The Fascinating Science Behind The Gorgeous River Of Five Colors In Colombia

[Judi Lynn]

Jorge Ivan Vasquez Cuartas/Getty

BY GARRETT ETTINGER/OCT. 14, 2023 1:04 AM EST

When it comes to natural beauty, not many other bodies of water can compare with Colombia's Caño Cristales or the "river of five colors." Located a little over 100 miles south of Bogotá, this rare, naturally occurring phenomenon causes the river's crystal-clear water to light up in a wild array of beautiful rainbow colors during a specific time of the year.

Throughout most of the year, while still a naturally beautiful area with some of the most gorgeous waterfalls in the world, the green mosses make Caño Cristales appear like a relatively normal lake. However, the lake lights up from May to November, displaying a stunning array of natural colors, giving the lake its nickname, "liquid rainbow."

While you wouldn't be alone in thinking that something unnatural must be occurring in Caño Cristales to create the vibrant hues, you may be surprised to learn that scientists have studied the river and discovered that the rainbow effect is a result of a rare phenomenon found nowhere else on Earth.

More:
https://www.slashgear.com/1420578/science-behind-river-five-colors-colombia/

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[Sky Jewels]

1. Stunning!

[Judi Lynn]

3. I agree totally!

I was overwhelmed discovering it online.

[2naSalit]

2. Wow!

I have never heard of this place before, amazing.

Thanks for all the pictures!

[Judi Lynn]

4. Same here, until a couple of years ago, at the most.

More than welcome, I could have kept adding almost everything in google images, but I didn't want to overdo it!

It's a shock seeing how crystal clear the water is, when you can see through to the bottom. Whoa.

Thank you!

[KS Toronado]

5. WOW, absolutely amazing with the crystal clear water.

Thanks, learned something new today.

[Judi Lynn]

8. Thank you, KS Toronado, for taking the time. 🌪

[ailsagirl]

6. I'd never heard of it-- thanks for sharing!!

[Judi Lynn]

9. I have wondered if they are protective of it, not wanting tourists doing cannonballs in there,

throwing around their cans and bottles, and generally tearing the place apart!

I've never heard of anything like this, either!

Thank you.

[ailsagirl]

11. I fervently hope they're protective of it!!! nt

[brer cat]

7. That is amazing. Thanks for posting, Judy Lynn.

[Judi Lynn]

10. So glad you saw it. So rare! Thank you, brer cat.

[malaise]

12. Beautiful

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