Angel Falls facts for kids

Angel Falls as seen from Raton Island

Angel Falls is the world's tallest waterfall. It is located in Venezuela, a country in South America. The water drops an amazing 3,212 feet (979 m) from a flat-topped mountain called Auyantepui. The fall is so high that the water often turns into a fine mist before it even reaches the ground!

How Did Angel Falls Get Its Name?

The waterfall is named after Jimmy Angel. He was an American pilot. In 1937, Jimmy Angel crashed his small airplane near the top of the falls. He survived the crash! He then had to hike for 11 days to find his way back to civilization. Because of his adventure, the falls were named in his honor.

The local Pemón people also have a name for the falls. They call it Kerepakupai-merú. This means "falls from the deepest place." It's a very fitting name for such a tall waterfall!

Where is Angel Falls Located?

Angel Falls is deep inside Canaima National Park. This park is in the Bolívar state of Venezuela. The area around the falls is covered in dense jungle. It is also home to many unique plants and animals. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This means it's a very special place that is protected for everyone to enjoy.

What is a Tepui?

The water of Angel Falls drops from a "tepui." A tepui is a special type of flat-topped mountain. These mountains have very steep sides. They are found only in the Guiana Highlands of South America. Auyantepui, the mountain where Angel Falls begins, is one of the largest tepuis. Its name means "Devil's Mountain" in the local Pemón language.

Visiting Angel Falls

Reaching Angel Falls is an adventure! It is located in a remote area. Most visitors travel by small airplane to Canaima camp. From there, they take a boat trip along the Carrao and Churún rivers. This journey can take several days. The best time to visit is during the rainy season. This is when the water levels are high. It makes the boat trip easier and the waterfall even more spectacular.

Images for kids

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  Panoramic aerial view of Angel Falls

See also

In Spanish: Salto Ángel para niños