Available languages
96 hours
Mobile ticket
Embark on a captivating 4-day guided tour to discover the beauty of the world's most stunning river, Caño Cristales. From June to November, witness the vibrant hues that paint the rivers, showcasing exceptional and surprising natural beauty. This unique ecosystem, now part of the Sierra de la Macarena Natural National Park, awaits exploration. In addition to the mesmerizing river, your journey will lead you to one of the planet's most impressive waterfalls—a remote gem that has been a local secret for years. Immerse yourself in the wonders of nature and uncover hidden treasures on this unforgettable adventure.
Service animals allowed
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Fully guided tours - Spanish speaking guide
All meals (from lunch on the first day to lunch on the last day) in local restaurants in La Macarena (typical Colombian dishes served in banana leaves when on excursions)
Accommodation in single/double (according to preference) in local hotel
All transfers while in La Macarena (boat, motorcycle, 4x4)
*English translator headset available in advance (additional cost)
*If flights from Bogota are not available we will transport you to the Villavicencio airport (3-5hrs from Bogota) for a charter flight (hotel transfer included)
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
National Park fees
3 nights accommodation
Round-trip flights (to and from Bogota)
Professional guide Spanish Speaking (English guide available on request - additional cost)
Gratuities
Be aware that La Macarena hotels offer basic amenities, and most establishments do not provide hot water.
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
La Macarena
Arriving either from Villavicencio or Bogota airport (subject to flight availability), your welcome to this adventure begins as a friendly FlashpackerConnect representative awaits. Indulge in a welcome lunch featuring local products. The day unfolds with a visit to the botanical garden, offering opportunities for bird watching, hiking, and capturing memorable moments through photography. *Flight details will be sent to you one week prior to your tour.
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
Cano Cristales
After enjoying a hearty breakfast, embark on a boat journey to El Raudal. This natural marvel was sculpted by the Guayabero River as it meandered through Tinigua Park, dramatically narrowing its course from 200 to just 30meters. The result is a breathtaking display of rock carvings etched by the water's passage. As you navigate the water, be prepared to witness a diverse array of wildlife & picturesque landscapes. Following the boat excursion, embark on a hike along the Miradores trail. Here, you'll encounter ancient petroglyphs & have the option to continue your exploration towards the city of Piedras or the Aguas Claras trail (availability subject to confirmation the night prior determined by local authorities). Enjoy a swim, savor a delicious lunch, then return to your hotel. The return journey to La Macarena involves a combination of horseback riding and a scenic boat trip. Your evening will culminate with dinner, offering a perfect opportunity to reflect on the day's adventures.
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
La Macarena
Embark on a captivating journey as we cruise down the Guayabero River, exploring its scenic beauty by boat. A delightful horseback ride awaits, guiding us to the tranquil Lagoon of Silence. Glide through the lagoon's calm waters in non-motorized canoes, immersing yourself in the peaceful surroundings. Our adventure continues with a leisurely walk, leading us to Ricardo's cabins for a regional lunch, offering a taste of the local cuisine. Post-meal, relish the warm waters of Caño Cristales, a mesmerizing location nestled in the foothills of the Serrania de la Macarena. Along the trails, be enchanted by the diverse wildlife, including birds and primates, lush vegetation, and the invigorating freshness of nature's air. As the afternoon unfolds, we make our way back to La Macarena.
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
La Macarena
As your final day dawns, awaken early to embark on an enchanting wildlife boat ride. Following this delightful experience, savor a hearty breakfast at a local farm. Post-breakfast, return to your hotel to complete your packing before bidding farewell to this memorable adventure. Flights back to Bogota are available at various times, generally ranging between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm, subject to availability and the day's flight schedule.
