Rainbow river: Colombia’s natural wonder  

When you think of a river, you most likely envision muddy pale green or blue water or crystal clear water with a few dull grey stones lining the riverbed. But what if we told you a river could be in raibow colours? Yes, we are talking about the famous rainbow river of Colombia. For a short time in a year, Colombia’s Caño Cristales river turns into an aquatic rainbow.  

River of Five Colours  
For most of the year, Caño Cristales river located in the Serrania de la Macarena province of Meta, central Colombian department, is a pale green river that is not so different from most others. But during a short time between the wet and dry season (say from late July through November), it turns into an aquatic rainbow.  

But you would ask why only during this time? Well, this period is conducive to an explosion of Macarenia clavigera plants (red blooming plants) which populate the river’s waters. These plants produce a stunning scarlet red colour which dominates the river and other colours come from black rocks, green algae, blue water and yellow sand, producing a luminous effect. However, the macarenia clavigera’s growth and colour are determined by the year’s rainfall, temperature and sunlight. Therefore, while one year a stretch of the river may be carpeted in crimson, the next it could appear bright green or yellow.  

Just imagine this colourful river with waterfalls, pools and caverns—a scenic bliss indeed! So, it is aptly called the River of Five Colours or the Liquid Rainbow. 

Giant kettles  
If you visit this river, you may spot a giant’s kettle. Several giant kettles add to the mystique of this colourful river that looks as though it was imported from a distant planet. You must be wondering what a giant kettle is. It is a circular hole that forms in the riverbed when flowing water jostles rocks and creates friction. It appears as a natural witch’s cauldron, with water wildly churning back and forth. How picturesque that is! 

Discovery of the Rainbow River 
The river is a recent discovery. It was spotted, by chance, in 1969, by a group of cattle farmers. Located in the Serrania de la Macarena  National Park on the border of the luscious Amazon rainforest, it is surrounded by areas, that are home to some of the most unique plants and animals in the world.