Bogota and Caño Cristales “Natural Wonder”

Upon arrival at El Dorado International Airport, one piece of luggage per person is allowed. Transfer to the hotel with a driver for daytime flights, check-in, and accommodation.

Note: A supplement applies for nighttime flights between 21:00 and 5:59.

Early morning meeting in the hotel lobby to transfer to Bogotá’s air bridge for a charter flight to the municipality of La Macarena, located in the Meta department. Departure around 7:00 AM (approximately 1-hour flight). Upon arrival, you will be greeted by guides and given an orientation by local environmental authorities (National Parks and Cormacarena). Transfer to the accommodation at 3:00 PM, where a room will be provided for changing clothes and storing luggage. Lunch at a restaurant in town, depending on arrival time. Afterwards, visit one of the alternative trails of Caño Cristales assigned by the environmental authorities.

Caño Cristalitos y Mirador—where you’ll first encounter the crystal-clear waters. Return to La Macarena town center, check-in at the hotel, dinner, and overnight stay.

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning departure according to the schedule set by environmental authorities for a 20-minute boat ride along the Guayabero River, enjoying the landscape, flora, and fauna. Then, a 20-minute 4x4 truck ride from the boat drop-off to the Cajuche spring via a dirt road surrounded by exotic vegetation. Begin a hike along one of the trails designated by the environmental authorities, based on permits, load capacity, and visitor fitness. The trail will border Caño Cristales, a magical and unique place in the world where nature showcases its incredible beauty in the "River of Five Colors." This effect results from the transparent, pure waters revealing various colors from the aquatic algae that bloom during a specific time of year (June to November). A typical lunch, wrapped in banana leaves (similar to a picnic), will be provided along the way. Return to La Macarena with the same protocol as the departure. In the evening, participate in a cultural integration event at the traditional "Parrando Llanero," featuring regional folklore and gastronomy (music and dance performed by local youth tourists can share with). Return to the hotel and overnight stay.  

Notes:

• Authorities only allow visiting one trail per day.

•Trails are natural and unmarked; during the hike, visitors will encounter various river formations, including swimming areas, observation points for the river’s five colors, crystal-clear sections, waterfalls, and lush cascades.

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning departure to Caño Cristales, following the same boat and truck routes as on Day 2. Upon arrival, explore a different trail from the previous day, with varied natural settings assigned by the environmental authorities based on permits, load capacity, and visitor fitness. Return to La Macarena at the agreed time with the same protocol as the outward journey. Time for lunch in town and transfer to the airport for a flight to Bogotá between 12:00 and 17:00. Arrival in Bogotá, transfer to the hotel, check-in, and overnight stay. 

Note: 

• Different locations are visited each day; authorities never grant the same trail twice.

• If traveling on a weekend or holiday (*see general notes for holiday dates), Day 3’s visit to Caño Cristales may not be possible due to environmental regulations, and an alternative location will be visited.

Breakfast at the hotel. At the scheduled time, depart for Bogotá’s historic center to ascend from 2,600 meters above sea level to 3,152 meters to visit the cultural and religious sanctuary of Monserrate, where the image of the Fallen Lord of Monserrate is venerated. Enjoy panoramic views of Bogotá, its forests, gardens, and fountains. Visit the Gold Museum, which houses archaeological collections and displays of pre-Columbian indigenous gold and pottery with over 30,000 pieces. Explore a local market square for a tasting of typical Colombian fruits. Continue with a walking tour of the historic center, including Bolívar Square and nearby streets, where you can see the Colón Theater, San Carlos Palace, buildings such as the National Capitol (legislative center), the Casa de Nariño (Presidential Palace), the Mayor’s Office, and the Primatial Cathedral. Return to the hotel. If the Gold Museum is closed on Mondays, it will be replaced by the Botero Exhibition (closed on Tuesdays). Monserrate is very busy on weekends and holidays. Duration: 6 hours. Private service includes transportation, Ensligh-speaking guide, entrance to the Gold Museum, Monserrate ascent, and seasonal fruit tasting. After the tour, return to the hotel or transfer to the airport according to your itinerary for your flight home. One piece of luggage per person is allowed. A supplement applies for nighttime flights between 23:00 and 9:00.

***Here ends our services… Have a pleasant return!***

Recommendations:

Bogotá

• Climate: Located at 2,600 meters above sea level. Average daytime temperatures range from 9°C to 19°C.
• What to Wear: Comfortable, warm clothing is recommended. Bring short-sleeved shirts for warmer moments, athletic shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a camera.
• Safety: As in any major city, protect your personal belongings. Store valuables such as documents, money, jewelry, and phones in a safe place. Use the hotel’s safe.

