Kaieteur Falls in Guyana is the world’s largest single-drop waterfall by flow volume. It has a single vertical drop of 226 meters.
Kaieteur Falls
2 photos
Leaflet © OpenStreetMap
226m
Waterfall height
Plan your visit to Kaieteur Falls
Please verify on the official website before you go
Why is Kaieteur Falls famous?
Kaieteur Falls is one of the world's most powerful waterfalls by volume, dropping 226 meters (741 feet) in a single plunge — roughly five times the height of Niagara Falls. It remains remarkably pristine and remote, accessible only by air, and is considered one of Earth's most unspoiled natural wonders, surrounded by undisturbed rainforest.
Can you swim at Kaieteur Falls?
No — swimming is not permitted at Kaieteur Falls due to the extreme height and dangerous currents. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Are dogs allowed at Kaieteur Falls?
Unknown — please check the official website. Kaieteur National Park is remote wilderness accessed mainly by air; pet policies are not publicly documented. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is Kaieteur Falls free? Do you need a permit?
Access requires booking a charter flight (typically USD $200–300 per person) which includes park entry; visitors cannot access independently. Please check the official website. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is there parking at Kaieteur Falls?
There is no road access to Kaieteur Falls. Visitors arrive by chartered light aircraft (35–45 min flight from Georgetown) landing at a small airstrip within the park, a short walk from the viewpoints. Please verify on the official website before you go.
How long is the hike to Kaieteur Falls?
No hike required — the airstrip is approximately 500 meters from the main viewpoint; a short 10-minute walk on maintained paths. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Kaieteur Falls hike difficulty
Easy — flat, short walk from the airstrip to viewpoints on well-maintained trails; no significant elevation change or obstacles. Please verify on the official website before you go.
When is the best time to visit Kaieteur Falls?
May to August (rainy season) for maximum water flow and dramatic mist, though the falls are impressive year-round. December to March is drier with clearer skies for photography. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Route and trail notes for Kaieteur Falls
From the airstrip, follow the marked trail westward through the forest canopy approximately 500 meters to the main viewing platform at the edge of the gorge. Multiple viewing points allow different perspectives of the falls, including upstream views of the Potaro River's approach to the cliff edge.
Kaieteur Falls official website
Attractions near Kaieteur Falls
- •Orinduik Falls — scenic multi-tiered waterfall on the Ireng River, popular for swimming
- •Potaro River — river system offering wildlife viewing and boat tours
- •Iwokrama Rainforest — protected reserve with canopy walkway and jaguar conservation
- •Pakaraima Mountains — ancient mountain range with unique tepui ecosystems
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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