To visit Angel Falls – which at 979 metres is the tallest waterfall in the world – is, unsurprisingly, a breathtaking experience. However, it is made more remarkable by the adventurous trip required to reach it.
Our Venezuela tour recently completed a 3-night expedition into the remote Canaima National Park, a region often described as Venezuela’s “Lost World.” Starting and ending in Caracas, few other places better embody the idea that “the journey is just as important as the destination.”
Here’s your comprehensive guide to exploring Angel Falls, detailing both the logistics and the emotions you’ll experience:
How the hell do you get to the jungle?
Venezuela isn’t exactly Cancun or Maui at the moment, and even reaching the country to begin with is an achievement for many people. Despite the unique difficulties that travel to the nation produces, the rewards make any challenges pale into insignificance.
Once you’ve spent a couple of days stomping around the “capital of the revolution,” Caracas, you’ll likely be craving a deeper experience of Venezuela’s vast jungle interior. That’s why we planned our tour to include a group expedition to Canaima National Park and Angel Falls, ensuring a seamless yet thrilling adventure to one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world.
In case it wasn’t now obvious, getting to Angel Falls is not a simple case of enduring a sweaty overnight bus ride or even hopping onto a quaint yet crumbling train.
Like many great trips, your journey begins with an early trip to the airport. You’ll fly from Caracas to Canaima National Park on the national carrier, Conviasa. Not only will this provide stunning aerial views of Venezuela’s jungle, but using Conviasa is quite the experience. It has a very unique fleet and a reputation for flying bizarre routes as a political statement – Caracas to Damascus, anyone?
Upon arrival, you’re only 50 kilometres from Angel Falls, but this is where the adventure ramps up a gear.
What about the journey through the jungle?
A motorized canoe ride will take you through the Carrao and Churún Rivers, surrounded by stunning natural scenery. This trip takes 4-5 hours, so we’ll stop for a picnic lunch en route. You’ll spend the night in a hammock at the base camp near Angel Falls and have dinner prepared for us by our chefs. Rocking off to sleep, with the gentle sound of rain dancing on the canopy above, is the definition of serenity.
Come morning, we’ll pack up and begin an exciting trek to the falls themselves. With stops at the Mirador Salto Angel and Japanese viewpoints, this should take all morning. When you visit Angel Falls, you’ll experience the unique power of the falls, swim in its pool, and immerse yourself in the pristine jungle.
After lunch, you’ll get to rest and reflect on your visit to the falls as the group hops back in the motorized canoe. By visiting Mayupa Village, you’ll be provided with an insight into traditional lifestyles in the region. Once again, the day ends with a freshly cooked dinner, before you drift off in the hammocks.
Wait, why do we need three nights?
Given the flight schedule, there’s an entire day to explore the wonders of Canaima National Park after you visit Angel Falls. You’ll appreciate how this is a true privilege. Our itinerary transforms the return journey to the village of Canaima into a captivating adventure, featuring visits to stunning waterfalls, a picturesque lagoon, and a variety of cultural experiences along the way.
Hiking underneath Sapo Falls will provide you with an adrenaline rush, while Hacha Falls is so powerful that it can only be watched from the boat. You’ll also get to cool off in the Canaima Lagoon, which is also a lovely place to have lunch.
The final boat ride takes us back to Canaima village, which you’ll have time to explore before a traditional dinner in a local school. And yes, for better or worse, your final night in the jungle will be in an actual bed!
It’s up again the next morning for the 9:30 am flight back to Caracas, with its one final chance to snap those aerial jungle shots. The capital will now feel like another world…
Where do I sign up to visit Angel Falls?
Thankfully, you’re reading a YPT blog for a reason, and we’ve been visiting Venezuela for well over a decade. As such, we’ve sussed out all the best places to go and the perfect way to visit Angel Falls. We also know all the best local guides and have the expert knowledge to make your trip as smooth as possible.
We run group trips to visit Angel Falls twice a year, usually in April and October. This takes advantage of the “less rainy” season, ensuring the most vibrant photos and means that you will get (slightly) less wet!
A private tour to visit Angel Falls can also be organized, should your dates not align with our tours, or you want that little extra “luxury touch.” Either way, check out our Venezuela Landing Page or send us an email with your questions, and we’ll see you in the jungle!
About Post Author
