Salto Angel. Few people saw the highest waterfall in the world. In Venezuela they say that it is 1002 meters high, in my encyclopedia it is 1054 meters... The difference is not important, Angel is the highest and is terrific! Angel Fall or Salto Angel is located in the Canaima National Park - sixth biggest in the world. It is a region of unspoiled beauty: jungle, dashing rivers, hundreds of waterfalls and high table mountains called tepuis. The largest one - Auyantepuy or Hell’s Mountain (2560 m above sea level) is the home of Angel. There are two ways to see Angel: you can see the fall from the plane (if there is no clouds) or you can take a boat trip up the rivers from Canaima to see fall from the ground level. In both cases you must go first to Canaima and practically the only method to get there is to take a flight. Land and river access takes much more time and money. Ciudad Bolivar - the capital of Venezuelan Bolivar province is the most convenient gateway to Canaima.
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Favourite spots: |
Many agencies in Ciudad Bolivar offer to organize your complete package trip to the Angel. Typical price for 3-days tour is equivalent of 250 USD and more. They charge of course their commission. To cut the price down try to arrange all by yourself. There are offices of the small airlines in the airport terminal - go there and buy only a ticket for the flight to Canaima. They also will offer you a package - tell them, that you already booked a tour from Canaima to the fall. Flight to Canaima (in small cessna) takes about 1 hour.
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What's really great: |
From isolated settlement of Canaima dugout or „curiara”-; boat took us about 2 hours up the Carrao river. Be prepared for the splashes of the water and beautiful scenery. It was dusk when we reached camp at Orchid Island (Isla Orquidea). There is hammock accommodation under the roof, pit toilet, no bathroom. Meals were very basic. Started with early wake-up and 3 hours sail up the rivers Carrao and Churun, rapids, fountains of water, a lot of wet. Landing at Rat Island (Isla Ratoncito).
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Sights: |
The view from rocky „mirador” is unforgettable. Sprayed water everywhere in the air - not easy to take good picture, but the light is definitely best a.m. From this place you can also see lower cascade of the fall, about 30 meters high. There is access to the pool under this cascade by strenuous path (another 15 minutes or so). Almost everybody likes to swim in the pool - it is a real pleasure after sweaty climbing in a tropical temperature.
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Accommodations: |
We spent two nights at Rat Island (Isla Ratoncito). From this place is the first view of Angel Fall. Cloud of white water is falling down from 1 km high table rock. That is what you came for... It is imposing! Then we crossed small river and took about 1 hour walk through the jungle to the view point (mirador), close to the fall - trail is quite steep at the end - it is good idea to take comfortable walking shoes.
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Other recommendations: |
Canaima itself is a place of extremely beautiful scenery, its on the bank of the lake, there is sandy beach and view to three waterfalls on the opposite side of the lake. In the Indian village (5 min. walk from the airport) is quite large shop selling grocery and wide range of souvenirs. Boats to the fall operate only when the level of the water is high (usually May to December). You can see more pictures and maps from this trip on my Polish page: http://www.kontynenty.tpi.pl/s5plangel.h-tm
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Published on Tuesday October 8th, 2002
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Fri, Jun 09 2006 - 11:28 PM
 by quikflikchiq
thank you for your great report! i appreciate all the hints and also the way you write tells me i must include this as a must do in my trip to south america next year. |
Sun, Oct 23 2005 - 05:44 AM
by miguelmarchi
You must be a happy man. I would be happy if I had travelled so much as you. |
Thu, Nov 11 2004 - 11:35 AM
by magsalex
Conjours up atmoshere well |
Sat, Apr 17 2004 - 10:35 AM
by travelalain
I always wanted to see the Angel falls and reading this gives me again the tickels to go ..... but first another destination, thanks for the tips
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Tue, Oct 21 2003 - 12:24 PM
by whereisliz
Great details, and thanks for the money-saving tips! |
Sat, Oct 04 2003 - 06:29 AM
by marianne
I enjoyed reading this, beautiful pictures. I like your style of writing |
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