About Angel Falls
Plunging an astonishing 979 meters (3,212 feet) with a single continuous drop of 807 meters, Angel Falls (known locally as Salto Ángel or in Pemón language as Kerepakupai Merú) stands as the world's tallest uninterrupted waterfall. Nestled deep within the ancient, misty jungles of Canaima National Park in southeastern Venezuela, this sheer curtain of water cascades off the edge of Auyán-tepui, a gigantic tabletop mountain rising dramatically above the rainforest floor.
Visitors to Angel Falls experience one of the most untouched and majestic wilderness areas on Earth. Because the fall descends from such a immense height, much of the water evaporates into fine mist or turns into a roaring cloud of spray before it even reaches the Churun River below. Surrounding the falls is a unique ecosystem dominated by flat-topped mountains known as tepuis, which house millions of years of evolutionary history, vibrant indigenous cultures, and rare endemic flora and fauna.
Visiting Angel Falls is a true expedition. Navigating up the river system by motorized dugout canoe (curiaras), trekking through dense jungle trails to reach the La Mirador view points, and sleeping in hammocks under open-air palapas near the base of the falls creates an unforgettable adventure for eco-travelers and outdoor enthusiasts.
History
The history of Angel Falls spans thousands of years of indigenous veneration long before Western discovery. The indigenous Pemón people have lived in the region for centuries, referring to the waterfall as Kerepakupai Merú (meaning 'waterfall of the deepest place') or Parakupá Vená ('the fall from the highest point'). The imposing Auyán-tepui summit from which it flows was held with deep spiritual reverence, considered the home of sacred spirits ('mavari').
The waterfall gained international recognition in the 1930s. American aviator Jimmie Angel flew over the region in 1933 in search of valuable ore deposits. Impressed by the towering cascade, he returned in October 1937 with his wife Marie and companions, attempting to land his metal-clad monoplane, the El Rio Caroní, on top of Auyán-tepui. The plane's landing gear sank into the boggy soil at the summit, disabling the aircraft. Angel and his crew spent 11 arduous days hiking down the rugged mountain side to reach safety.
His dramatic story captured the global imagination, and the falls were subsequently named Angel Falls in his honor. In 1994, Canaima National Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its geological significance and unmatched biodiversity centered around these ancient tepui formations.