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August 17, 2026
Angel Falls is more than a waterfall!
This post is not about Angel Falls per se — it is about the places and activities you will experience throughout the Angel Falls expedition. I have organized each location in a logical order, starting from the moment we arrive at Canaima Lagoon all the way to Angel Falls. It’s important to note that the route is round-trip, following the exact same path, and the journey from Canaima Lagoon to Angel Falls covers approximately 80 kilometers upstream each way, with an elevation gain of about 160–200 meters.
It’s also important to mention that not all the places listed here are included in every program, as each Angel Falls expedition is different. Some itineraries are 4 days long, others 5, and nature itself opens or closes access to certain spots.
At the end of each section of the itinerary, you will find one of the following labels:
- Included in all tours
- Included in our tours when nature permits
- Included in 5-day programs, provided the entire group agrees to visit
- Visible in all our tours
- Included in all our programs, provided the entire group agrees to visit it
If you hover over each photo, you can read my personal comments about every corner of this fascinating experience.
Ben Rodríguez
Director & Founder – Osprey Expeditions
Let’s go through them one by one....
Canaima Lagoon
Canaima Lagoon (Laguna de Canaima) is a body of water located in the Gran Sabana, within Canaima National Park, in the Bolívar state. Its waters originate from four waterfalls and the Carrao River, surrounded by impressive tepuyes such as Kusari, Kuravaina, and Kurun. It also boasts lush vegetation that complements the landscape. What really stands out are the various colors of its waters, which vary depending on the sector: in some areas, the water takes on reddish tones due to the minerals present, while in others, it turns more blue because of the force of the waterfalls.
Around Laguna de Canaima lies the community of the Pemons, who inhabit this area of the National Park. The airport is located here, as well as the Canaima Lagoon community, which has approximately 2400 inhabitants. This area also hosts the camps within this section of the national park. The community has its own hospital, several shops, two or three supermarkets, and from here, all expeditions to Angel Falls depart. The beach at Laguna de Canaima is also one of the social hubs for the Pemón community. In the afternoons, many locals come to walk, swim, and children play there. This place is undoubtedly one of the most photogenic spots and appears frequently in photos, magazines, videos, and social media posts. It is, without a doubt, one of the most fascinating places on the Angel Falls expedition.
Included in all tours!
Salto Hacha
It’s essential to wear socks with good grip, as the area under the waterfall remains completely natural and has not been modified for tourists. Sandals or shoes tend to slip, while socks offer much better traction. A cap or baseball hat also helps keep the water from falling directly into your eyes.
Walking under this waterfall is one of the most memorable moments of the Angel Falls Expedition. It’s easy to take great photos and feel the full power of the water—an experience that stays with every traveler.
Hacha Falls is also very similar to the famous Salto Sapo, located on the opposite side of the lagoon. Although slightly farther away, Salto Sapo shares the same dramatic rock formation. Hacha Falls is remarkable for another reason: it flows year-round, remaining a stunning spectacle even in the driest months.
Included in all tours!
Ucaima, Golondrina, Wadaima falls.
Located next to Salto Hacha, there are three additional waterfalls with different names: Salto Ucaima, Salto Golondrina, and Salto Guadaima. These waterfalls are mostly inaccessible throughout the year and can only be admired and photographed from a distance, as there is no direct access on foot. The only exception is during periods of extreme drought, when it is possible to visit and bathe under the waterfalls that emerge.
These waterfalls are also incredibly photogenic and, together with Salto Hacha, form one of the most important attractions in Canaima: the Canaima Lagoon. These three waterfalls are the first ones encountered when traveling through the lagoon, before reaching Salto Hacha, which appears at the end of the journey.
Included in all tours!
Salto Sapo
Salto Sapo is considered the “twin sister” of Salto Hacha. There are two ways to reach it: a 15–20 minute walk across the savannah that leads to the top of the waterfall, or a forest trail—also about 15 minutes—that takes you directly to the lower section, where visitors can walk behind its famous curtain of water, one of the most iconic experiences in Canaima National Park.
For many years, Salto Sapo was the most visited waterfall in the park, as regular excursions were organized there since the early days of Canaima. Over time, Salto Hacha has gained greater popularity due to its easier access and its consistent flow of water throughout the year. Even so, Salto Sapo remains a truly charming site. During periods of extreme drought, it can dry almost completely, leaving only a thin ribbon of water falling from the top. It is remarkable to see how nature transforms this impressive waterfall depending on the season.
