Caño Cristales River of the 7 Colors

Day 1. Sunday. Bogotá

Arrival in the city of Bogotá, assistance at El Dorado International Airport, and transfer to the hotel for check-in. (It is recommended to choose a flight itinerary that ensures your arrival before noon).

In the afternoon, a panoramic city tour will begin through the historic center of Bogotá, also called “La Candelaria”. You will visit the Gold Museum where you will see around 34,000 pieces of pre-Hispanic gold and more than 25,000 pre-Columbian objects. Subsequently, you will visit the Mint House and Botero Donation where works of the master Fernando Botero, a Colombian artist recognized internationally in different artistic techniques such as painting, drawing, and sculpture, are exhibited. The tour will end with a panoramic tour of the Bolívar Square area (The Primate Cathedral, Casa de Nariño, Liévano Palace, and Palace of Justice). In the afternoon, return to the hotel. Accommodation.

Day 2. Monday. Bogotá - La Macarena

Breakfast at the hotel. At the agreed time, pick-up from the hotel lobby. From almost any point in the city, it is impossible not to notice the hill that, at 3,152 meters above sea level, watches over Bogotá. Monserrate is the ultimate symbol of the city, not only as a natural landmark but also for its religious significance. Its sanctuary has been visited by millions of pilgrims and travelers since its foundation in 1640.

After returning, a panoramic city tour begins through Bogotá’s historic center, also known as La Candelaria, including a visit to the Gold Museum, where you will discover nearly 34,000 pre-Hispanic gold pieces and more than 25,000 pre-Columbian artifacts. The tour continues with visits to the Casa de la Moneda and the Botero Donation, which exhibit works by master Fernando Botero, an internationally renowned Colombian artist known for painting, drawing, and sculpture.

The tour concludes with a panoramic visit around Plaza de Bolívar, featuring the Primatial Cathedral, Casa de Nariño, Liévano Palace, and the Palace of Justice. Return to the hotel. Accommodation.

Duration: 6 hours

Operating days: Tuesday to Sunday

Includes: Private transportation, Spanish-speaking guide, entrance to the Gold Museum, Casa de la Moneda, Botero Donation, ascent to Monserrate, accommodation, and medical assistance card.

Not included: Lunch and dinner.

Important note: The Gold Museum is closed on Mondays. Casa de la Moneda and Botero Donation are closed on Tuesdays.

Day 3. Tuesday - La Macarena - Cajuche Spring.

We will begin the tour with hotel pick-up to visit a majestic cloud forest located very close to Bogotá. We will walk along more than 18 km of trails surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, viewpoints, and seven types of forests that are home to over 300 bird species, 20 mammal species, and a great diversity of flora.

We will be accompanied by a specialized guide who will lead us during the hike up to the refuge. At the end of the experience, we will enjoy a traditional lunch before returning to the hotel.

Duration: 6 hours

Includes: Private transportation, Spanish-speaking guide, park entrance, guided hike to the refuge, traditional lunch, and medical assistance card.

Operating days: Daily

Notes: Entry allowed between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. | Early start recommended | Uneven terrain | Not recommended for people with reduced mobility.

Day 4. Wednesday - La Macarena - Cajuche Spring.

At the scheduled time, hotel–airport transfer to take the charter flight to La Macarena.

An Encounter with Nature. Welcome to the Natural Paradise: Upon landing in La Macarena, you will be warmly welcomed by your local guide and receive an introductory briefing about the national park. Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of natural wonders.

Navigation along the Guayabero River: Board a charming canoe for a 20-minute ride along the Guayabero River. During the journey, keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife that inhabits the riverbanks.

Ascent to the Lookout Point: After disembarking, enjoy a 45-minute hike up to El Mirador, a panoramic viewpoint over the Guiana Shield, where you will admire majestic views and learn about the history that brings La Macarena to life.

Discovery at Caño Cristalitos: Enjoy a 45-minute walk to the crystal-clear waters of Caño Cristalitos, where you can take a refreshing swim in a magical setting surrounded by the lush Macarenia clavigera, the plant responsible for the colors of Caño Cristales. Here, we will pause to enjoy lunch in a natural environment.

Return to La Manigua Lodge: Walk 50 minutes back to the Guayabero River and then navigate by canoe for 15 minutes to reach La Manigua Lodge, your cozy jungle retreat.

