Aptly referred as “Waterfall of the Deepest Place” by the Pemon people, the Angel Falls evoke a sense of tranquility. And yet, at the same time, thundering sound of the water dropping nearly a kilometer deep from the gold-colored facade of steep cliffs echoes like a natural amphitheater. The uneven terrain of Guiana highlands is filled with grasslands, with diverse jungle along the undulating course of the rivers and at the base of the flat-topped mountains. Embark on a heart-pleasing and adrenaline-fueling voyage to the amazing Angel Falls.
History
Unlike other natural wonders in the world, Angel Falls were only discovered in 20th century. In 1937, an American gold prospector named James Crawford (Jimmy) Angels crashed his plane on top of a Tepui Mountain – from where the waterfall drops. The waterfall is named after him.
Things to Do in Angel Falls
Canaima National Park – Declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, this spectacular landscape comprises several waterfalls, rivers, cliffs, and mountains. Trek on the scenic trails and roads in the park or survey the pleasing vistas of the rainforest. The park is home to Mount Roraima, which is the highest point of Tepui plateaus in South America. Outsiders come here to uncover the legends, secluded lives, and culture of Pemon people.
Nature and Wildlife – Saunter through the lush wilderness and observe the unique Venezuelan flora and fauna. Wild animals like Jaguar, Cougar, Giant armadillo, Harpy eagle, and hummingbirds inhabit the Gran Sabana region.
Activity Tours – Mountain climbing, hiking, trekking, and guided sightseeing tours through the dramatic mountain valleys and gorges are popular travel itineraries. Kayaking and Canoeing tours in the Carrao River are provided by the local travel agencies.
Travelers can hike up to the top of the falls, take a boat tour or have a panoramic look from helicopter flights. And when the water level is low, you can swim in the pool at the bottom of the falls.
Nearby Attractions
Canaima lagoon, Jasper Creek, La Gran Sabana, Mount Roraima, Salto el Sapo, and Jaua-Sarisarinama National Park.
Where is Angel Falls?
The Angel Falls are located in the Guiana Highlands of Bolivar state in southeast Venezuela. It drops from Auyantepui (tabletop mountain) that lies within the Canaima National Park.
How to Reach?
By Air – Simón Bolívar International Airport near Caracas (the capital of Venezuela) is the international gateway. It is accessible via flights to and from the Americas, Europe, and USA. Moreover, domestic flights operate between Canaima Airport and Tomás de Heres Airport in Ciudad Bolivar.
By Water – Take the upstream 5-hour boat ride from Canaima village on wooden ‘curiaras’ to the base of the falls.
Accommodations
Canaima village has well-developed tourist infrastructure. Campamento Tapuy Lodge is a 3-star accommodation near the airstrip. Variety of hotels and camps like Waku Lodge, Campamento Churum, Morichal Lodge, Paracaupa Lodge, and Campamento Jimenez offer comforting stay for travelers. Adventure seekers can find accommodation at Campamento Chivatón, located in the national park.
Restaurants
The camp restaurants in the national park offer South American cuisine and delicious fruits. Meal and accommodation charges are usually included in package tours. To get a fine dining experience, you can head north to the city of Ciudad Bolívar. Restaurante Tijuanas, Gela Park, and Mezza Luna are good places to satisfy your taste buds.
Best Time to Visit Angel Falls
You will find the waterfalls and surrounding jungle in full glory between May and November as the rainfall is frequent and the flow of water is voluminous.
Angel Falls Facts
- With the descent of 979 meters, it is the tallest waterfall in the world.
- The waterfall is made of 47 drops, with the longest free-fall drop measuring up to 807 m.
- The falls are 150 meters wide at its bottom.
- ‘Tuluma Bena’ or ‘Kerepakupai meru’ are the local names for the Angel Falls; another popular name is ‘Salto Angel.’
- The Paradise Falls, a fictional place in the Disney movie Up, were inspired by the Angel Falls.
- Rainfall received from tropical clouds is the source of water for these falls.
- During the rainy season, the stream splits into two waterfalls. In summer, most of the water evaporates before touching the ground.
- El Río Caroní, the plane that Jimmy Angels crashed, is open for public viewing in the Aeronautics Museum of Maracay.
- La Catira is actually taller than the Angel Falls but it’s only seasonal.
Things to Remember
- Canaima National Park is the gateway to the waterfall and the entrance fee is US$ 4.
- Mist is formed around the falls during the warmer and drier months. It can be felt from a mile away.
- Bring enough supplies and provisions during multiple-day tours as the falls are located in a distant jungle.
- Bear in mind that camping is forbidden in Canaima National Park.
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