Angel Falls

Angel Falls is a massive waterfall located in Venezuela. It holds the title of the world's tallest uninterrupted waterfall. The water drops from the edge of a mountain called Auyán-tepui. This mountain is a tepui, which is a type of flat-topped mountain.

The falls are located within the Canaima National Park. This area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Gran Sabana region. It sits in the Bolívar State of Venezuela. The water flows along a fork of the Río Körepa. This stream joins the Churún River, which flows into the Carrao River. Finally, the water reaches the Orinoco River.

The physical structure of the falls is quite complex. The total height is recorded at 979 meters. This height includes a main plunge of 807 meters. Below this massive drop, the water moves through other stages. There are about 172 meters of sloped cascades and rapids. These are known as talus rapids. After these rapids, there is another plunge downstream.

Scientists and explorers still debate the exact height. There is uncertainty regarding whether Angel Falls or Tugela Falls in South Africa is taller. This is because measurements for both were taken from a considerable distance.

The history of the falls is tied to an American aviator named Jimmie Angel. He was the first person to fly over the falls on November 16, 1933. He was searching for a valuable ore bed at the time. On October 9, 1937, Angel tried to land his Flamingo monoplane on Auyán-tepui. The wheels of his plane, named El Río Caroní, sank into marshy ground. He and three companions had to walk for 11 days to reach civilization. This adventure made him famous. The name "Salto Ángel" was published on a government map in 1939.

Different explorers reached different parts of the falls over many years. Aleksandrs Laime, a Latvian explorer, reached the base in 1946. He was the first European to reach the bottom of the falls. He also cleared a trail from the Churún River to the base. This trail is used by tourists today. A viewpoint on this path is named Mirador Laime in his honor. In the late 1950s, Laime also climbed the back side of the falls. This side has a slope that is not vertical. He even found Jimmie Angel's plane 18 years after the crash.

Measuring and climbing the falls required great effort and planning. An expedition led by Ruth Robertson measured the height on May 13, 1949. This was the first recorded expedition to reach the foot of the falls. Climbing the steep cliff face proved to be very difficult. A team tried in 1968, but the rocks were too slippery. A second attempt in 1969 failed because there was not enough water. In 1971, a four-man team led by George Bogel succeeded. They spent nine and a half days ascending the cliff. They also spent one and a half days rappelling down.

Visiting Angel Falls is a complicated process for modern tourists. The falls are located in a very isolated jungle. Travelers must take a flight to reach the Canaima camp. From there, they begin river trips to the base. The best time to visit is between June and December. During these months, the rivers are deep enough for Pemon guides to use. In the dry season, from December to March, the water volume is much lower.

Some people even use the falls for BASE jumping. Max Botto was the first to jump in November 1983.

Angel Falls has also appeared in many forms of popular media. The falls inspired the fictional Paradise Falls in the Pixar film *Up*. It was also a setting in the film *What Dreams May Come*. In the movie *Point Break*, actors are shown free-climbing the rock face. The waterfall was even included as one of the seven wonders in a 1956 film. There is also a debate about the name of the falls. In 2009, President Hugo Chávez suggested using the Pemon name, Kerepakupai-Merú. This name means "waterfall of the deepest place." He argued that the landmark should bear an indigenous name.