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| The Allure of Liquid Rainbow, The Beauty of Cano Cristales in Colombia |
Liquid Rainbow is the fitting nickname for Cano Cristales, a spectacular river located in Colombia. This river captivates anyone who sees it with its colorful water resembling a rainbow. The nickname is indeed apt, considering Cano Cristales showcases a mesmerizing array of colors. Known as one of the most beautiful rivers in the world, Cano Cristales is also referred to as the 'five-color river, seven-color river, melting rainbow, and river of the gods'.
History and Location of Cano Cristales
Cano Cristales is a tributary of the Guayabero River, flowing in Colombia. The river was discovered in 1969 by a group of cattle ranchers and has since become a popular tourist attraction. The beauty of Cano Cristales became widely known after Andres Hurtado Garcia, a Colombian journalist and photographer, published his photos in the El Tiempo newspaper and Iberia magazine. This popularity attracted many curious tourists eager to witness this natural wonder for themselves.
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| Cano Cristales |
Geographic and Ecological Uniqueness
Stretching for 100 km in the Serrania de la Macarena National Park, Meta, Colombia, Cano Cristales sits at an elevation of 462 meters above sea level. Despite its relatively small size, with a length of less than 100 km and a width of no more than 20 m, the river features strong currents, numerous rapids, waterfalls, and large holes at the riverbed called 'Giant's Kettle'. These holes are formed by rocks falling into cavities at the river bottom and being spun by the water current, creating large cavities as if drilled.
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| Macarenia clavigera (Cano Cristales) |
Source of Cano Cristales' Colorful Display
The vibrant colors of Cano Cristales are dominated by red, yellow, green, blue, and black hues that emanate from the riverbed. These colors are produced by The Macarenia clavigera plant, an endemic species that grows attached to rocks on the fast-flowing parts of the riverbed. The bright colors only appear for a few months each year, from mid-May to December, peaking from late June to November when the Macarenia clavigera is in the reproductive process. Outside of this period, the river water appears clear and pristine.
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| Cano Cristales |
Ecological Conditions of Cano Cristales
The exceptionally clear waters of Cano Cristales are due to the low nutrient content and other elements typically found in rivers. This makes it possible for only a small number of fish to inhabit the river. The rocky riverbed also hinders aquatic plants from growing, except for species capable of attaching to rocks like the Macarenia clavigera, which provides the beautiful colors to the river.
Visiting Cano Cristales
As one of the most stunning tourist destinations in Colombia, Cano Cristales offers a unique and unforgettable natural experience. The ever-changing colors of the river throughout the year make it a must-visit for nature lovers and photographers. Enjoy the marvels of this natural wonder and witness the allure of the 'Liquid Rainbow', a river as beautiful as a rainbow that can only be found in Colombia.
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