River of Five Colors

The fascinating Caño Cristales, also known as the River of Five Colors, runs deep in the isolated mountain range of Serranía de la Macarena, central Colombia. It is one of the most amazing natural wonders, attracting many visitors and photographers.

Caño Cristales flows into the Guayabero river with a grand display of the color spectrum: yellow, green, blue, black, and a remarkable red hue which quiver from the bottom. The vibrant red colors of Caño Cristales is caused by the red plant, Macarenia Clavigera, that grows at the bottom of the riverbed. Depending on the time of day and amount of sunlight, the color of the Macarenia clavigera can be from, magenta to bright red, to a deep purple.

Though shades of red are most common, the Macarenia Clavigera turns bright green in shaded areas. Moss, aquatic plants and corals clings to rocks throughout the 62-mile long river, under the surface of the water producing an iridescent effect. The breathtaking beauty is elevated to another level by the dramatic color show with waterfalls, pools and caverns.