A Family Adventure to the River of Five Colors

First Impressions of La Macarena

After a long journey from Toronto, with a connecting flight in Bogotá, we finally touched down in La Macarena. The air was thick with humidity, a stark contrast to the crisp Canadian air I'm used to. The purpose of our trip is to visit Caño Cristales, the 'River of Five Colors', but our adventure began in the town of La Macarena itself. I'm excited to share our initial experiences as we settle into this vibrant Colombian community with Isabella and Sofia.

Our first day in La Macarena was all about immersing ourselves in the local atmosphere. After a quick check-in (we ended up finding a cozy little guesthouse), we were ready to explore. The guesthouse wasn't fancy, but it was clean and the owners were incredibly welcoming, offering us fresh juice as soon as we arrived. It felt like a true Colombian welcome.

Our initial stop was the Plazoleta de Comidas La Macaren for a hearty Colombian breakfast. It was bustling with locals, and the aromas of arepas and freshly brewed coffee filled the air. I ordered a traditional *calentado*, a mix of rice, beans, eggs, and meat – the perfect fuel for a day of exploring. Sofia, ever the picky eater, opted for a simple arepa with cheese, which she devoured in minutes. Isabella enjoyed a *tinto*, a small cup of strong black coffee, and soaked in the lively atmosphere.

Experience authentic Colombian cuisine at Plazoleta de Comidas La Macarena, where families gather for delightful meals in a vibrant setting.

With our bellies full, we ventured towards the La Macarena Botanical Garden. It was a short walk from the town center, and the change of scenery was immediate. The garden was a peaceful oasis, filled with lush greenery and colorful flowers. Sofia was fascinated by the exotic plants, and I found myself appreciating the tranquility after our hectic travel day. It wasn't the largest botanical garden I've ever visited, but it had a certain charm, showcasing the region's diverse flora. Isabella, always the plant enthusiast, was in her element, snapping photos of every unique bloom.

Discover the enchanting beauty of La Macarena Botanical Garden, a lush paradise showcasing diverse plant species and serene pathways in Colombia.

Next on our list was Los Cuarzos. We took a short taxi ride to reach this spot, and it was well worth it. Los Cuarzos is a series of small waterfalls and natural pools, perfect for a refreshing dip. The water was cool and clear, and Sofia couldn't resist splashing around. I enjoyed the opportunity to relax and take in the natural beauty of the area. The scenery was stunning, with the waterfalls cascading over the rocks and the surrounding forest providing a lush backdrop. I made sure to apply sunscreen, remembering how easily I burn under the strong Colombian sun.

Explore the enchanting beauty of Los Cuarzos in La Macarena, Colombia, where nature's artistry meets adventure in vibrant landscapes.

Sometimes, the best travel experiences are the ones where you simply wander and let the destination reveal itself to you.

For lunch, we decided to try Rio y Parrilla, a restaurant recommended by our guesthouse owner. It was located near the river, offering beautiful views while we ate. I ordered grilled fish, a local specialty, and it was cooked to perfection. Isabella chose a vegetarian option, a colorful salad with fresh local vegetables. Sofia, predictably, went for chicken and fries, but even she admitted that the fish smelled delicious. The gentle breeze and the sound of the river created a relaxing ambiance, making it a perfect midday break.

Experience authentic Colombian cuisine at Rio y Parrilla, where every dish tells a story of rich flavors and tradition.

In the afternoon, we took a stroll through the town, popping into Tienda Los Recuerdos De Ella to pick up some souvenirs. It was a small shop, but it was packed with local crafts and trinkets. Sofia chose a colorful bracelet, while Isabella found a beautiful hand-painted bowl. I opted for a traditional *sombrero vueltiao*, a woven hat that would be perfect for our upcoming adventures. Supporting local artisans is something I always try to do when traveling, and this shop was a great opportunity to do just that.

Explore the heart of La Macarena at Tienda Los Recuerdos De Ella, where local flavors and friendly service await every visitor.

As the day wound down, we headed to RestaurAnte El Caporal for dinner. The restaurant had a cozy, welcoming atmosphere, and the staff were incredibly friendly. I ordered *bandeja paisa*, a hearty platter of beans, rice, meat, avocado, and plantains – a true Colombian feast. Isabella enjoyed *arepas*, and Sofia had a simple but tasty pasta dish. The portions were generous, and the food was delicious. It was the perfect way to end our first day in La Macarena.

Experience authentic Colombian cuisine in La Macarena at RestaurAnte El Caporal – where every dish tells a story.

One thing I've noticed is how incredibly friendly the people are here. Everyone we've encountered has been warm and welcoming, eager to share their culture and help us navigate the town. It reminds me a bit of Armenia, my hometown, where hospitality is a way of life. It makes me proud to share this experience with my family, showing them the beauty and warmth of Colombia.

Before heading back to our guesthouse, we took a leisurely walk through the town square. The air was filled with music, and families were out enjoying the evening. It was a vibrant scene, and it felt like we were truly part of the community. Sofia, despite her initial jet lag, was energized by the atmosphere, running around and playing with the local children. It was a heartwarming sight, and it reminded me why I love traveling with my family – these shared experiences create memories that will last a lifetime.

Of course, not everything went perfectly. I realized I forgot to pack an extra memory card for my camera, a rookie mistake! I'll have to see if I can find one in town tomorrow. And Isabella realized she forgot her sunglasses, which are essential for the bright Colombian sun. We’ll add those to our shopping list as well.

As I reflect on our first day, I'm filled with anticipation for what tomorrow holds. We’re planning on an early start to visit Caño Cristales. According to our itinerary, we will have breakfast at **Café de Lithos**, then head to **Embarcadero a Caño Cristales** to begin our adventure to the 'River of Five Colors' itself, where we will spend the day marveling at its beauty. Lunch will be at **Restaurante Llano Y Leyenda** and dinner at **Tapas Macarena**. Later in the evening, I hope to relax and enjoy a drink at **Cafe Bar- Restaurante Punto Verde**.

I'm particularly excited about seeing the *Macarenia clavigera* plants that give the river its vibrant colors. I've read so much about them, and I can't wait to witness their beauty firsthand. I am also looking forward to spending the day with Isabella and Sofia, sharing this unique natural wonder with them. I know Sofia will be thrilled to splash around in the river (in designated areas, of course!), and Isabella will be captivated by the flora and fauna.

For now, it's time to rest and recharge for our big day tomorrow. La Macarena has already exceeded my expectations, and I can't wait to see what other surprises it has in store for us. I feel a deep sense of connection to this land, to my roots, and to the people who call it home. It's a feeling I want to share with my family, creating memories that will bind us together for years to come.

Tomorrow, we dive into the heart of what brought us here: Caño Cristales. I have a feeling it will be an experience we'll never forget.