Caño Cristales Discovery 3 Days 2 Nights

Caño Cristales Discovery 3 Days 2 Nights – Village Hotel Stay

Caño Cristales Experience from the Village A deep immersion in the river of five colors

At Colombia Oculta, we take care of every detail of your experience. This expedition requires a brief review by our team before it's confirmed, to make sure everything is ready for you in the territory

This 2-day, 2-night Caño Cristales package, with accommodation in the town center, offers a complete, relaxed, and smooth experience for exploring the most beautiful river in the world. Staying in comfortable hotels in the town of La Macarena, you'll enjoy more time on-site, the welcoming atmosphere of the village, its traditional restaurants, and llanero hospitality at the end of each day's hike.

Having an extra night and day allows you to explore the different branches and authorized trails of Sierra de La Macarena National Natural Park at a more relaxed pace. Accompanied by expert local guides, you'll visit iconic spots such as Los Pailones and Cristalitos, witness the Macarenia clavigera in full bloom, and discover waterfalls and natural pools of crystal-clear water.

The experience includes accommodation in hotels in the town of La Macarena and full meals prepared by community members using traditional regional ingredients. It's the perfect choice for travelers who want to dive deeper into the destination, enjoy excellent rest in town, and experience a full immersion in the biodiversity of the plains.

First, you'll be welcomed at the airport, settled into hotels in the town of La Macarena, and given an environmental orientation.
Next, we'll take river and land transfers to explore iconic sections of Caño Cristales as well as alternate trails such as Cristalitos or Caño Piedra.
Then, we'll spend full days exploring the park's main branches, enjoying recreational swims in authorized streams and traditional llanero cuisine.
Finally, the 4-day journey concludes with a return to the town's port and a transfer to the airport for your return flight.

What's included?

Food & drinks

Spanish-language guiding throughout all days.
2 nights of accommodation at the hotel. ( Tell us which hotel you would like to stay in. Please note that we are subject to availability)
Round-trip river transfers along the Guayabero River.
Round-trip transfers in a 4x4 truck.
Processing of permits with Colombia's National Natural Parks (PNN).
Meals (lunch on the first and last day, depending on flight arrival and departure times).
Contribution to the La Cachivera community at Caño Cristales.
Contribution to the CONSERVATION of Colombia Oculta's MADRE SELVA Private Nature Reserve.
Medical assistance insurance.

It is important to understand that the meals included in the plan are prepared by members of the local community, and the menu is based on typical products of the region; products from other regions are avoided. If you wish, you may ask for details of the menu. If you need or prefer foods that are not local to the area, we ask for your understanding and suggest that you bring them as part of your luggage.

Exclusions

Tip or gratuity

Airfare.
Expenses not specified.
Caño Cristales entrance fees:
(paid at La Macarena Airport)

National Parks (PNN), Cormacarena and Municipality tourist taxes:
2026

Colombians aged 5 to 12: COP $120,000
Colombians aged 13 to 25: COP $145,000
Colombians aged 26 to 64: COP $169,000
Colombians aged 65 and over: COP $68,000
Non-resident foreigners: COP $244,000

Airport fee (COP $14,000).
Please bring this amount in cash.

Local English-speaking guide (COP $250,000 per group per day, subject to availability) or interpreter (price depends on availability and number of days).

Please note

Passport required

BEFORE TRAVELING TO THE MUNICIPALITY OF LA MACARENA

When planning your trip to Caño Cristales and the municipality of La Macarena in general, please keep the following in mind:

Key Considerations: Check well in advance whether entry spots to Caño Cristales and other nearby attractions are still available, as these sites have a limited daily visitor capacity. Reach out to local tour operators, who can provide up-to-date information on activities and tourism services available in La Macarena. Bring your ID and social security/health insurance documentation. Make sure you're vaccinated against tropical diseases such as yellow fever. If traveling independently, carry medical or accident assistance insurance. Allow enough flexibility in your schedule, as weather conditions can cause itinerary delays.

Additional Recommendations: Pack enough clothing for tropical weather, including sun-protective items such as long-sleeved shirts, a hat or cap, and sunglasses. Wear closed-toe shoes with good grip — sandals or flip-flops are not allowed inside Caño Cristales. Stay well hydrated before heading to La Macarena. Bring a camera, video recorder, or other device to capture your experience. Pack a trash bag to carry inorganic waste back with you to a major city. Bring sunscreen, but note that it cannot be worn while visiting Caño Cristales or Cristalitos. GET VACCINATED AGAINST YELLOW FEVER AND BRING YOUR VACCINATION CARD — THIS IS REQUIRED BY POLICE AT THE AIRPORT.

DURING YOUR STAY IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF LA MACARENA

Follow the protocols established by environmental authorities, the national army, and local tourism operators for visiting attractions. Follow the guidance of local guides and experts. Note that there are specific departure and return times between the town center and the tourist attractions. Ask which sites are currently authorized by environmental authorities and the national army, to help ensure your safety and compliance with regulations. Vehicle access to Caño Cristales and other attractions is not permitted, except for vehicles authorized by environmental entities.

WHEN LEAVING THE MUNICIPALITY OF LA MACARENA

Make sure to gather all your belongings before departing. We encourage you to complete the visitor satisfaction survey available at the tourist information point at the airport. Please take any inorganic solid waste generated during your stay back with you to your home city.

Please note: anyone not included in the official entry permit — whether a visitor, guide, or local expert — will not be authorized by environmental authorities or the national army to enter Caño Cristales or other tourist attractions. Substituting individuals listed on an entry request is not permitted. This policy exists to prevent entry slots from being reserved without confirmed visitors to occupy them.

What to bring

Travellers should pack light, breathable clothing suited for tropical weather, along with sun protection such as a hat or cap, sunglasses, and long-sleeved shirts. Swimwear is recommended for enjoying the natural pools along the Caño Cristales trails, and a light jacket or warm layer is useful for cooler evenings in the mountains. Closed-toe shoes with good grip are required — sandals and flip-flops are not permitted inside Caño Cristales. Sunscreen should be packed, but note it cannot be applied while visiting Caño Cristales or Cristalitos due to environmental protection regulations. Travellers should also bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated, a camera or phone to capture the experience, and a small bag for carrying out personal waste, since inorganic waste must be taken back to the traveller's home city. Valid ID and social security/health documentation are required, and most importantly, travellers must carry their yellow fever vaccination card, as it's required by police at the airport in La Macarena.