Hola viajeros! My name is Rossana Rodríguez da Silva, better known on Instagram as @rossanardasilva. I was born and raised in Caracas, the green capital of Venezuela. In this article, I will be sharing my experiences at the world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall – the one and only Angel Falls!
From a young age I knew that I had this insatiable passion to explore new places, to discover exciting flavors in food, to experience different cultures and to delve deep into the essence of the places I visited. I found a path in tourism to further uncover and express these passions of mine.
Currently, I participate in the tourism industry by being CEO of @ecoturaventura. I promote sustainable tourism in a TV segment/program called @siguetubrujula, in training sustainable tourism, as a coordinator of a tourism program in conjunction with a prestigious university in Venezuela, and with Ahete – a sustainable tourism network in Venezuela.
I have visited Angel Falls 13 times and could go a thousand times more! This one place on planet earth is full of magic – not only in its nature, but also in the ancestral culture that is still alive in the indigenous communities of the area. To be there is to feel the force of creation at its best.
Canaima National Park is a space of renewal, wonder, adventure and reflection. Being there gives you the opportunity to experience the joys of life in one of the oldest places on earth. This park remains untamed, wild, pure, pristine and surprising in many ways. I feel deeply grateful for the fact that I have been able to visit this blessed land with such frequency.
Why Angel Falls is so Special
Visiting Angel Falls is a journey of deep learning and high emotions. This ancient place allows you to renew your energies and appreciate the undeniable grace, beauty and greatness of nature. There is no photograph or video as good as being there. Only by standing in front of the world’s tallest waterfall will you understand why it’s such a special place.
The best place to take in the falls and for photography is Mirador Laime (Laime’s Viewpoint). This spot is close to the falls. Not only can you take wonderful photos here, but you can also contemplate the majestic and imposing waterfall up close. Although taking photos is always a good idea, sometimes we need to put things away and just marvel at nature!
Top 5 Things To Do at Angels Falls
- Go through the water curtains of Salto Sapo and/or El Hacha: This experience is truly unique. Going behind the waterfalls gives you lots of adrenaline and you can really feel the force of nature from within.
- Try new flavors: The ancestral Pemon community has a few incredible flavors in its customs. Trying Tumá (a spicy soup), Kachiri (a fermented drink), some Bachacos and a little Cassava will be a gastronomic requirement to make your trip that much more interesting.
- Take an overnight excursion to the Navegada Waterfall: Without a doubt this place deserves an overnight stay, and a wake up there to see the sun illuminating the waterfall in golden light and to see the jungle in pure green density. Make sure you stay in the comfort of a hammock, so your experience will be even more unique and unforgettable.
- Fly over Angel Falls: After getting to know the waterfall by sailing, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to see it from up on high! The perspective of the waterfall from up there is just breathtaking. You won’t regret it!
- Visit the community of Kavac: This community behind the Auyan Tepui will surprise you. The view of Auyan Tepui from that area is epic! You can also take excursions to the Kavac Canyon or Cave, which will also surprise and delight you with its unmatched natural beauty.
My Best Experience at Angel Falls
My company was born at Angel Falls and with that came multiple opportunities to do what I’m passionate about. On one trip to Angel Falls with a group of tourists, we were celebrating the first anniversary of my company. The tourists managed to prepare a surprise decoration at the camp in front of the falls and also a cake that miraculously arrived intact!
I remember that being one of the biggest surprises of my life! I cried for hours – tears of gratitude just to be there in that magical place celebrating one year of a dream (which has now turned into eight years). It was a special moment for me that I will never forget. I’m forever thankful to those who made it happen and to Angel Falls for giving me so much magic.
Where to Stay at Angel Falls
In the western area of Canaima National Park there are only campgrounds for accommodation. These camps have many comforts for the jungle, in addition to dozens of years of operation in tourism. This guarantees that your stay will be safe and enjoyable. One of my favorite ones – because of the way it blends in with the environment – is @ucaima1956.
Unfortunately, there are no Airbnb accommodation options in the area yet. However, the indigenous community is organizing a similar system from their own homes which will allow them to monetize directly from tourist activity. We hope that these proposals will be quickly implemented.
More Attractions at Canaima National Park
Canaima National Park is one of the largest parks in the world and it’s home to Angel Falls in the western region. In the eastern areas you can find many adventures to experience like hiking Mount Roraima, walking through wells and waterfalls, and driving through this epic landscape.
It’s a unique landscape – one of the oldest on the planet – accompanied by ancient culture and very little human intervention. Without a doubt, Canaima National Park is one of the last untouched paradises on earth! If you are going to explore more of the park (not just visit Angel Falls), then I suggest dedicating at least two weeks to see the highlights of Canaima.
Need to Know Before you Go
General travel tips for Angel Falls are easy to come by and follow: raincoat, easy-dry clothing, bathing suit, insect repellent, flashlight, sunscreen, etc. But I want to give you some recommendations for those who travel with their heart. Visiting Canaima National Park is a transformative journey if you travel there with your eyes open to the soul of the experience.
It’s necessary to understand that you will be visiting one of the oldest places on the planet – a place charged with an indescribable energy. Seeking to blend in with nature, minimize your impact and fully enjoy each step in that magical place will give you a unique experience.
Take photos but don’t stop enjoying those little moments and details that will show up. Record some videos but don’t stop connecting with what is happening around you – which is pure magic! I’m sure your trip to Canaima National Park and Angel Falls will be transformative. How about you visit and tell me about it?! If you need further info, I’m at your command.
