© Tourcan Vacations
- Duration
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Trip type
- Adventure | Wildlife | Nature
- Group size
Overview
An adventurous journey into La Macarena Natural Reserve, where the Amazon and Orinoco territories meet, featuring the spectacular Caño Cristales, known as the “River of Five Colors.”
The journey begins with an early overland trip from Bogotá to Villavicencio followed by a flight to La Macarena. Experiences include visits to Caño Cristales sectors Los Pianos and Caño Piedra, Caño Cristalitos, boat journeys along the Guayabero and Guatabero rivers, bird-watching and wildlife observation, and full-day treks through the Serranía. The itinerary also includes opportunities for photography, swimming and relaxation around the crystal-clear waters and colorful river landscapes, with overnight stays in tent lodges, hammocks or basic accommodation and a hotel in La Macarena.
The route
Day by day, at a glance
Day 1 · La Macarena
Bogotá - Villavicencio - Macarena
Day 2 · La Macarena
Macarena - Caño Cristales
Day 3 · La Macarena
Macarena - Caño Cristales
Day 4 · Bogotá
Macarena - Villavicencio - Bogotá
Day by day
The itinerary
Day 1 · La Macarena
Bogotá - Villavicencio - Macarena
La Macarena Natural Reserve is situated in the southwest of the Meta department. It represents a unique slice of biogeography, and is a meeting point of the territories of the Amazon and of the Orinoco. One of the best-known attractions is the astonishing river “Caño Cristales”, commonly called “The River of Five Colors,” “The Liquid Rainbow” and “The Most Beautiful River in the World” because of the algae that produces bright colors like red, yellow, green and blue at the bottom of the river, which give it a unique appearance. Activities: • Our 3-hour overland trip from Bogotá to the Meta department starts around 3:00 am from our meeting point. We leave Bogotá heading south towards Villavicencio, capital of Meta. On arrival, transfer to the airport and flight to the “La Macarena” mountain range, landing on a grass runway. • We spend the night in tent lodges, hammocks or basic accommodation. • Visit Caño Cristales sector Los Pianos. Overnight: Macarena – (L, D)
Tent lodges, hammocks or basic accommodationLunch, DinnerDay 2 · La Macarena
Macarena - Caño Cristales
Activities: • After breakfast, journey by boat on Guayabero river, time for bird-watching and wild life of Serrania. • Trek all day by Salto del Aguila sector, typical lunch at the river, return to Hotel in La Macarena and dinner. • Caño Cristales is a place of indescribable beauty, with cascades and lakes of crystal-clear waters and colorful river bottoms. The best time to visit Caño Cristales is between August and November. Hike through the region, enjoy time to take photos, swim and relax. Overnight: Macarena – (B, L, D)
Hotel in La MacarenaBreakfast, lunch, dinnerDay 3 · La Macarena
Macarena - Caño Cristales
Activities: • After breakfast, journey by boat on Guatabero river, time for bird-watching and wild life of Serrania. • Trek all day by Caño Piedra sector, local seat lunch, return to Hotel in La Macarena and dinner. Overnight: Macarena – (B, L, D)
Hotel in La MacarenaBreakfast, lunch, dinnerDay 4 · Bogotá
Macarena - Villavicencio - Bogotá
Activities: After breakfast, visit to Caño Cristalitos and lunch. Transfer to the runway and fly back to Villavicencio. Departure: Overland return journey to Bogotá and transfer to the hotel or airport. – (B, L) Meals as per itinerary: (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner) We can personalize this tour just for you! Call: 1 800 263 2995 / 416 391 0334 or complete form
Breakfast, Lunch
Where you'll stay
Accommodations
Day 1 · La Macarena
Tent lodges, hammocks or basic accommodation
Days 2–3 · La Macarena
Hotel in La Macarena
How it works
Made to order
- Every Tourcan trip is built by a specialist, not a template — the route, hotels, and pace are tuned to how you want to travel.
- Dates are flexible. There are no fixed departures; we plan around your calendar.
- Quotes and bookings happen by phone and email with your specialist — no automated checkout, just a real conversation.
What's included
Inclusions and exclusions
Included
- Accommodations Per Person Sharing, including hotel taxes
- Arrival & departure transfers where applicable
- Local guides where applicable
- Meals per itinerary
- Park entrance fees and sightseeing fees where applicable
- Applicable transportation
Not included
- Airfare and air taxes
- Cancellation, baggage, travel and medical insurance
- Items of a personal nature such as baggage porterage, gratuities/tips, laundry, telephone calls, bottled water, etc.
- Visa and visa fees
- Optional sightseeing and activities
- Meals, beverages and services not mentioned in itinerary
- For additional information or reservations please complete QUOTE REQUEST form in side bar of this page or contact us directly to speak to one of our Destination Experts.
- We can personalize this tour just for you! Call: 1 800 263 2995 / 416 391 0334 or complete form
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included in the price of any Tourcan itinerary. We strongly recommend comprehensive coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, medical expenses, and baggage.