Rainbow River


Located in Serrania de la Macarena in the South American country Columbia, River Caño Cristales is now far & wide famous for its peculiar geographical wonder. Not its size or location but the amazingly colored underwater world.

In between Columbia’s major seasons, wet season and dry season, for a brief period when the climate becomes ideal for plants and waters alike, one can witness the astounding artistic skills of nature at some very remote locations of Cano Cristales.




This river is a haven for innumerable multi-colored algae and moss. When the climate is optimal and waters are crystal clear these underwater plants bloom to the fullest; displaying a wide range of colours resembling the shades in VIBGYOR.

Call these RGB (red, green, blue) or CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) palette shades with due respect to the digital age, but it seems even the term ‘colorful’ doesn’t adequately describe the real feeling of this eye-feast.



Set in a serene environment well away from the urban life, reaching the location of River Caño Cristales from La Macarena town is itself an experience… well isolated from roads, it requires a delightful couple of hour’s walk that any adventurer will cherish. Considering the importance of this region, the state government has organized guided trekking tours from La Macarena to Caño Cristales.



The silence of nature, soothing sounds of waters, dazzling display of colours where it seems the rainbow is flowing… by getting absorbed in this rejuvenating atmosphere, what more that a nature-lover could ask for!

This colourful river region is normally off the limit for visitor after November, when the fry season steals away the river’s charm. But still a few get dragged to this beckoning location – perhaps the irresistible nature’s call.

Keywords: Rainbow River, Serrania de la Macarena Rainbow River, South American country Columbia, River Cano Cristales, River Cano Cristales pictures, River Cano Cristales beauty, amazingly colored underwater world, Columbia’s major seasons, shades in VIBGYOR,