A Family Adventure to the River of Five Colors

Chasing Rainbows in Colombia

Today was everything I had dreamed of and more. The anticipation of seeing Caño Cristales, the 'River of Five Colors,' with my own eyes was almost unbearable. Sharing this experience with Isabella and Sofia made it even more special. After years of living in Canada, returning to my roots in Colombia and showcasing this natural wonder to my family filled me with immense pride and joy. The day was a vibrant tapestry of colors, culture, and connection, a true testament to the beauty of our world and the strength of our family bond.


Experience the stunning colors of Caño Cristales, Colombia's 'Liquid Rainbow,' a natural park with vibrant flora and breathtaking landscapes.

Our day began early with a hearty breakfast at Café de Lithos in La Macarena. It was a charming little spot, and the aroma of Colombian coffee filled the air, instantly awakening my senses. Isabella enjoyed a traditional arepa with cheese, while Sofia devoured a plate of fresh fruit. I opted for the calentado, a mix of rice, beans, and eggs – a classic Colombian breakfast that fueled me up for the day's adventure. Reminded me of breakfasts my abuela used to make back in Armenia. After breakfast, we made our way to the Embarcadero a Caño Cristales, the starting point for our journey to the river. The excitement was palpable as we boarded a small boat that would take us along the Guayabero River. The air was thick with humidity, and the sun was already beating down, reminding me of the importance of sunscreen – which, of course, I had forgotten to pack. Thankfully, Isabella had a small tube in her bag, enough to share amongst the three of us. Note to self: always double-check the essentials, even when you think you're prepared!


Explore Embarcadero a Caño Cristales, a stunning hiking area in Colombia known for its vibrant river and breathtaking natural beauty.

The boat ride was an experience in itself. The Guayabero River was teeming with life, and we spotted various birds and even a few playful monkeys swinging through the trees. Sofia was particularly thrilled, pointing and chattering excitedly at every new animal we encountered. It was a reminder of the simple joys of travel, seeing the world through the innocent eyes of a child. After about 30 minutes, we reached Puerto Los Mangos, where we switched to a 4x4 vehicle for a bumpy ride to the entrance of the Sierra de la Macarena National Park. The landscape transformed from lush rainforest to open savanna, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia, remembering similar landscapes from my childhood in Armenia.

Finally, we arrived at Caño Cristales. As we began our hike along the designated trail, the anticipation grew with every step. Our guide, a local from La Macarena, shared fascinating insights about the region's history, geology, and biodiversity. He explained that the river's unique colors are due to the Macarenia clavigera, an aquatic plant that thrives in the crystal-clear waters. The plants bloom in a spectrum of colors – red, pink, green, yellow, and blue – depending on the water level, sunlight, and time of year. We were fortunate to be visiting during June, when the colors are at their most vibrant.

The beauty of Caño Cristales is not just in its colors, but in its ability to inspire awe and wonder in all who visit.

And then, there it was – Caño Cristales. The sight was simply breathtaking. The river flowed over rocks of all sizes and shapes, each one adorned with the colorful Macarenia clavigera. The water was so clear that we could see every detail of the riverbed, creating a mesmerizing effect. It was like stepping into a living painting, a masterpiece created by nature itself. Sofia gasped, her eyes wide with wonder. Even Isabella, who is usually more reserved, couldn't help but smile in amazement.

We spent the next few hours exploring the river, hiking along the various trails, and taking countless photos. Our guide led us to several viewpoints, each offering a unique perspective of the river's beauty. We saw the Cascada de la Virgen, a stunning waterfall cascading into a natural pool, and Los Ochos, a series of circular rock formations filled with colorful plants. I was particularly fascinated by the Salto El Águila, a narrow passage where the river plunges down a rocky cliff, creating a dramatic spectacle.

Swimming is permitted in designated areas of the river, and we eagerly took the opportunity to cool off in the refreshing water. It was an incredible feeling, surrounded by the vibrant colors of Caño Cristales, feeling the cool water against my skin. Sofia splashed around with glee, while Isabella and I simply floated, soaking in the moment. For lunch, we enjoyed a traditional Colombian meal at Restaurante Llano Y Leyenda, which our guide had packed for us: arroz con pollo, plantains, and a refreshing agua de panela. It was simple but delicious, and it tasted even better surrounded by the natural beauty of Caño Cristales.


Experience authentic Colombian flavors at Restaurante Llano Y Leyenda in La Macarena - a delightful destination for food enthusiasts.

As the day drew to a close, we made our way back to La Macarena, feeling tired but incredibly fulfilled. We stopped by Cafe Bar- Restaurante Punto Verde for a refreshing drink before heading back to our accommodation. The bar had a lively atmosphere, and we enjoyed chatting with some of the locals, sharing stories and laughter. It was a reminder of the warmth and hospitality of the Colombian people, a trait that I have always cherished.


Discover the flavors of La Macarena at Café Bar-Restaurante Punto Verde, where local cuisine meets a cozy atmosphere.

For dinner, we decided to try Tapas Macarena, a local restaurant known for its Spanish-inspired cuisine. As someone who has lived in Toronto for many years, I have come to appreciate the diverse culinary scene, but there's something special about enjoying authentic cuisine in its place of origin. We ordered a variety of tapas, including patatas bravas, gambas al ajillo, and croquetas de jamón. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere was lively and festive. Sofia even tried a bite of the patatas bravas, although she quickly decided it was too spicy for her.


Discover the authentic taste of Spain at Tapas Macarena in Bogotá - a delightful tapas bar offering exquisite small plates and vibrant ambiance.

As I sit here now, writing this blog post, I can't help but feel grateful for the experiences of the day. Seeing Caño Cristales with my family was a dream come true, a reminder of the beauty and wonder that exists in our world. It was also a reminder of the importance of family, of sharing experiences and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Tomorrow, we plan to visit Caño Cristalitos and Cascada la Virgen, and Sofia is already excited for another day of adventure. I'm also hoping to do some shopping at Alex's Boutique, as I'm in need of a new hat to protect myself from the scorching sun.

Before drifting off to sleep, I reflected on the day's adventures. I am so happy to share this experience with my family. It's moments like these that make all the challenges of life worthwhile. Plus, I made a mental note to buy an extra memory card for my camera and a new pair of sunglasses – travel essentials that I definitely won't forget next time. Looking forward to another day of exploration and discovery in this magical corner of Colombia. It's moments like these that remind me why I love to travel, why I love to explore, and why I love to share my experiences with the world.

The vibrant colors of the river, the warmth of the Colombian people, and the joy of sharing it all with my family – it was a day I will never forget. Caño Cristales is more than just a river; it's an experience, a memory, and a reminder of the beauty that exists in our world. And I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.

The most important thing I learned today is that sometimes, the most beautiful things in life are the ones we share with those we love. And as we continue our journey through Colombia, I know that we will continue to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Until tomorrow!