Angel Falls (Canaima National Park, Venezuela)

Angel Falls, which inspires awe with its majestic appearance, is located in Bolívar State in the south-east of the South American country of Venezuela. The falls cascade from the edge of Auyán Tepui (a table mountain) within Canaima National Park (Parque Nacional Canaima), which stretches along the borders of Brazil and Guyana. Angel Falls is the world’s highest single-drop waterfall, with a total height of 979 m (3,212 ft). The falls earned the title of the world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall with an initial drop of 807 m (2,648 ft); locally, it is known as ‘the waterfall of the deepest place’ or ‘the fall from the highest point’. Its height is more than double that of Niagara Falls in the United States.

Angel Falls takes its name from the American aviator Jimmie Angel, who was the first person to fly over it. Angel was searching for a valuable mineral deposit and flew over the falls on 16 November 1933. Until then, Angel Falls had been unknown to the outside world. Returning to the area on 9 October 1937, Angel attempted to land his plane on the summit of Auyán Tepui. Unfortunately, however, the wheels sank into the marshy ground and the aircraft was damaged as a result. Angel and his wife Marie, along with two friends, were forced to walk down from there. It took them 11 days to make their way back to civilisation via the gently sloping rear side. When news of their adventure spread, the waterfall was named Angel Falls in his honour. The waterfall’s name (Salto del Ángel) first appeared on a Venezuelan government map in December 1939. Angel’s plane remained atop Auyán Tepui for 33 years before being retrieved by helicopter. The restored aircraft is currently on display outdoors in front of Ciudad Bolívar airport in Venezuela. Angel’s ashes were scattered at the waterfall on 2 July 1960.

On 13 May 1949, an expedition organised and funded by the American journalist Ruth Robertson was carried out, and a survey determined the waterfall’s official height. The first ascent to the summit of the plateau was completed on 13 January 1971. A four-person team led by American mountaineer George Bogel took nine and a half days to climb Auyán Tepui; their descent took a further one and a half days.

Angel Falls, which has featured in numerous films, is one of Venezuela’s most important tourist attractions and is situated in an isolated rainforest. The starting point for river trips to the base of the falls is Canaima Camp. These river trips generally take place from June to December, when the rivers are deep enough for Pemon guides to navigate them. Paddling through the rainforest of Canaima National Park to reach the breathtaking Angel Falls will be an unforgettable adventure for you! If you’re looking for more, various options are available. These include relaxing journeys offering the chance to see the national park’s abundant flora and fauna. The rest of the park is home to magnificent wildlife, such as giant otters, pumas and jaguars, as well as endemic flora and other fauna. Angel Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of South America’s Seven Natural Wonders and possesses a truly captivating beauty.