Spanish Guide: Spanish speaking native guide
3 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
sarahfreem,
Sep 14, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
This was such an amazing and unique experience. It was not my first trip with Flashpacker Connect and it definitely won't be my last! They curate the most unique and amazing trips and make it so easy and flawless taking care of all the logistics. One thing I really love about them is how flexible they are with your travel plans. A lot of other companies have set dates & itineraries, but Flashpacker Connect lets you customize and will work with your to create your dream trip! I travel a lot, mainly solo, and have planned many of my own trips; however this would have been difficult to do without the help of such an awesome company! I told Brandon with FlashpackerConnect that I was looking for adventure and he sure delivered! Upon arrival, I was met by my guide Nelson who is one of the nicest guides I've had and also a very fun/cool guy. We hopped on the back of his motorbike which would be our main form of transportation the whole time! This was my first time on a motorbike and it was such a thrill! The few days I spent there were filled with a lot of hiking and delicious food (there was definitely not a shortage of that!). And while a small town, it was very lively and the people were some of the happiest and most friendly I have met on my travels. A few of the days we had a couple other people join our group which was great fun! And while, because its a small remote town, a lot of people don't speak English (or very basic), with my basic Spanish, some good food and music, we were all able to have an amazing time! If you want an adventure off the beaten path, this is it!
JayTreksOn,
Aug 1, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
It’s difficult to describe all the amazing and unique memories made during these four days. The hospitality and care that FlashpackerConnect and the locals provide from the planning of transportation to food preparation and entertainment, there are no dull moments to be had or empty stomachs for that matter. My main tour guide was Nelson who on the first day showed me around via motorbike since I was traveling solo. It was my first time riding a motorbike and it was an incredible thrill. The first day we experienced the prairie lands (or Llanos), one of the three ecosystems that La Macarena has to offer (the Andes and the Amazon being the other two). We swam at a swimming hole until the sun started to set and we went back up to the higher ground to take in the views. For my second day I joined another group led by Pablo and Nelson to Caño Cristales. It is beautiful and a great experience to see the unique colorful Macarenia Clavigera plants line the rivers. We learned about the various plants in and around the river and enjoyed a couple swimming holes. The day concluded with dinner and a show as the locals played music showed us traditional Colombian dance and showed us just how lively La Macarena really is! The most incredible experience was had on the third day. The day started at 5am with heavy rainfall as Nelson drove us three hours via motorbike to reach Caño Canoas. This may not sounds like a good time and it was frightening at the beginning but Nelson did an amazing job navigating the slippery hole covered dirt roads and after the first hour the rain had stopped. This experience is unique because I was traveling solo and the rainfall made for an intense ride ahead but I never felt more alive! In a group you would be in a truck and it may not rain but expect it to because it’s all about the adventure and experience. The chaotic beginning was almost a test to see if I was worthy of experiencing the paradise we would soon enter. Arriving to Caño Canoas we were given a delicious warm breakfast and met Carlos who would guide us going into Caño Canoas. It didn’t take long before we reached the first waterfalls and already the morning felt worth it. But it wasn’t until we got to the next view point that it all hit me of what this place really has to offer. A magically sea of lush greens coated with the mist of the waterfalls that stood before the basin. Nothing but pure awe and gratitude as this is a place only read about in books or seen on film. We would make our way through the waterfalls and swim in the pools below getting a 360 view of this wonderful oasis. I can’t thank Nelson and Carlos enough for showing me this breathtaking scene! It’s worth the trip but be sure to bring water shoes with good grips ;) For the final day before I left I was given a boat tour where I saw the red howler monkeys along with iguanas and various bird species. I was then brought to the small habitat to see the rescue efforts to preserve turtles in the Guayabero river. We enjoyed the most delicious lemon tea I have ever had and then took a hike to enjoy final views before flight home. It was great to be able to reflect on the trip and all the memories made plus the amazing meals that was had. A special thank you to Marcelo and Doris who made my last minute trip happen. I can’t recommend this tour enough for any adventure seekers out there that are ready to be taken to a different world…only to be reminded it is our world and one we need to protect. Happy travels!!







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