Angel Falls or Salto Ángel is the world's highest waterfall, dropping a total of 978m from the summit of the Auyan Tepuy, and with an 807m uninterrupted drop.
In 1937 pilot Jimmy Angel landed on the Auyan Tepuy in search of a gold ore.Unfortunately his plane got stuck and he wasn't able to take off. After 11 days he made it to Kamarata,with his 3 companions his wife Mr.Henry and henry's gardener. His plane was later recovered after 33 years, and can be seen in front of the airport at Ciudad Bolivar.
Angel Falls is situated in the Gran Sabana region of Venezuela. The area is filled with grasslands, with some dense jungle along the course of the rivers and at the base of the numerous tepuis, or flat-topped mountains. Angel falls is located on the side of the largest of the Venezuela's tepuis known as Auyan-tepui. Jimmy angel unfortunatly died in 1957 after he crash landed. is ashes were sprinkeled over Angel Falls.
There is an incredible variety of tropical wildlife in the area, including monkeys, poison arrow frogs and hundreds of species of orchids. Aside from the monkeys, mammals in the area are generally difficult to spot but include giant anteaters, armadillos, porcupines, three-toed sloths, otters, jaguars, pumas, tapirs and capybaras.
Angel Falls is deep within the National Park. When first entering the park (at the airport in Canaima) one must pay the park entrance fee of Bs. 8000 (US$ 4). Visitor flying out to Canaima National Park must also prove they have received a yellow fever vaccination. Those who cannot prove this will be given the vaccination in the airport at Ciudad Bolivar.
The small settlement of Canaima is negotiable by foot. Trips up to the Falls, however, will be in a dugout canoe, or curiara. The 30-minute or so walk from the closest point on the river to the base of the Falls is not easy going because of large tree roots on the path and visitors are advised to take sports shoes or suchlike for this hike.
The trip towards the fall itself has many attractions. The boat rides and walks through the jungle offer a unique view of Venezuelan flora, fauna, and terrain. If the water flow is mild enough, you can swim in the small pool that forms below the falls.
Simple food will be provided by your tour company.
The tour company will take care of basic drink needs.
See some tours with lodging on the Canaima National Park page.