Cano Cristales & Jungle: 4 day trip from Bogota

Yo pagué por una cabaña a 200 metros de Caño Cristales, el operador se equivocó y me mandó a una que quedaba a tres horas en caballo y caminando, selva, llano, barro, raíces en la selva, caño, piedras para subir, charcos cristalinos. Extraordina experienca, digna de reality, pero es que tengo 70 años y fue fuerte para mí

This was such an amazing and unique experience. It was not my first trip with Flashpacker Connect and it definitely won't be my last! They curate the most unique and amazing trips and make it so easy and flawless taking care of all the logistics. One thing I really love about them is how flexible they are with your travel plans. A lot of other companies have set dates & itineraries, but Flashpacker Connect lets you customize and will work with your to create your dream trip! I travel a lot, mainly solo, and have planned many of my own trips; however this would have been difficult to do without the help of such an awesome company! I told Brandon with FlashpackerConnect that I was looking for adventure and he sure delivered! Upon arrival, I was met by my guide Nelson who is one of the nicest guides I've had and also a very fun/cool guy. We hopped on the back of his motorbike which would be our main form of transportation the whole time! This was my first time on a motorbike and it was such a thrill! The few days I spent there were filled with a lot of hiking and delicious food (there was definitely not a shortage of that!). And while a small town, it was very lively and the people were some of the happiest and most friendly I have met on my travels. A few of the days we had a couple other people join our group which was great fun! And while, because its a small remote town, a lot of people don't speak English (or very basic), with my basic Spanish, some good food and music, we were all able to have an amazing time! If you want an adventure off the beaten path, this is it!

It’s difficult to describe all the amazing and unique memories made during these four days. The hospitality and care that FlashpackerConnect and the locals provide from the planning of transportation to food preparation and entertainment, there are no dull moments to be had or empty stomachs for that matter. My main tour guide was Nelson who on the first day showed me around via motorbike since I was traveling solo. It was my first time riding a motorbike and it was an incredible thrill. The first day we experienced the prairie lands (or Llanos), one of the three ecosystems that La Macarena has to offer (the Andes and the Amazon being the other two). We swam at a swimming hole until the sun started to set and we went back up to the higher ground to take in the views. For my second day I joined another group led by Pablo and Nelson to Caño Cristales. It is beautiful and a great experience to see the unique colorful Macarenia Clavigera plants line the rivers. We learned about the various plants in and around the river and enjoyed a couple swimming holes. The day concluded with dinner and a show as the locals played music showed us traditional Colombian dance and showed us just how lively La Macarena really is! The most incredible experience was had on the third day. The day started at 5am with heavy rainfall as Nelson drove us three hours via motorbike to reach Caño Canoas. This may not sounds like a good time and it was frightening at the beginning but Nelson did an amazing job navigating the slippery hole covered dirt roads and after the first hour the rain had stopped. This experience is unique because I was traveling solo and the rainfall made for an intense ride ahead but I never felt more alive! In a group you would be in a truck and it may not rain but expect it to because it’s all about the adventure and experience. The chaotic beginning was almost a test to see if I was worthy of experiencing the paradise we would soon enter. Arriving to Caño Canoas we were given a delicious warm breakfast and met Carlos who would guide us going into Caño Canoas. It didn’t take long before we reached the first waterfalls and already the morning felt worth it. But it wasn’t until we got to the next view point that it all hit me of what this place really has to offer. A magically sea of lush greens coated with the mist of the waterfalls that stood before the basin. Nothing but pure awe and gratitude as this is a place only read about in books or seen on film. We would make our way through the waterfalls and swim in the pools below getting a 360 view of this wonderful oasis. I can’t thank Nelson and Carlos enough for showing me this breathtaking scene! It’s worth the trip but be sure to bring water shoes with good grips ;) For the final day before I left I was given a boat tour where I saw the red howler monkeys along with iguanas and various bird species. I was then brought to the small habitat to see the rescue efforts to preserve turtles in the Guayabero river. We enjoyed the most delicious lemon tea I have ever had and then took a hike to enjoy final views before flight home. It was great to be able to reflect on the trip and all the memories made plus the amazing meals that was had. A special thank you to Marcelo and Doris who made my last minute trip happen. I can’t recommend this tour enough for any adventure seekers out there that are ready to be taken to a different world…only to be reminded it is our world and one we need to protect. Happy travels!!