The River with 5 colours (Cano Cristales)

The River of Five Colors fondly called Caño Cristales River is located in the Serrania de la Macarena province of Meta, in modern day Colombia. It’s a tributary of the Guayabero River. The river is commonly called the “River of Five Colors” or the “Liquid Rainbow,” and is even referred to as the most beautiful river in the world due to its striking colors.

The bed of the river from the end of July through November is variously colored yellow, green, blue, black, and especially red, the last caused by Macarenia clavigera plants (family Podostemaceae) on the bottom of the river. It is approximately 100km long and no more than 20 meters wide. The phenomenon can be observed during for a special period of a few weeks from June through to November when the temperature is just right. Traveling to the river is not easy as you must fly to the small town of La Macarena and trek through unmarked trails into the national park from there.

Like I said earlier, The river is located in Colombia, and it’s a special place where for a brief period of time every year when the conditions are just right, the river explodes with vibrant colours your eyes won’t believe. During the short span between the wet and dry season, when the water level is just right, a unique species of plant that lines the river floor called Macarenia clavigera turns a brilliant red. It is offset by splotches of yellow and green sand, blue water, and countless shades in between.