Included in our tours when nature permits.
Kurun, Kusari and Karavaina tepuis
The 3 tepuis visible from Canaima Lagoon are called Kurún, Kuravaina, and Kusarí. Kuravaina is the lowest of them all, and some excursions include hikes to the top. One of the biggest challenges of this hike (8 kms round trip) is the incline and the exposure to the sun, as hikers are under intense sunlight for much of the journey. This makes the trek quite exhausting and hot, as it involves walking through a savannah for nearly an hour and 15 minutes with inclines of more than 45 degrees in some sections.
The view from the top of Kuravaina is spectacular; you can see the entire Mayupa savannah and, of course, the other two tepuyes: Kuravaina and Kusarí. Kusarí is the largest tepuy, with a relatively flat plateau, and it can only be accessed by helicopter. Kurún, located between the other two, is also inaccessible except by helicopter.
These tepuis are among the most common images you will see in photographs related to Canaima National Park, and they dramatically enhance the views of the Mayupa savannah.
Visible in all our tours | Hike to the top of Kuravaina Included in 5-day programs, provided the entire group agrees to visit it
Pozo Azul
Pozo Azul is an idyllic waterfall and natural crystal-clear pool located at the foot of the Curabaina Tepuy. It is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Canaima National Park. Reaching it requires an approximately one-hour walk across the Mayupa savannah, and it is usually visited together with the hike to Curabaina Tepuy.
It is a truly stunning spot where visitors can swim and relax, and it is often a favorite among travelers. On some occasions, it is not included in the itinerary, depending on the schedule and the specific program, as it is not always part of the standard routes we offer.
Included in 5-day programs, provided the entire group agrees to visit it
Sabana de Mayupa
The Mayupa savannah is located next to the Mayupa rapids and at the foot of the famous tepuyes Curun, Cusarí, and Curabaina. The walk we take to avoid the rapids — as the boat continues empty, carrying only the luggage — is approximately 3 kilometers long and must be completed by all participants in the excursion. This is done, of course, to avoid the risk of crossing the Mayupa rapids by boat.
More than 40 years ago, this savannah was the first airport in Canaima National Park. Today, only one family lives there, and there is a little-used tourist camp. On some occasions, we stay there with our clients, and it’s simply spectacular. The area has excellent lighting both in the morning and in the afternoon, making the tepuyes mentioned earlier extremely photogenic and ideal for photography at any time of the day.
The savannah can reach very high temperatures, even exceeding 40°C, and there is very little shade. This is likely why there are almost no inhabitants in this area — the heat is truly intense.
Included in all tours!
Pozo de La Felicidad
“Pozo de la Felicidad” (or “Pool of Happiness”) is located approximately 40 minutes after passing the Mayupa savannah. It is a charming waterfall with fresh water filtered through the savannas of this part of Canaima National Park. The area is well-shaded, and the water is crystal clear. We typically stop here to allow visitors to rest, take photographs, or sometimes enjoy a picnic. We also often offer the option to swim, depending on the weather, conditions, schedule, and the preferences of the clients. Throughout the excursion, there are several opportunities to swim, though some clients prefer not to. Regardless, we always stop to showcase the waterfall, which is loved by everyone. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and photogenic waterfalls in Canaima National Park.
Included in all our programs, provided the entire group agrees to visit it
Wey Tepui
Wey Tepuy is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful tepuis in Canaima National Park. It is located right at the point where the Churún and Carrao Rivers meet. Also known as the Tepuy of the Sun and the Moon, it has a very distinctive shape, appearing to be two tepuis connected by a strip of extremely dense, nearly impenetrable jungle.
This tepuy has not yet been explored and frequently appears in photographs and presentations about Canaima National Park, making it one of the most iconic visual landmarks of the region.
Visible in all our tours
Auyan Tepui
Auyantepuy is the largest rock formation in Canaima National Park and will accompany you throughout most of the boat journey to Angel Falls. It spans 700 square kilometers and reaches a maximum height of 2,535 meters. Its name in Pemón means “Sacred Mountain of the Devil,” and according to the Pemón indigenous legend, it was here that the evil spirit of Canaima resided, which also gave the park its name. Auyantepuy remains largely unexplored, and although it is a massive mountain, it is virtually impassable; only very technical expeditions can reach most of its corners. It is possible that other regions will be explored in the future, but for now, access is limited to the area around Angel Falls, once you reach the Devil’s Canyon and the Ahonda Canyon.
