This River in Colombia Turns Five Different Colors – Here’s How to See It!

Let’s explore Caño Cristales, a river that flows with not five different colors at once! This mind-bending waterway shows off shades of red, green, yellow, blue, and black—earning it nicknames like “The Liquid Rainbow” and “The River That Ran Away From Paradise.”

Located in Colombia’s Serranía de la Macarena National Park, Caño Cristales runs through a remote area where the Amazon rainforest, Andes mountains, and eastern plains meet.

The color-changing is due to an aquatic plant called Rhyncholacis clavigera. It clings to the rocks in the riverbed and turns bright red under the right conditions. When it mixes with the river’s other natural elements, you get:

• Red from the Rhyncholacis clavigera
• Green from algae
• Blue from the water depth
• Yellow from sand deposits
• Black from the rocks

This color show only happens during a short window each year—usually from June to November, when water levels drop enough to let the plants get sunlight, but there’s still enough flow to keep the river running.

To see Caño Cristales, you’ll fly to La Macarena, then take a boat ride followed by a hike through the park with a local guide. The journey might leave you sweaty and tired, but the amazing view at the end makes it so worth it.

The best viewing time runs from July to October, with peak colors usually in August and September.

You can only visit with authorized tour guides, as this is a protected area. As well, the national park limits daily visitors, so book your tour well in advance!

While the rainbow river gets all the attention, the surrounding Serranía de la Macarena National is home to rare wildlife, including monkeys, birds, and jaguars (though these shy cats rarely show themselves to visitors).

For travelers who love chasing one-of-a-kind natural wonders, this magical place in Colombia sits at the top of the “you won’t believe your eyes” category. Just make sure your camera battery is charged—you’ll be taking hundreds of photos!

About the Author

Mike is a writer who researches and shares actionable advice around travel lifestyle, finance, and personal growth. He loves any trip where he can explore the great outdoors, and believes everyone should be able to experience travel for personal development and fulfillment. Read his other articles on Frayed Passport here.

Featured image by Mario Carvajal on Wikimedia Commons.