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Angel Falls

geography Maturity 7-9 Next article →

Angel Falls is a truly amazing sight in Venezuela. It is the tallest uninterrupted waterfall on our entire planet. The water falls from the edge of a huge mountain called Auyán-tepui. This mountain is a tepui, which is a mountain with a flat top.

Angel falls panoramic 20080314
Angel falls panoramic 20080314

The falls sit inside the Canaima National Park. This park is a special place called a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located in the Gran Sabana region of Bolívar State. The water flows along a fork of the Río Körepa. This river eventually joins the Churún River and the Orinoco River.

To understand the falls, we can look at how the water moves. The total height of the falls is 979 meters. Most of this is a single, long plunge of 807 meters. Below that big drop, the water hits sloped rapids and cascades. These rapids cover about 172 meters of the total height.

Salto Churún Merú
Salto Churún Merú

Some people wonder if it is the tallest waterfall in the world. There is still uncertainty about this fact. A waterfall in South Africa called Tugela Falls might be taller. However, both measurements were taken from a very long distance away.

Many people have explored this remote jungle over the years. An American pilot named Jimmie Angel flew over the falls in 1933. In 1937, he tried to land his plane on top of the mountain. The wheels of his plane sank into the marshy ground. He and three others had to walk for 11 days to get back to safety. Because of his famous adventure, the falls were named after him.

Lacascadamasbelladelmunto
Lacascadamasbelladelmunto

In 1946, an explorer named Aleksandrs Laime reached the base of the falls. He even cleared a trail that tourists use today. A special viewpoint on this trail is named Mirador Laime to honor him.

Finding the exact height of the falls was a big job. An expedition led by Ruth Robertson measured it in May 1949. Climbing the steep cliff was also very difficult for people. One team tried in 1968, but the rocks were too slippery. Another attempt in 1969 failed because there was not enough water. Finally, a team led by George Bogel reached the top in 1971. It took them nine and a half days to climb up the face.

Angel falls panoramic 20080314
Angel falls panoramic 20080314

Today, Angel Falls is a very popular place for travelers. Most people visit by flying to a camp and taking river trips. It is best to go between June and December. During these months, the rivers are deep enough for boats to travel. Some brave people even use the falls for BASE jumping. Max Botto was the first person to jump from the falls in 1983. You might even recognize the falls from movies like "Up." The beautiful scenery helped inspire the fictional Paradise Falls in that film.

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🖼️ Images & Media (3)
File:Salto Churún Merú.JPG
Salto Churún Merú.JPG
File:Lacascadamasbelladelmunto.jpg
Lacascadamasbelladelmunto.jpg
File:Angel falls panoramic 20080314.jpg
Angel falls panoramic 20080314.jpg
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