Angel Falls: Exploring The World’s Tallest Waterfall
Angel Falls is one of the most impressive sights on the planet, and the tallest waterfall in the world.
Explore Angel Falls
Angel Falls, located in the heart of Venezuela’s Canaima National Park, is the tallest waterfall in the world. The water plunges an incredible 979 meters (3,212 feet) off the edge of the Auyán-Tepui mountain, with an uninterrupted drop of 807 meters (2,648 feet). This breathtaking natural wonder is hidden deep within the remote Venezuelan jungle, making it a bucket-list destination for adventurers and nature lovers.
Despite its towering height, Angel Falls remains largely untouched by mass tourism due to its isolated location. However, those who make the journey are rewarded with the stunning view of water cascading down the tepui’s rugged cliffs into the dense forest below. With such a dramatic height, the water often vaporizes into mist before it reaches the ground.
To put it in perspective — Angel Falls is 15 times taller than Niagara Falls, and nearly twice the height of Yosemite Falls in the United States.
Geography and Surroundings of Angel Falls
Angel Falls is nestled within the vast wilderness of Canaima National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The falls are fed by the Churún River, which flows over the edge of the Auyán-Tepui, one of the many flat-topped mountains in Venezuela’s Gran Sabana region. The surrounding landscape is dominated by these tepuis — ancient geological formations that rise sharply from the rainforest, creating a striking contrast between lush greenery and the sheer rock faces.
The Churún River eventually joins the Carrao River, which is part of the larger Orinoco River basin, one of the largest river systems in South America.
History of Angel Falls
Angel Falls has been known to the Indigenous Pemon people for centuries, who refer to it as "Kerepakupai Merú", meaning "waterfall of the deepest place." The falls remained largely unknown to the outside world until 1933, when American aviator Jimmie Angel accidentally discovered them while searching for a rumored gold ore bed in the Venezuelan jungle. Angel’s plane crashed on top of Auyán-Tepui, forcing him and his crew to trek down the mountain for 11 days to find help.
The waterfall was later named in Jimmie Angel’s honor, and his discovery brought international attention to this previously hidden natural wonder. His story, along with his famous aircraft, is displayed in a museum in Ciudad Bolívar, Venezuela.
Like the Kaieteur Falls in Peru and Bolivia, local legends surround Angel Falls. Some Indigenous tribes believe the falls are home to powerful spirits that protect the land. The Pemon people have a deep spiritual connection to the tepuis, viewing them as sacred places.
Tourism At Angel Falls
Despite its remote location, Angel Falls has become a must-see for adventure travelers from around the world. The falls are located in Canaima National Park, which can only be accessed by small planes from either Caracas or Ciudad Bolívar. From the small village of Canaima, visitors typically take a riverboat up the Carrao River and then hike through the jungle to reach the best viewpoints of Angel Falls.
The journey to the falls can take several hours, but it’s well worth the effort. Travelers are greeted with stunning views of the falls from various lookout points, including a direct view from the base of the waterfall. It’s also possible to take a scenic flight over the falls for a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding tepui landscape.
Angel Falls offers a unique opportunity to experience one of nature’s most majestic creations in a completely untamed environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get to Angel Falls?
To reach Angel Falls, visitors must first fly to Canaima, a small village in Canaima National Park. Flights are available from Caracas and Ciudad Bolívar. From Canaima, travelers typically take a riverboat up the Carrao River and then hike to one of the viewpoints. The entire journey can take about a day, but scenic flights over the falls are also available for a quicker and equally stunning option.
Can you hike to the bottom of Angel Falls?
Yes, it’s possible to hike to the base of Angel Falls. The trek through the jungle can be challenging, but the reward is an up-close view of the world’s tallest waterfall. Most tours offer a combination of boat rides and hikes, allowing visitors to experience both the base and the surrounding jungle.
What wildlife can be seen around Angel Falls?
The area around Angel Falls is home to a diverse array of wildlife. Visitors may encounter toucans, macaws, and other tropical birds, as well as capuchin monkeys, giant river otters, and the elusive jaguar. The dense rainforest is also home to thousands of plant species, many of which are endemic to the region.
What is the best time to visit Angel Falls?
The best time to visit is during the rainy season, which runs from June to December. During these months, the water flow is at its strongest, and the falls are even more spectacular. In the dry season (January to May), the water flow can reduce significantly, and sometimes the falls are just a trickle. However, the dry season offers clearer skies for scenic flights.
Kylie Jones
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