CAÑO CRISTALES

Caño Cristales is a unique ecosystem. in this place there are different natural wonders, you can find from rocks more than 1200 years old until red plants.

The Serrania de la Macarena, has 420 species of birds, 10 amphibians, 43 reptiles and 8 primates.Caño Cristales is a rainforest ecosystem, the water is crystal clear, no sediment so no fish. this ecosystem is important because there we find different species of plants and animals endemic.The avifauna of the Reserve of La Macarena recorded until 1978 contains 456 species represented in 65 families, about 27% of all Colombian avifauna which is dominated by species of the Guayanas, Amazonas and less representative of the Andina region. Most of these species have been reported in the area currently covered by National Park.

in this place you can see red plants mainly due to the species Macarenia Clavijera

WHERE IS LOCATED CAÑO CRISTALES ?Caño Cristales is located in Colombia . More exactly north of the town of La Macarena , in Meta province . Cano Cristales River is considered the most beautiful in the world, also known by the name of " River of five colors " (yellow , blue , green , red and black ) , for its clear waters and pure aquatic plants reveal the Sol mature with these beautiful colors , giving a magical river .Caño Cristales river is not very wide and flowing, so called "pipe”. Really, does not exceed in its widest 20 meters. Its length does not go beyond 100 kilometers. His birth took place on the plateau south of the Serrania de La Macarena , in Meta.

TURISMOCaño Cristales is still in a very pristine . There is no tourism infrastructure through roads, stairs and railings. Therefore, the walks are done to meet accessibility prevent people in wheelchairs and strollers . You will walk among rocks , often by narrow roads , go up and come down from rocky and slippery places .It is not an extreme hike . Any physically fit person can do it. Very important to have good shoes . Avoid walking in sandals . A good shoe with grip and protection for the ankles will be very useful and will make your hiking experience

HISTORIAwas released for the first time worldwide, by photographer , journalist and explorer Colombian Andres Hurtado Garcia, whose photographs of this amazing site were published and promoted worldwide .Over many years, the La Macarena was a growing area of the coca plant, controlled by FARC guerrillas . This state of affairs led to many social and security problems, preventing travel carrying this region of Colombia . Visiting La Macarena at that time could be dangerous. However, today, the Serrania de La Macarena and Caño Cristales are militarized and controlled by the Colombian army that guarantees security in the area . La Macarena is prepared and ready to receive tourists.The time to travel to Caño Cristales lasts 6 months a year. It starts in the second half of June and lasts until December.Outside these months, ie between January and early June, you can also travel to La Macarena , but cannot access the river. In the first half of the year, access to the river is closed, since aquatic plants during the season give this magical and colors fill the river, are in their reproductive period .

The global biological importance of the Macarena is that part of three ecosystems rich in diversity of flora and fauna: Andes, Llanos Orientales and Amazon rainforest.

The safeguard natural parks and Tinigua Picacho. Presents archaeological sites where there are petroglyphs and pictographs of indigenous cultures that lived there. We also found the springs in the village Monserrate, puddles and creek jumping Curia.

1. Conserve biodiversity present in biogeographic Macarena districts and Ariari-Guayabero.2. Conserve natural landscapes that characterize the Sierra de La Macarena and ancient terraces present in the south-west and north of the park, being the westernmost outcrop Guiana Shield.3. Preserve natural sites and scenic high scenic value present in the PNN Sierra de La Macarena, which constitutes ecotourism potential sites. 4. Conserve natural space associated with indigenous settlement Guayabero-Caño Ceiba and archaeological demonstrations as Angostura Raudal I and II and high Cafre by historical and cultural wealth they represent.