Curiosity Corner: Which river is known as the river of five colors

There are a number of natural phenomena in the world of nature that come as a surprise to us and seem almost fantastical. Caño Cristales in Colombia is a prime example of such a natural wonder in the world. This river, designated as a river of five colors and a liquid rainbow, becomes a canvas of such beauty once a year.

Situated in Serranía de la Macarena National Park, Caño Cristales has attracted worldwide attention because of its colors and its natural beauty.Where is the river of five colors located?Caño Cristales is located in the Serranía de la Macarena National Park in the central region of Colombia. This region is special in that it is where the Andes, Amazon, and Orinoco regions converge. This has resulted in one-of-a-kind biodiversity, which means that this river stands out from the rest of the world’s rivers.

This has earned it the reputation of being among the most beautiful rivers on the planet. This river was still unknown to the world for several decades due to the inaccessibility of the region as a result of conflicts.Why is it called the river of five colors?The river leases its title for being poetic due to the colors that it displays along its bed, including red, yellow, green, blue, and black. However, the origin of the colors does not result from any involvement of the geology or pollution, but they actually result from a natural biological process.

Under the right conditions, the river looks like it has been painted by a human being, with the conditions being too magical for reality.The role of Macarenia clavigeraAt the center of Caño Cristales’ hue of beauty is the aquatic plant called Macarenia clavigera. This rests only in the river system. For the months between June and November, at times when the river levels, light, and temperatures all perfectly come together, the plant has a bright reddish hue.

Along with the algae, moss, sand, and rock arrangements, the river gets its characteristic multicolor.A seasonal natural wonderUnlike permanent features, which are not seasonal in nature, the colors seen in Caño Cristales vary with the seasons. If the water level is insufficient, the plants may wither away, and if it is in excess, the plants may not be able to get sunlight. This is a brief period in the year when one gets to witness these beautiful hues in the Caño River, making it a once-in-a-lifetime view for many travellers.Why Caño Cristales matters In addition to the beauty it presents, Caño Cristales is a beautiful reminder of the fragile balance of nature. It is protected by the government to keep the ecosystem of the river intact, and any form of tourism is regulated in the area. It is considered a symbol of the natural wealth that Colombia has, and the importance of preserving it. The River of Five Colors teaches us that the greatest wonders in the world are the ones that quietly wait to be recognized and appreciated, not exploited and abused.Disclaimer:This article is part of the Curiosity Corner series and is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. Seasonal variations, environmental conditions, and conservation regulations may affect the appearance and accessibility of the river.