The park's diverse ecosystems support an impressive array of wildlife, including over 120 mammal species, 500 bird species, and numerous reptiles and amphibians. Notable species include jaguars, pumas, eight monkey species, giant anteaters, and tapirs. The park is a crucial habitat for endangered species like the brown spider monkey and the giant river otter. Bird species include the scarlet macaw, harpy eagle, and various hummingbirds. The rivers host diverse fish species, including electric eels and peacock bass.
The park hosts an extraordinary variety of plant species due to its position at the confluence of three major ecosystems. Over 2,000 plant species have been documented, including rare orchids, bromeliads, and endemic species. The most famous flora is Macarenia clavigera, the aquatic plant that gives Caño Cristales its distinctive red coloration. The park contains both lowland rainforest and higher-altitude vegetation, with numerous medicinal plants used traditionally by indigenous communities. Various palm species, including the moriche palm, create distinctive landscapes throughout the region.
The Macarena mountain range represents a geological anomaly, being an isolated extension of the Guiana Shield rather than part of the Andes. Formed over 1.2 billion years ago, these mountains are among South America's oldest geological formations. The park's most distinctive feature, Caño Cristales, was created through the erosion of ancient quartzite and sandstone, forming unique channels and pools. The area also contains significant deposits of Precambrian rocks and exhibits complex folding patterns from tectonic activity.
The park was established in 1948 as Colombia's first national reserve, following scientific expeditions that revealed its unique biodiversity. The region has been inhabited by indigenous peoples for thousands of years, including the Guayabero and Tinigua tribes. During the mid-20th century, the area gained international attention when Richard Evans Schultes conducted extensive botanical research here. The park has faced challenges from Colombia's internal conflicts but has recently emerged as a prominent ecotourism destination, particularly after the 2016 peace agreement.
Caño Cristales, known as the 'River of Five Colors' or 'Liquid Rainbow,' is the park's most famous attraction, displaying spectacular red, yellow, green, blue, and black hues between July and November. The park also features dramatic table-top mountains, numerous waterfalls, and ancient rock art sites. The confluence of the Guayabero and Duda rivers creates impressive rapids and gorges. The park contains unique geological formations like the Ciudad de Piedra (Stone City) and numerous caves with prehistoric paintings. The diversity of ecosystems, from cloud forests to savannas, makes it a unique biological treasure.
Sierra de la Macarena experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season runs from April to November, with peak rainfall in June and July. Average temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) throughout the year. The dry season, from December to March, offers better conditions for visiting, though afternoon showers remain common. Humidity levels are consistently high, typically between 75-90%, due to the park's location where the Andes, Amazon, and Orinoco ecosystems converge.
Colombia
2.1830°, -73.8830°
1948
6200
Sierra de la Macarena is known for its unique geological formations and the famous Caño Cristales river, known as the 'River of Five Colors.' The park represents a rare meeting point of Andean, Amazonian, and Orinoco ecosystems. It hosts numerous endemic species and remarkable biodiversity.