• By: admin
• Oct 05, 2026
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This river turns red, yellow, green and blue. And it’s only like this for a few months a year.

Caño Cristales, in a remote national park in Colombia, is often called the “river of five colours” or the “liquid rainbow”. Photos of it look edited. They’re not. And right now, it’s open.

Why the river changes colour

The bright red and pink comes from a water plant called Rhyncholacis clavigera (you may also see its older name, Macarenia clavigera). It grows on the rocks under the water.

When the water level is just right, not too high and not too low, sunlight reaches the plant and it turns bright red. Add yellow sand, green moss, black rock and blue sky reflected in the clear water, and you get the rainbow.

It’s not minerals or paint. It’s nature, perfectly timed.

When to go

• The 2026 season opened on 29 May.
• It’s expected to stay open through December, depending on conditions.
• Colours are usually best from June to November.

Outside the season, the park closes so the plants can recover. Heavy rain or dry spells can change things, so always check the latest status before you book.

Where it is

Caño Cristales is inside Sierra de La Macarena National Park in central Colombia, near the small town of La Macarena. There are no big roads in. That’s part of what keeps it so special.

How to get there

1. Fly to Bogotá. From the Gulf, connect through a European or American hub.
2. Take a small plane to La Macarena from Bogotá or Villavicencio.
3. Go by boat, 4×4 and on foot with an authorised guide to the river trails.

Most trips are packages that include flights, guides and park entry. Plan for at least 3 days. Four or five days gives you a backup if the weather is bad.

The rules (and why they matter)

• No sunscreen, lotion, make-up or insect repellent on the river trails where it’s banned. Chemicals harm the plant.
• Swim only where your guide says. Many sections are off-limits.
• Don’t step on the coloured plants. Walk on bare rock only.
• Use an authorised operator. It’s required, and it protects the park.

Instead of sunscreen, wear long sleeves, a hat and light trousers.

What else to see

Around La Macarena you can visit waterfalls, natural pools for swimming, and viewpoints over the sierra. You may spot monkeys, macaws and turtles on the river trips.

Tips

• Bring sturdy shoes with grip. Wet rock is slippery.
• Pack light. Small planes have tight baggage limits.
• Carry cash. La Macarena is a small town.
• Visit in the morning. Light on the water is softer and the colours glow.

Why it’s worth the effort

Getting to Caño Cristales takes planning: a small plane, a boat, a 4×4 and a hike. That’s exactly why it feels so special when you arrive. There are no crowds of buses, no big hotels and no shops at the river. Just you, your guide, the jungle and a river that looks like someone spilled paint into it.

Very few places on Earth only show their true colours for a few months a year. This is one of them.

Your challenge

What gives Caño Cristales its red colour? Iron in the rocks, a water plant, algae from the sea, or red sand? Answer on my post at @explor_shan.

Then try the AI prompt challenge and create your own rainbow river.

FAQ

Is Caño Cristales safe to visit?
Visits run through organised, authorised tours. Check current travel advice for Colombia before you go.

Can I swim in it?
Only in specific, approved spots.

Is it worth the effort?
If you love rare natural wonders, absolutely. Very few rivers on Earth look like this.

Real or fake? Save this and tag the friend who’d swear it’s edited.

Explore with me every day. Follow @explor_shan on Instagram for the daily challenge, and comment EXPLORE on any post to get the guide in your DMs.