Visible in all our tours
Isla Orquidea
Isla Orquídea easily serves as a marker that you’re halfway through the journey. It is located about two and a half hours from the point where we begin the approximately 80-kilometer journey to the base of Angel Falls. Its name suggests that it is filled with orchids, but in reality, it is simply an island with a pink sand beach during the dry season, which disappears or becomes completely flooded during the rainy season.
Visible in all our tours
Cañón del diablo
The Devil’s Canyon starts near the point where the Carrao River and the Churún River meet. It spans approximately 25 to 30 kilometers and closely follows the course of the Churún River, which originates from the heart of the deep and majestic Auyantepuy. In the Devil’s Canyon, we can see the reddish hues of tannin in the waters of the Churún River, and this section is much narrower compared to the Carrao River section. Here, we also encounter several rapids, which act as natural dams formed by large rocks, and it’s fascinating to witness the skill of the boat captains navigating through these obstacles. Additionally, near the waterfall of Salto Ángel, there’s an area known as the Devil’s Throat, famous for its massive rocks, from which some travelers often jump, making it a very photogenic spot. The Devil’s Canyon stretches to the Churún River waterfall and is navigable up to about 200 meters past the Salto Ángel base camp.
A little bit of history!
In 1949, journalist Ruth Robertson was sent to Venezuela to investigate Jimmy Angel’s claim of a giant waterfall in the Venezuelan jungle. She left her job and, along with Alejandro Laime and a team, embarked on the adventure. She first saw it from a plane, but her goal was to find the closest land route. They spent days camping in the jungle, guided by Laime’s instinct and the sounds of the environment.
Ruth was the first to lead an expedition to the base of Angel Falls, navigating the Carrao River, joining the Churún, and then walking for days to approach the waterfall. With her team, she confirmed it was 979 meters tall, the highest in the world. The route she established in 1949 is still used today. What took her nearly 10 days now takes 4 hours by boat and 1.5 hours of walking to the Mirador Laime, where her team had to stop due to the impossibility of going further.
Included in all tours!
Trail to Angel Falls
The trail to Angel Falls is approximately 4.2 kilometers long, with about 60% of it being flat. The remaining portion features various inclines, some reaching up to 45°. This more challenging part includes rocks and roots, leading directly to the Angel Falls viewpoint. The flat section consists mainly of a sandy path, roots, and small streams that flow through the area. The forest is dense and lush, and there is only one trail to Angel Falls, created by Alexander Laime. No alternative paths exist, so it is essential to stay with the group and guide, as it can be easy to get lost in some sections. Be prepared for high humidity, possibly reaching 90%, and expect nearly the entire trail to be shaded, with very few areas exposed to direct sunlight, which could be tiring and affect your energy.
Included in all tours!
Angel Falls view point
After walking approximately 4.2 kilometers through the jungle, with humidity levels between 80% and 90%, you will reach the Angel Falls viewpoint, also known as Mirador Laime. From here, you’ll have perhaps the best view of the world’s tallest waterfall. We ask that you be very careful, as there are no railings or any kind of protection to prevent a fall into the abyss. If you’re not cautious, you could fall into the jungle below. This place remains very authentic, as it is a rock formation with space for only about 15 people.
Included in all tours!
Angel Falls pool
A five-minute downhill walk, with an incline of about 45 degrees, takes us to the Pozo de Salto Ángel. It is very likely that you will have the opportunity to swim here during the excursion. It is also important to note that the rocks can be slippery, so you must walk with great care. Additionally, the water in the pool is quite cold. When the waterfall is swollen, we typically avoid this spot, as it can be quite dangerous.
Included in our tours when nature permits.
Canaima village
The village of Canaima, locally known as Maloca, is the only indigenous settlement located next to the Canaima Lagoon. It has approximately 2,400 inhabitants and features a church, a primary school, a high school, a medical clinic, small stores that serve as supermarkets, and, of course, several tourist camps. The village is also home to Pemón communities, and every night of the week, the locals organize small cultural performances for tourists. Additionally, on Wednesday and Saturday nights, there is an artisan fair where visitors can purchase local products.
