Venezuela — Beachcomber Pete Travel Adventures

Salto Hacha, Venezuela

Salto Hacha is by no means the most famous waterfall in Venezuela. Generally overshadowed by nearby Angel Falls, the world’s largest waterfall, Salto Hacha often first appears to visitors as a side stop on an itinerary headed toward the big show. Despite its more humble reputation, Salto Hacha is a unique and unforgettable location with much to offer those adventurous enough to seek it and making the falls one of the more popular Waterfalls of South America.

Located in the world famous Canaima National Park Lagoon, inside of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Canaima National Park, Salto Hacha is part of a large natural reserve with unique flora, animal life and one-of-a-kind rock formations. While visiting Salto Hacha, visitors may be lucky enough to spot monkeys, giant anteaters, three-toed sloths, jagurs and poison arrow frogs in addition to hundreds of species of orchids and other exotic fauna.

Tourists visiting Salto Hacha are allowed to climb behind the waterfall’s curtain and get a truly insider view of one of the world’s most incredible locations. The trails that go behind the falls are slippery and it is recommended that visitors bring shoes appropriate for climbing on wet terrain.

Salto Hacha also boasts a nearby beach that tourists can visit after their climb. The over-presence of quartz in the Canaima National Park Lagoon gives the water and sand a unique ambiance. Although the water remains clear, it takes on a unique rusty or tea-like appearance, while the sand appears red and even pink in spots. The Lagoon is known for gentle waters and tourists can swim peacefully surrounded by breathtaking views of some of the world’s most famous waterfalls.

Salto Hacha should not be approached independently. With remote, tough terrain and strict government regulation to protect the fragile eco system, travelers will need to acquire a guide. It is not difficult to find tour companies operating out of Caracas or Ciudad Bolívar with prices varying throughout the seasons. Prices from Ciudad Bolívar tend to be more competitive.

All tourists flying to Canaima National Park must be able to prove that they have received a recent Yellow Fever vaccination. Those who cannot provide proof will be required to receive a vaccination at the airport. The climate in Canaima National Park is tropical and usually rainy with a dry season lasting from December to April. Toward the end of the dry season, Salto Hacha and the other waterfalls may slow to just a trickle.

Kaieteur Falls, Guyana

Waterfall enthusiasts consider Kaieteur Falls of Guyana, South America, one of the top scenic Waterfalls of South America. The fall features a high volume of water falling more than 250 meters or 800 feet. The great quantity of water, coupled with the distance the water falls, may make the Kaieteur Falls one of the most physically powerful natural phenomenon in the world.

The fall occurs on the Potaro River as it drains a range of mountains in northern Guyana. The Kaieteur is the largest of about nine waterfalls along the course of the river. The river is also noted for its indigenous people as well as the gold and diamonds mined from the riverbed and surrounding area.

The waterfall was unknown to European mapmakers until the 1870s when geologists exploring the area for mineral wealth came across the falls. Over a number of years, the location was mapped and the height and volume of the falls were estimated. Traditionally, the falls name is associated with a native legend describing a chief known as Kai who sacrificed his life by going over the falls in an effort to save his people from the wrath of the spirits.

The waterfall is the centerpiece of Kaieteur National Park and a major attraction in the area. Officials established the park in 1929 which is administered by a commission. The park’s stated purpose also includes preserving the wildlife and jungle plant life native to the region.

International travelers planning to visit Kaieteur Falls can arrange a flight to nearby Kaieteur International Airport. This airport often serves as jump off point for expeditions to the waterfall and the park. The airport’s elevation of about 1,500 feet or 450 meters along with a runway length of just 2,000 feet or 600 meters limits the airport to serving smaller aircraft which shuttle people to and from the larger airports of the region.

From the airport or the nearby roads, travelers can walk to the location of the falls. This is about a three mile or six kilometer trail. The power of the waterfall and its close proximity to travel connections makes Kaieteur Falls a popular destination for adventure travelers.

Salto Hacha, Venezuela

Kaieteur Falls, Guyana

Beachcomber Pete Travel Destination Guides

Become A Fan Of Beachcomber Pete