La Macarena (Caño Cristales)

• In Caño Cristales, there are only basic tourist-class hotels. 
• Climate: Warm climate with temperatures ranging from 21°C to 31°C year-round.
• What to Wear: Comfortable, light clothing for activities. Wear long-sleeved shirts to protect from the sun, long pants (preferably not jeans), and comfortable, water-resistant shoes. Bring a hat or cap, and a neck-protecting sun hat. Ensure shoes are suitable for wet conditions, as they will get wet during the walks. Bring spare shoes for rest periods.
• Sunscreen: Use only eco-friendly sunscreen or avoid it altogether as some products leave residues in the crystal-clear waters.
• Transfers: If the minimum number of passengers for the flight is not met, part of the transfer will be done by land.
• Seasonal Validity: Program is subject to changes based on the rainy season in Caño Cristales.
• Itinerary Changes: Excursions may be modified based on availability and park regulations by Cormacarena and National Parks of Colombia, which ensure the reserve's sustainability.
• Travel Insurance: Due to the destination's native conditions, travelers should have travel assistance insurance.
• Service Type: All services are in shared regular service.
• Yellow Fever Vaccination: As of 2016, a yellow fever vaccination card is required at the airport immigration for entry. The certificate must be presented at boarding with a minimum validity of 15 days before the flight (consult with your doctor beforehand).
• Flight Times: Departure and return times may change due to flight permissions, air congestion, and weather conditions.
• Charter Flight Policy: Charter flight fares are linked to the stay, and the plan does not allow for date changes or refunds, even for medical reasons.
• Luggage Allowance: Maximum allowed luggage is 10 kg per person checked and 3 kg hand luggage (small aircraft).
• Confirmation Call: A representative will contact travelers a day before departure to confirm pick-up times from the Bogotá hotel.
• Child Policy: Only children over 5 years old are permitted to visit Caño Cristales as per the regulations of National Parks of Colombia.
• Health Information: Inform us about physical endurance, health issues, and dietary restrictions to ensure suitable trail assignments.
• Dietary Requirements: Vegetarians or those with special food requirements should inform us in writing at the time of booking.
• Rainy Season: Caño Cristales is only accessible during the rainy season, which may cause flight delays.
• Local Currency: Carry local currency (Colombian Peso) in small denominations; there are no currency exchange services in the municipality.
• Identification: Bring identification documents for all tours.
• Environmental Talks: Participate in environmental authority briefings.
• Footwear: Wear appropriate footwear, preferably high-top boots, as trails are sandy and rocky.
• Eco-Tourism: The use of sunscreens and repellents is prohibited. Bring a hat, long-sleeved shirt, quick-dry clothing, comfortable, water-resistant shoes.
• Prohibited Items: No psychoactive substances or alcoholic beverages are allowed. Plastic bottles are not allowed; bring a reusable container.
• Packing: Use a small bag to protect belongings from moisture, and make it easy to carry on your back for comfortable walks.
• Trail Assignment: Trails are assigned based on visitor physical capacity, with varying difficulties. It’s crucial to communicate your physical ability.
• Mobility Restrictions: Not suitable for those with mobility issues, pregnant women, or very elderly individuals.
• Water Safety: Do not drink river water in Caño Cristales.
• Safety Precautions: Avoid close proximity to strong currents and steep cliffs. Stay close to the guide to avoid getting lost.
• Destination Overview: La Macarena is a small, developing tourist town with basic services and tourist-grade hotels.
• Food: Meals are prepared by local community members and feature regional products.
• Mobile Service: No mobile data signal in La Macarena.
• Accommodation Quality: Caño Cristales offers basic, clean, and comfortable lodging, not luxury or five-star hotels.
• Check-in/Check-out: Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out at 13:00.
• Hot Water: Hotels in Caño Cristales do not have hot water.
• Health Information: Notify us of any illnesses or allergies.
• Daily Trails: Only one trail visit per day is allowed based on regulations from Cormacarena and PNN.
• Charter Flight: Air transport from Bogotá is via charter flights. If full occupancy is not met, flights will be from Guaymaral airport or via national airlines with stops in Villavicencio. Aircraft types include single-engine planes for 3, 5, 9 passengers, twin-engine planes for 8 passengers, DC3 aircraft for 18 passengers, or Jet Stream planes for 19 passengers, depending on availability.
• Connection Flights: Full Trips SAS, is not responsible for connecting flights not included in our tour plans. We will provide recommendations based on flight schedules; please provide all relevant reservation information.
• Itinerary Changes: Full Trips SAS, is not responsible for itinerary changes due to flight delays.
• Delayed Arrivals: If you arrive in La Macarena after 1:00 PM, you will not be able to visit Caño Cristales on that day and will visit another tourist site in La Macarena.
• Early Departures: If leaving La Macarena before 9:00 AM, only a sunrise activity at Caño Cristales will be available on the last day.
• Operator Responsibility: Our destination operator is not responsible for flight delays or changes.
• Safety and Itinerary: The operator may alter or cancel the itinerary if it affects tourist safety.
• Park Permits: The operator will handle park entry permits; Full Trips SAS, is not responsible for itinerary changes due to decisions by National Parks of Colombia and Cormacarena.
• Reservation Details: To confirm your reservation, provide names, passport numbers, and dates of birth to ensure park entry. Without this information, permits cannot be issued.
• Trail Assignments: The agency does not assign trails; this is done by National Parks and Cormacarena based on destination load capacity.
• Itinerary Changes: We strive to ensure you enjoy your visit to Caño Cristales, despite any itinerary changes.