<strong>Caño Cristales: </strong>Colombia's stunning "River of Five Colors" is located in Serranía de la Macarena national park, in the province of Meta.
Caño Cristales: Colombia's stunning "River of Five Colors" is located in Serranía de la Macarena national park, in the province of Meta.
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<strong>When the time is right:</strong> From June to November, the months between wet and dry seasons, river plants put on a colorful show.
When the time is right: From June to November, the months between wet and dry seasons, river plants put on a colorful show.
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<strong>Seeing red: </strong>The colors are produced during the reproductive process of aquatic plants called <em>Macarenia clavigera</em>, a species of riverweed.
Seeing red: The colors are produced during the reproductive process of aquatic plants called Macarenia clavigera, a species of riverweed.
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<strong>Protecting the river:</strong> During the dry season, the river is closed to the public to allow the area's ecology to recover from the impact of visitors. The site was closed for about a year during the pandemic.
Protecting the river: During the dry season, the river is closed to the public to allow the area's ecology to recover from the impact of visitors. The site was closed for about a year during the pandemic.
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<strong>Controlled impact:</strong> There are designated swimming areas in the river. However, visitors are not allowed to swim wearing sun lotion or bug spray, as the plants are sensitive to the products' chemicals.
Controlled impact: There are designated swimming areas in the river. However, visitors are not allowed to swim wearing sun lotion or bug spray, as the plants are sensitive to the products' chemicals.
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<strong>Wildlife, too:</strong> Turtles, iguanas and aguilas -- Colombia's national bird -- are just some of the local species in the area around the showstopping river.
Wildlife, too: Turtles, iguanas and aguilas -- Colombia's national bird -- are just some of the local species in the area around the showstopping river.
Juergen Ritterbach/Alamy Stock Photo
<strong>Serranía de la Macarena national park:</strong> Most tours range from two to four days and will also take you to other areas of the park.
Serranía de la Macarena national park: Most tours range from two to four days and will also take you to other areas of the park.
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