Information
Landmark: Angel FallsCity: Canaima National Park
Country: Venezuela
Continent: South America
Angel Falls, Canaima National Park, Venezuela, South America
Overview
Angel Falls-known locally as Salto Ángel-plunges farther than any waterfall on Earth, its white spray drifting through the jungle air, making it one of the planet’s most breathtaking natural wonders.Deep in the Venezuelan Amazon’s Canaima National Park, this breathtaking waterfall plunges 979 meters (3,212 feet), with a sheer, uninterrupted drop of 807 meters (2,648 feet) that roars into the mist below.With its vast sweep of jungle and towering cliffs, it’s the kind of place every adventurer dreams of visiting deep in the heart of South America.Angel Falls rises from the heart of the Gran Sabana, a wide, untamed stretch of land deep in southeastern Venezuela.The waterfall sits deep inside Canaima National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site spanning more than 30,000 square kilometers of untouched rainforest, towering mountains, and flat-topped plateaus.The falls flow from the Churun River, a branch of the Carrao, which winds on to join the vast Orinoco River basin.The waterfall plunges from Auyán Tepui, one of the region’s striking tabletop mountains, its white spray drifting in the wind.Tepuis rise with sheer cliffs and table-flat tops, and Auyán Tepui-bigger than many cities-is among the largest and most renowned.Angel Falls takes its name from Jimmy Angel, an American pilot who first flew over the roaring cascade in 1933.While hunting for gold, he stumbled onto a sight so stunning it stopped him in his tracks-and later drew the world’s eyes to the roaring falls.Long before it carried Jimmy Angel’s name, the Pemon people called the waterfall Kerepakupai Merú - “waterfall of the deepest place” - a nod to the sheer drop and dizzying depth where the mist swallows the air.Plunging 979 meters from the rim of a mist-shrouded cliff, Angel Falls towers above every other waterfall on Earth, dwarfing even Niagara and Victoria Falls.The waterfall tumbles down in several tiers, the most striking being the main drop, where water crashes nearly 800 meters in one sheer plunge.As it drops, the water often breaks into narrow rivulets, especially when the flow slows to a trickle.The falls run all year, but their force swells with the rainy season from May to November, when the water pounds down in a roaring white curtain.From December to April, when the air is hot and the river runs low, the falls lose some of their power yet still hold your gaze.Reaching Angel Falls starts with a rugged trail that winds past slick mossy rocks.To see Angel Falls, you first have to get to Canaima National Park, tucked away in Venezuela’s lush Gran Sabana.You can reach the park only by flying in on a small plane from Ciudad Bolívar or Puerto Ordaz, the closest cities with commercial airports where the air smells faintly of fuel and rain.Flight to Canaima: After you land in Canaima-a small indigenous village where the air smells faintly of woodsmoke-you can set out on your trip to the falls.Number two.After landing in Canaima, most travelers set off by boat, winding along the brown, fast-moving Carrao River until the roar of Angel Falls comes into earshot.The boat ride lasts about four to six hours, depending on the river’s mood, and along the way you’ll pass lush green banks where bright birds flash through the trees.After the boat ride, you’ll hike through the dense, green rainforest, the air thick with the scent of wet leaves, until you reach the base of Angel Falls.The trail often turns slick with mud and tests your stamina, but it pays off with a close-up of the roaring falls and the lush greenery crowding their edges.If you want to see Angel Falls at its most powerful, go during the rainy season, from May to November, when the water thunders down in a misty roar.This is when the falls roar at their peak, sending sheets of water crashing down and mist curling into the air.But if you go in the dry season, from December to April, you’ll find a completely different vibe-dusty paths, crisp air, and clear blue skies.The falls might not roar as fiercely, but the skies stay steady, and you can wander the trails without slogging through sheets of rain.What to expect at Angel Falls?This towering cascade plunges so far you can hear the water roar before you see it, and its breathtaking height and beauty make it impossible to forget.Towering tepui cliffs rise above the dense, green jungle, while silver streams tumble down the mountainside, together forming a landscape that feels almost unreal.The falls are wrapped in dense rainforest, alive with bright bursts of toucan feathers, rustling leaves, and a wealth of diverse ecosystems.You might spot bright-plumed birds, chattering monkeys, and quick flashes of insect wings, turning the hike to the falls into a vivid, full-senses adventure.Peace and solitude come naturally here-tucked deep in the wilderness, Angel Falls stays calm and uncrowded, unlike the bustling roar you find at other famous waterfalls.In the quiet of this isolation, you feel a calm settle in and a closeness to the rustle of leaves and the scent of pine.Adventures and Activities Beyond watching the falls roar and mist the air, visitors can dive into plenty of other things to do in the area: 1.On the Carrao River, you can hop on a boat tour, drift past emerald rainforest, and watch for a flash of scarlet as a macaw cuts across the sky.As you travel upriver toward the falls, the view opens wide-lush green stretching to the horizon-and you might spot bright macaws flashing red and gold against the deep blue sky.Number two.If you’re feeling adventurous, grab a paddle and explore the rivers around Angel Falls-canoeing and kayaking here are local favorites, with cool spray on your face and rainforest all around.Gliding over the river’s glassy surface lets you take in the whisper of pine trees and the quiet beauty of the untouched wilderness.Three.Around Angel Falls, you’ll spot a lively mix of creatures-bright parrots flashing through the trees, monkeys chattering overhead, and insects and reptiles rustling in the undergrowth.Birdwatching here is a real treat-you might spot a flash of a toucan’s bright beak or catch the shadow of a harpy eagle sweeping overhead.Number four.If you’re eager to see more of Canaima National Park, lace up your boots-winding trails lead past waterfalls and through bright green rainforest.You can hike beneath the rainforest canopy, follow winding trails to secret waterfalls, and take in the park’s untouched beauty.Planning to see Angel Falls?Because it’s so remote and tough to reach-think long river rides and muddy jungle trails-most people go with a guided tour.Local tour operators put together packages with rides to get you there, a place to sleep, a quiet boat trip across the bay, and a trek through the hills.In Canaima, tourists can choose from cozy lodges or simple campgrounds, some tucked beside the river where you can hear the water at night.You can stay in anything from a plain wooden cabin to a cozy eco‑lodge with the basics-a hot shower, a soft bed-so you can relax after a day packed with adventure.Safety: Always travel with seasoned guides-the jungle’s thick, wet air and the river’s swift currents can turn dangerous fast.Expect the Venezuelan rainforest to greet you with thick, sticky heat, heavy humidity, and sudden bursts of rain.It’s best to wear sturdy shoes, dress in light, breathable clothes, and carry insect repellent-the kind that keeps mosquitoes from buzzing near your ears.So, why make the trip to Angel Falls-the place where water drops in a silver ribbon from the clouds?Angel Falls towers higher than any other waterfall, its white water dropping in a dizzying plunge through clouds.
