El Tapete Rojo and Los Ochos
The stretch where the macarenia clavigera is densest and the water runs over circular pools scoured out of the rock. It is the image of the destination.
Meta · La Macarena
Caño Cristales
For a few months each year, a river running over the Precambrian rock of the Guiana Shield fills with an aquatic plant and turns red; then it fades. You do not visit Caño Cristales when you choose to, but when the river allows it. That is the whole point of it.
Why go
What makes this destination unique
Colombia has beaches, coffee farms and colonial cities; it has one single place where the Andes, the Amazon and the Orinoquía meet over a rock formation older than the cordillera, and where an almost endemic aquatic plant dyes the water red. Access is limited and a guide compulsory: it will never be a destination for crowds.
- When to goThe season opens at the end of May and closes between November and December, depending on the year. The red of the macarenia clavigera is at its peak between July and September, with clearer skies.
- Getting thereYou fly from El Dorado to La Macarena — Javier Noreña Valencia airport — in about an hour, with Satena and charters in season. After that, a boat along the Guayabero and a jeep.
What to see
What you should not miss
Piscina del Turista
One of the few pools where bathing is allowed: four meters of clear water between stone walls, at the end of the walk.
Sendero del Salto del Águila
The long route, close to nine kilometers, linking the Cascada de la Virgen, Piedra Negra, Los Cuarzos and La Escalera in a single day.
Mirador de Cristalitos
In the hamlet of El Billar, a climb of moderate difficulty opens up the view over the savannas of the Orinoquía and the course of the Guayabero.
Raudal del Guayabero
You travel by boat between walls of ancient rock and walk up to the pictographs left by Amazonian peoples thousands of years ago.
Parrando llanero in the village
The Macarena night: joropo, the music of the plains, harp and cuatro, and mamona, veal roasted over the fire. It is the llanero half of the destination, the one that is not in the photographs.
Where to stay
Hotels we recommend
A selection of houses with character. We work with others too: tell us what you are looking for and we will propose the one that fits.
Ecolodge on the banks of the Guayabero river
La Manigua Lodge
Cabins of timber and palm on stilts, fifteen minutes by boat from the village. The best the destination has.
Ecolodge at kilometer 2, on the road to Caño Cristales
Hotel Ecolodge Makalombia
A timber building beside the forest, solar power and home cooking. Outside the village, but close to the trails.
Hotel in the town of La Macarena
Hotel Punto Verde
The most comfortable option inside the village, with its own restaurant and good logistics for the pre-dawn departures for the trails.
Family guesthouse in the village
Hostal Caño Nevera
Small, spotless and with the best reputation among independent travelers. Run like a home, not a hotel.
Where to eat
The destination's table
The kitchens worth a reservation. We take care of the booking and the transfer.
Signature cooking with a Peruvian accent
El Café de Lithos
The most ambitious project in the village: Peruvian causas, vegetarian options and pastries. It usually opens only in the afternoons.
Grills and llanero cooking
Restaurante Asadero El Caporal
Meat over the fire, cachama river fish and sancocho, right in the center. The table the whole village goes to.
Traditional llanero cooking
Restaurante Llano y Leyenda
Ternera a la llanera, river fish and pan de arroz, the local rice bread, served without the slightest pretension.
Llanero food in generous helpings
Punto Verde
The dining room of the hotel of the same name; abundant portions of meat and quick service before the walks.
Does this destination interest you? We build it into a tailor-made route.
Request a proposalHotel and restaurant information is for reference and is confirmed at the time of booking. The recommendations do not imply any commercial relationship with the establishments mentioned.
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