Relaxing Afternoon: Enjoy free time at the lodge, spotting monkeys from the cabins or relaxing at the bar with charming views.

Dinner in the Heart of the Jungle: End the day with a delicious dinner at the lodge, savoring local flavors while immersing yourself in the tranquility of the surroundings.

Day 5. Thursday - La Macarena Mountain Range Trail - Bogotá

Energizing Breakfast: Start the day with a nutritious breakfast at the lodge, preparing yourself for a day full of discoveries. The departure time is determined by the National Park and may be between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m.

Journey to the Heart of the National Park: Travel by canoe for 15 minutes, followed by a 35-minute ride by truck, venturing into the majestic National Park to begin your adventure.

Exploration of Caño Cristales: Enjoy a 30-minute hike to the famous River of Five Colors, Caño Cristales. Here, vibrant trails ranging from 8 to 13 km and natural pools await, where you can swim and admire the site’s unique beauty.

Day of Exploration and Lunch: Spend 5 to 7 hours exploring the upper basin of Caño Cristales, alternating between refreshing swims, waterfalls, and a lunch in a breathtaking natural setting.

Return to the Lodge: After a day full of adventures, return to La Manigua Lodge to relax and recharge.

River Serenade: In the afternoon, enjoy a unique cultural serenade while relaxing by the river, watching the sunset and, with a bit of luck, spotting dolphins.

Dinner: Savor a delicious dinner at the lodge, sharing stories and experiences from the day in a warm and cozy atmosphere.

Day 6. Friday - Bogotá - Destination City

Breakfast at La Manigua Lodge: Start the day with a relaxed breakfast at the lodge, preparing yourself for a new adventure in Caño Cristales.

Transfer to Caño Cristales: Travel by canoe for 15 minutes along the Guayabero River, followed by an approximately 35-minute 4x4 ride to the beginning of the trail.

Hike to the Lower Basin of Caño Cristales: From here, enjoy a 30-minute hike to the trail in the lower basin of Caño Cristales, a more jungle-like area where Macarenia clavigera turns an intense green. The surroundings are different and will surprise you with a beautiful carpet of plants covering the river, creating a visual spectacle completely different from previous days.

Exploration and Lunch in the Lower Basin: Spend time exploring this unique area of Caño Cristales, where clear waters and rock formations blend with lush vegetation. You will have the opportunity to swim in one of the most beautiful natural pools of Caño Cristales and enjoy an outdoor lunch, surrounded by the serenity of nature. On this trail, you will also have the chance to visit Los Ochos, the most iconic spot of the river, from a completely different perspective, as you will be on the opposite side of the river.

Return to La Manigua Lodge: After exploring the lower basin, return along the same route to the lodge, where you can relax at the end of your adventure.

Cultural Activity: In the afternoon, enjoy a special cultural experience with local neighbors, learning the art of preparing chocolate from cacao fruit—a delightful activity that connects you with the roots of the region.

Dinner at La Manigua Lodge: End the day with an exquisite dinner at the lodge, sharing stories from the day while enjoying the tranquility of the jungle.

Day 7. La Macarena: Sunrise River Tour on the Guayabero River and Departure to Bogotá

Early Morning Departure: We will start the day very early, before sunrise, to begin our canoe journey along the calm waters of the Guayabero River.

Sunrise Canoe Ride: We will paddle upstream for approximately one hour, enjoying the scenery and the opportunity to spot a wide variety of wildlife.

Sunrise from the Canoe: Watch the sunrise from the canoe as the river current gently carries us back toward the lodge. With a bit of luck, you may spot pink river dolphins, locally known as Toninas, and capture photographs of colorful birds along the riverbanks.

Return to La Manigua Lodge: After this magical morning experience, we will return to La Manigua Lodge to enjoy a delicious breakfast and prepare our belongings for departure.

Farewell to La Macarena: We will travel by canoe back to La Macarena, where you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight, taking with you unforgettable memories of this adventure. Depending on your flight schedule, there may be time for a final lunch before departure.

Arrival in Bogotá, assistance at El Dorado International Airport, and transfer to the hotel for check-in. Accommodation.

Includes: Airport–hotel transfer, accommodation, and medical assistance card.

Not included: Dinner.

Day 8. Bogotá – Next Destination: Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to El Dorado International Airport to take the flight (not included) to the next destination.

This day includes: Private transportation and medical assistance card.

This day does not include: Lunch and dinner