TODAY COLOMBIA – The Caribbean’s crystal clear waters and white sands may be beautiful, but they don’t have anything on Colombia’s mind-blowing Cano Cristales.
Colloquially known as the “liquid rainbow,” various parts of the gorgeous river sport ravishing red, blue, black, green and yellow coloration that, at first glance, looks completely unnatural.
Cano Cristales, however, is 100% natural. A booming population of the riverweed Podostemaceae thrives on the 60-mile river’s floor, its vibrant red hue plainly visible through the babbling brook. Elsewhere, a brilliant combination of rocks, algae and sand is responsible for the remaining colors.
The landmark reveals its true majesty for only a few weeks in the autumn. During the rainy season, the river runs too deep and and too quickly for visitors to see through its water. During the dry season, water is not abundant enough to support the plethora of plant life responsible for the colorful show.
According to Atlas Obscura, the river is not easy accessible; visitors must fly into a nearby town and make the journey through Serrania de la Macarena National Park on horseback.
