One of the must-visit destinations in a lifetime is definitely Angel Falls. When arriving in Venezuela, you really need patience at immigration. There were fewer than ten people entering, yet it took over an hour to get through. The staff didn’t speak English, so you have to repeatedly fill in forms about your purpose of visit, hotel stay, and job information back home. That said, it’s absolutely worth it. We booked with one of the best local tour agencies, Waku Lodge. There are only two flights available. After landing on a small plane, the guide will pick you up by car. On the first day, we visited four waterfalls—be sure to bring extra socks to change into. Don’t forget a swimsuit, non-slip shoes, and quick-dry clothing, otherwise you’ll end up completely soaked. A waterproof bag is also recommended so you can safely bring your phone. On the second day, we took a speedboat departing at 5 a.m. Including the hike, it takes about 3–4 hours to reach the base of Angel Falls. You must wear gloves because there are many ants on the trail, and their bites are extremely painful. Make sure to wear long socks too, or the ants may crawl into your pants and bite you. Be very careful while hiking—the trails are wild and steep. That night, you’ll stay outdoors, which is a thrilling experience. You sleep in hammocks, so bring a change of clothes. And you absolutely must take a helicopter ride—it allows you to reach the very top of Angel Falls. Personally, I found it even more fun than visiting Antarctica.
Angel Falls
Waterfall height
Plan your visit to Angel Falls
Please verify on the official website before you go
Why is Angel Falls famous?
Angel Falls is the world's highest uninterrupted waterfall at 979 meters (3,212 feet), plunging from the summit of Auyán-tepui. Named after American aviator Jimmie Angel who crash-landed atop the tepui in 1937, it is known locally as Kerepakupai Merú by the indigenous Pemón people and inspired the Paradise Falls setting in Pixar's film Up.
Can you swim at Angel Falls?
No — Angel Falls plunges 979 m from a tepui; swimming occurs at the base river, not the falls directly. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Are dogs allowed at Angel Falls?
Unknown — please check the official website as Canaima National Park pet policies for multi-day wilderness trips are not commonly documented. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is Angel Falls free? Do you need a permit?
Canaima National Park entry fee applies; visits require a licensed tour operator (typically US$250–500+ for 2–3 day packages including flight, guide, meals, camping). Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is there parking at Angel Falls?
There is no road access or parking at Angel Falls. Access is by small plane to Canaima camp, then a full-day motorized canoe journey up the Carrao and Churún rivers, followed by a 1-hour jungle hike. Please verify on the official website before you go.
How long is the hike to Angel Falls?
About 1 hour one-way jungle hike from the river landing to the falls viewpoint after a 4–6 hour canoe trip from Canaima. The visit requires a multi-day guided expedition. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Angel Falls hike difficulty
Moderate to Hard — jungle trail with muddy, uneven terrain, stream crossings, and humidity; the full expedition involves canoe travel and camping. Please verify on the official website before you go.
When is the best time to visit Angel Falls?
May to November (rainy season) for maximum flow; the falls can reduce to a trickle in dry season (Dec–Apr). June–July offer the most dramatic cascade. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Angel Falls official website
Attractions near Angel Falls
- •Canaima Lagoon — stunning lagoon with pink-sand beaches and multiple waterfalls, gateway to Angel Falls
- •Kavac Canyon — remote canyon with waterfall and cave swim in indigenous Pemón territory
- •Salto Sapo — walk behind this powerful waterfall near Canaima Lagoon
- •Auyán-tepui — the massive table mountain from which Angel Falls drops
- •Salto El Hacha — another scenic waterfall accessible from Canaima village
Safety information
Waterfalls can be unforgiving. Read these before you go — and please, use your judgement on the day.
Full safety guide →Questions & answers
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