Angel Falls

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.