The crystal-clear waters of the Caño Cristales River, flowing through the Colombian national park of Serranía de la Macarena, do not hide the multicolored mosses and algae growing at the bottom.
It’s no coincidence that Caño Cristales translates from Spanish as the “crystal stream.” The water practically contains no impurities, salts, or minerals, which is why the river lacks fish.
Vivid shades of bright red, yellow, green, blue, and even black are visible in the underwater world, even at a depth of one meter. The remarkable bright red color of the river is attributed to endemic algae called Macarenia clavígera.
The riverbed, resembling a rainbow, is dotted with round wells of natural origin, where weary travelers can take a swim after exploring this natural wonder.
It’s noteworthy that the vibrant colors of the Caño Cristales River can only be observed during the dry season from June to November.