Amazon · Colombia

Caño Cristales

River Several days difficulty: Demanding with kids: yes

Called «the river of five colors»: for a few months of the year an aquatic plant dyes it red, pink, green and yellow among pools and rock slides. A remote place in the Serranía de la Macarena that feels hard-earned.

With kids

Find where the river turns reddest, like paint
Slide down the natural rock chutes
Cool off in the pools of clear water
Count the different colors in a single stretch of the river

Accessibility: 8+ for the walks under the sun and heat; you get there by small plane and then on foot. Worth the adventure, but it takes energy.

With family

Walk the trails between pools with a local guide (required)
Swim in the natural pools at the end of the hike
Watch the sunset over the Macarena savanna
Learn from the guides how the plant dyes the water

Full listing, routes and recommendations at Mi País — Caño Cristales. ← All destinations