 – Choose wisely
- Choose from the best experiences we’ve tested and specially selected for our readers.
- Reliable and high-quality agencies.
2 – Talk first
- Directly ask any questions to agencies we recommend.
- No commitment; book only if you like the service offered.
3 – Don’t overpay
- With us, there’s no markup. You’ll pay the official agency rate, just as if you were there.
- We make sure the prices are reasonable for the service provided.
4 – Positive impact
- Legally established Colombian agencies working with Colombians.
- Community-driven, solidarity, or associative projects for most agencies.
Traveler Reviews
More tours in Caño Cristales
Caño Cristales: discover the famous rainbow river - group option 4d
Colombia
4 Days
1 place
Imagine the spectacle of a multicolored river winding through unique landscapes.
View this tour
Looking for more tours?
We test and select the best tours in Colombia for our readers.
