Home to the world's tallest waterfalls, Angel Falls, Canaima National Park in Venezuela is a remote, unique nature destination consisting of tropical jungles, canyons, table-top mountains and rich flora and fauna. Canaima's dramatic and untouched scenery offers good trekking and climbing opportunities for the adventurous travelers.
Outdoor sports. The dramatic sandstone table-top mountains, the tepuis, Roraima and Auyántepui (the Devils Mountain) in Canaima National Park's Gran Sabana region provide good opportunities for challenging outdoor activities, such as climbing in Angel Falls, Canaima and trekking in Angel Falls, Canaima. The world Heritage listed Canaima National Park is exceptionally rich in tropical wildlife: the area is inhabited by monkeys, jaguars, pumas, and lizards, among others. In Canaima National Park you can also admire numerous species of exotic birds.
Sightseeing & activity tours. Almost all flights to Canaima National Park usually try to fly over the magnificent Angel Falls. The majority of the attractions in the national park can only be explored by hiking, climbing or on guided boat tours in Angel Falls, Canaima which depart from the nearest village of Canaima or from the town of Ciudad Bolívar which usually serves as a starting point to trips to the magnificent Angel Falls.
Outdoor activities in Canaima and Angel Falls - the tallest waterfall in the world
The indisputable main attraction in the remote Canaima National Park in southeastern Venezuela is the spectacular Angel Falls, Salto Ángel, the tallest waterfall in the world. The total height of the falls is 979 meters. There are several magnificent falls surrounding the beautiful Canaima Lagoon, such as Salto El Sapo. The area was first known by the indigenous Pemon Indians. The falls were named after an American pilot Jimmy Angel whose plane crash-landed on the top of the Auyántepui table-top mountain.Outdoor sports. The dramatic sandstone table-top mountains, the tepuis, Roraima and Auyántepui (the Devils Mountain) in Canaima National Park's Gran Sabana region provide good opportunities for challenging outdoor activities, such as climbing in Angel Falls, Canaima and trekking in Angel Falls, Canaima. The world Heritage listed Canaima National Park is exceptionally rich in tropical wildlife: the area is inhabited by monkeys, jaguars, pumas, and lizards, among others. In Canaima National Park you can also admire numerous species of exotic birds.
Sightseeing & activity tours. Almost all flights to Canaima National Park usually try to fly over the magnificent Angel Falls. The majority of the attractions in the national park can only be explored by hiking, climbing or on guided boat tours in Angel Falls, Canaima which depart from the nearest village of Canaima or from the town of Ciudad Bolívar which usually serves as a starting point to trips to the magnificent Angel Falls.
Practical information for your trip to Angel Falls & Canaima National Park
Canaima National Park enjoys a humid tropical with only little seasonal variation in temperatures. The dry season lasts from January to May and it is the time when the rivers are at their lowest and there is not much water in the waterfalls. The best time to see the waterfalls in their full glory is in the middle of the rainy season from October to November.
Photo: Da_Vinzy, used under Creative Commons License (By 2.0)
How to get there. Canaima National Park is located in an isolated jungle region in southeastern Venezuela and is not easy to reach. The only way to travel to Angel Falls, Canaima is by air. There are frequent flights to Canaima from the capital Caracas or from Ciudad Bolivar which also serves as a starting point to boat trips to falls. Car rental in Angel Falls, Canaima is not necessary as there are no roads in Canaima National Park, except few dirt tracks surrounding the lagoon. Local transportation in Canaima is handled by boats or traditional motorized canoes, curiaras, operated mostly by lodges and tour operators.
Visitor services. There are many tour operators organizing package tours in the area and accommodation in Angel Falls, Canaima is included in the price. The small Canaima village has some gift and souvenir shops selling some indigenous crafts, jewelry, ceramics, woodwork and some basic goods for visitors. The camp restaurants in Angel Falls, Canaima serve usually local South American specialties. There is no actual nightlife in Canaima.
Safety. Angel Falls and Canaima National Park are relatively safe destinations with no major crime problems. However, this is a remote region with potentially dangerous wildlife, so hiking should always be done with a local guide. Natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods and landslides are possible. To avoid mountain sickness it is essential to have proper acclimation before heading to the mountains.
