Angel Falls Travel Guide
From Wikitravel
Angel Falls, called Kerepakupai-merú by the indigenous people, is in Canaima National Park of Venezuela.
Contents |
Understand
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.
History
In 1937 pilot Jimmy Angel landed on the Auyan Tepuy in search of gold. Unfortunately his plane got stuck and he wasn't able to take off. After 11 days he made it to Kamarata. His plane was later recovered and can be seen in front of the airport at Ciudad Bolivar.
Landscape
Angel Falls is situated in the Gran Sabana region of Venezuela. The periphery of this area is filled with grasslands, whereas deeper into the Gran Sabana one finds dense jungle. This part of the world is remarkable for its numerous tepuy, which are flat-topped mountains with flat walls. Angel falls is located on the side of an extremely large and high tepuy known as Auyan Tepuy.
Flora and fauna
There is an incredible variety of tropical wildlife in the area, including monkeys and poison arrow frogs.
Climate
Get in
In principle one can charter a plane to Canaima, and then try to organize oneself to get to the falls. In practice, the simplest thing to do is sign up for a tour that takes care of the details. If you book a tour from your home country, it is likely to be rather expensive. Similarly, booking a tour from Caracas will cost more. It is cheapest to book a tour from Ciudad Bolivar. Nearly all the angel falls tours operate out of this city, and their prices include the cost of a plane that flies from Ciudad Bolivar to Canaima. Expect to pay between Bs. 500,000 and 600,000 (approximately US$ 250) for a three-day tour that brings you to the falls. More expensive tours may include a flight that takes you right over the falls.
A typical tour will include the flight to Canaima, and then three days of meals and (very simple and rustic) accommodation at the various campsites along the river towards the falls. Boat rides along with sections of hiking are required to get to the campsites. Tour guides typically speak spanish and english.
Fees/Permits
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).
Get around
See
Do
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.
Buy
Eat
Simple food will be provided by your tour company.
Drink
You can drink the water at the Falls, but it's not recommended.
Sleep
Lodging
Camping
Camping is NOT allowed in any circumstances. They are very strict about that.
Backcountry
Get out
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