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Waterfalls, tepuis, and adventure!

By Bonnie Hamre, About.com

Angel Falls, Venezuela

Angel Falls, Venezuela

Courtney Milne
Angel Falls:
Salto Ángel is 3,212 ft (979 m) high and the highest uninterrupted falls in the world. As a point of reference:
  • Niagara Falls on the US/Canada border falls a distance of 60 m Angel Falls is 15 times higher.
  • Iguazu Falls is a series of waterfalls, or cataracts, averaging averaging 61 m (200 ft) high and separated by rocky crags and islands. Angel Falls is 16 times higher. Angel Falls drops into the Carrao river with varying amounts of water depending on the season and rainfall accumulating on the top of the tepui. The steep cliff of the tepui is constantly eroding due to the effect of water on sandstone.

    Enjoy this sample of trip reports, tours and photos:

  • Angel Falls
  • Salto Angel
  • Angel Falls, Venezuela
  • Canaima Lagoon photos
  • The Angel falls
  • photos
  • BASE jump photos
  • Tours
  • Sunbathe on the shores of Canaima Lagoon, and swim there and in the waters by El Sapo and Hacha Falls
  • Take day hikes around the area
  • Paddling Kavac-Canaima

    Roraima:
    Roraima, on the edge of the park bordering Guyana and Brazil, is one of the highest and largest tepuis. Its plateau is at 2700 m and the highest point is 2810 m. A favorite with climbers and trekkers, it affords a tremendous view from the summit. A trek to the top takes five days, (two for the climb up and down, the rest for sightseeing) starting from San Francisco de Yuruaní, north of Santa Elena.

    Get a guide either in San Francisco, or in the tiny Indian village of Paraitepui. The headman of the village will insist on one, though the way up is very obvious. It's on the top of the tepui that you'll be glad you have one, for the surface of the tepui is a blackened landscape of weird rock formations, hidden gardens, pools and beaches made eerie with shifting fogs. You'll want to stay at least two or three days on top.

  • Trekking Roraima: The Lost World
  • Roraima, Ruta de Ascenso
  • Roraima Expedition
  • Roraima Climb Along the way, you'll see Kunkenan tepui and river. The falls are visible from quite a distance, and a dip in the river is a welcome break.

    Within the park:

  • Birding - the park is home to more than 550 species of birds
  • Wildlife - see if you can spot a giant anteater, giant armadillo, giant otter, three-toed sloth, ocelot, jaguar, capybara, crab-eating raccoon, tapir, peccary, several species of monkeys, or a puma
  • Flowers everywhere! There are over 500 species of orchids alone
  • Canaima National Park photos
  • Angel Falls, Canaima State Park Slide Tour

    Outside the park, to the north, the Raul Leoni Hydroelectric Power Station, also known as the Guri Dam, is on Guri Lake, a vast lake with areas still unexplored. It is a favorite Fishing spot for peacock bass (speckled, butterfly and royal), "saber-toothed" payara, and amara.

    Whenever you go to Canaima National Park, Angel Falls or Roraima, buen viaje!. Be sure to share your experiences with us by posting a note on the fourm.

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