Angel Falls

Angel Falls or Salto Ángel is the world's highest free-falling waterfall at 978 metres (3,212 feet) with an uninterrupted drop of 807 metres (2,647 feet). It is located on an unnamed tributary of the Rio Caroni, in the Canaima National Park, Venezuela. Its coordinates are 5°56'43"N, 62°26'57"W.

Related Topics:
Waterfall - Rio Caroni - Canaima National Park - Venezuela

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Although first sighted in the early 20th century by the explorer Ernesto de Santa Cruz, the waterfall was not known to the world until its official discovery by the American aviator, James Crawford Angel, on a flight whilst searching for gold. Angel was born in Springfield, Missouri in 1899. The falls are currently named "Angel Falls" after him; interestingly enough, the indigenous name for the falls was "Devil's Mouth".

Related Topics:
20th century - Ernesto de Santa Cruz - James Crawford Angel - Gold - Springfield - Missouri - 1899

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The official height was determined by a National Geographic Society survey in 1949 (see Jungle Journey to the World's Highest Waterfall by Ruth Robertson). David Mott's book, Angels Four, chronicles the first successful climb up the face of Auyan Tepui (Devil's Mountain) to the top of the falls. The falls are one of Venezuela's top tourist attractions.

Related Topics:
National Geographic Society - 1949 - Auyan Tepui

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Angel Falls is located in the wilderness of Venezuela, and a trip to the falls is not a simple affair. An air flight is required. Trips to the falls are sold in a package that includes a plane flight from Caracas to Canaima (the town which acts as an entry point to the national park), and subsequent boat trips, meals, and boarding, required to reach the falls. It is also possible to purchase a package that includes an aerial flyby of the falls. The falls cannot be seen on clouded days, and there is no guarantee a visitor will see them. During the dry season (December to March) there is very little water and the sight is not as spectacular as those seen in most photos. The entire trip usually takes 24 hours.

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