Once you consider pictures of geographical options that signify Colombia, one of many first locations that involves thoughts is prone to be Caño Cristales, a vibrant river that appeared within the film Encanto, impressed the ladies’s nationwide soccer crew’s shirts, and is depicted on the 2,000-peso banknote. I had the chance to go to it this yr, and I’m comfortable to report that it’s certainly really unimaginable. In case you are contemplating visiting Caño Cristales, it’s possible you’ll discover the next info helpful.
Location
Caño Cristales is Iocated within the Serranía de la Macarena nationwide park within the southern a part of La Meta, one of the biodiverse areas of Colombia belonging to the Orinoco river watershed. The closest city and the place to begin of all journeys to the nationwide park known as La Macarena.
The best way to get there
Since La Macarena is kind of far-off from main cities, one of the best ways to get there’s by aircraft. Throughout the excessive season, there are direct flights from Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali with Clic Air and SATENA. Whereas it’s doable to get to La Macarena by land from San José Del Guaviare within the east and San Vicente del Caguán within the west, the roads are unpaved and the automobile journeys are extraordinarily lengthy and uncomfortable. It’s extremely really helpful to pay some extra cash and journey by aircraft.
When to go to
Caño Cristales relies upon primarily on rainwater, so you want to go to it throughout the wet season. In reality, the nationwide park is open only for 5 – 6 months per yr, normally from mid-June till the tip of November.
Safety
For a number of a long time, the realm was thought of harmful attributable to the truth that the port in La Macarena was used for transporting coca. That has modified, and the place is now completely secure for vacationers since they now signify the primary supply of revenue. I felt rather more comfy strolling there at night time than in large Colombian cities. A peculiar reminder of the outdated occasions is that bike riders will not be allowed to put on a helmet so that everyone can see who they’re.
A singular airport expertise
Funnily sufficient, airport safety is non-existent in La Maracena. The airport constructing doorways are all the time open and actually anyone can stroll to the runway. There isn’t a X-ray machine and no person checks your cabin baggage once you depart. When it’s time to board the aircraft, an worker calls out the names on the passenger listing and you want to increase your hand to establish your self. All of it seems like a throwback to the occasions when there was no have to be apprehensive about potential threats when travelling by aircraft.
A guided tour is compulsory
You’ll be able to’t go to Caño Cristales by your self. Entry to the nationwide park is restricted and the variety of guests per day is capped, so it’s a good suggestion to e book your tour upfront. There are lots of businesses that may show you how to with that. I made my tour reservation by Hostal Caño Nevera, the place I stayed in La Macarena, and every little thing went very well.
Your information will accompany you always. At first, you’ll take a brief boat experience to the opposite aspect of the Guyabaero river after which a jeep will transport you to the place to begin of the hike. There are a number of routes obtainable, however you possibly can’t select which one your group will take – that’s determined by the authorities. Following your information’s directions is admittedly essential since there are some locations on the hike the place one may get significantly damage or worse.
Prohibited gadgets
Utilizing sunscreen and repellent is prohibited with a view to keep away from damaging the Macarenia clavijera plant that offers the river its colors. This implies you need to put on lengthy sleeves, trousers, and a hat to keep away from getting sunburnt. The place may be very scorching, however luckily there are some welcome alternatives to take a dip within the river.
As well as, you aren’t allowed to take single-use plastic luggage and bottles into the park. Though no person checked my backpack once I went there, it’s essential to respect the principles and use a refillable water bottle. There are at the least two locations the place you should purchase drinks within the nationwide park, anyway.
Yellow fever vaccination is really helpful
Once more, no person goes to verify any certificates, however it is strongly recommended to get vaccinated at the least 10 days earlier than travelling to the area. Though the chance of getting contaminated may be very low, the signs of this illness are fairly nasty and also you don’t wish to come down with a extreme case of yellow fever in a distant Colombian city.
Don’t anticipate luxurious
Please keep in mind that La Macarena is a growing city, the place a lot of the roads are unpaved. Don’t anticipate the identical infrastructure as in the very best elements of Bogotá and Medellín. For instance, it’s possible you’ll expertise frequent energy cuts throughout a storm. This journey is suited to adventurous travellers who can deal with discomfort.
It isn’t low cost
La Macarena depends upon tourism, but it receives nearly no overseas guests for half of the yr. It’s additionally very tough to achieve the city by land. Because of this, every little thing prices a bit greater than in another widespread vacationer locations in Colombia.
There are extra locations to go to than simply Caño Cristales
You want a full day to go to Caño Cristales, however there different wonderful locations close to La Macarena, reminiscent of Caño Piedra, el Mirador, and Raudal Angosturas I. I managed to see what I needed in 4 days, however you possibly can simply spend every week within the space and go to the very spectacular Caño Canoas as nicely.