Colombia’s Stunning River Of Five Colors

Published January 31, 2012
Updated January 12, 2018

River Of Five Colors

Known by many as “the river that ran away from paradise” and the most beautiful river in the world, Colombia’s Caño Cristales or The River of Five Colors is a veritable biological wonder.

For most of the year, the river remains nondescript: clear currents, greyish rocks, cool waters. However for a brief period of time the Macarenia clavigera, a plant that lines the river floor, turns a brilliant shade of red that is only complemented by radiant shades of yellow and green sand, blue water, and many other hues in the color spectrum.

Caño Cristales Picture

Stunning Colombian River

most beautiful river in the world

River Of Five Colors Waterfall

author
All That's Interesting
author
A New York-based publisher established in 2010, All That's Interesting brings together subject-level experts in history, true crime, and science to share stories that illuminate our world.
editor
Savannah Cox
editor
Savannah Cox holds a Master's in International Affairs from The New School as well as a PhD from the University of California, Berkeley, and now serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of Sheffield. Her work as a writer has also appeared on DNAinfo.