Beachcomber Pete Travel Adventures» Kaieteur Falls

Canaima National Park, Venezuela

admin — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 14:53:56 +0000

A vast park covering around 12,000 square miles or 30,000 square kilometers, Canaima National Park in Venezuela is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The classification and recognition is because of its unique tabletop mountains of sandstone called tepuis. From one of these gushes the tallest waterfall on the globe at over 3,000 feet or 1,000 meters, Angel Falls. The natural park features are the main attractions that draw visitors, but outdoor sports like hiking, boating and exploring in this setting are thrilling.

The most famous site is Angel Falls, and it is definitely a must-see for anyone coming to Canaima. The scene, sounds and scents are all breathtaking. Visitors should bring a camera if they love nature scenes and want to prove that they were at this park.

For wildlife watching and the most remarkable views of one-of-a-kind landscapes, people hike through La Gran Sabana, the open plains with the amazing flat-topped sandstone mountains or tepui dominating. Forest, open plains and much wildlife are to be found in this region. Guests can hike up Roraima, the highest tepui. Climbing, caving and swimming are some of the other activities visitors to the park enjoy.

Those who count off the sites they want to see before they die should add Canaima National Park and especially Angel Falls to their list. Additionally the park contains more Waterfalls of South America, Sapo Falls as well as smaller Sapito Falls, the park has scenery and rock formations that are completely unique, not found anywhere else on the planet. In this location of the globe is found land that seems barely touched by civilization, sacred nature to be treasured and treated with care and respect. The true awesomeness of the natural wilderness is evident on the grounds of this park. Getting outdoors is exciting in these parklands with so much to do and see.

Not many drive to Canaima because only recently has one dirt access road been created. Instead, they fly in to the park. Visitors fly in from larger towns like Caracas on the coast to the northwest of the national park or the smaller Ciudad Bolivar that is closer and also to the north from the park. Otherwise, they drive in to villages beside the park like Canaima. Generally, visitors book tours with an experienced guide to navigate the park and see Angel Falls. Tour prices are cheaper in the smaller cities and villages near the park.

Sapo Falls, Venezuela

admin — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 14:19:37 +0000

Sapo Falls, translates to Frog Falls in English, is an impressive waterfall on the Venezuela’s Carrao River. The falls is located as the river flows into a large lagoon offering great viewing and swimming options. Salto El Sapito, or Little Frog Falls, is located nearby giving waterfall and hiking enthusiasts two reasons to visit the area.

One of the attractions this Waterfall of South America, Sapo Falls is the hiking trails near and around the area. The trail actually allows hikers to pass under and behind the plunging water to access scenic areas on the other side of the falls. This trail also allows access to Sapito Falls which flows into the same lagoon but is more difficult to see because it is hidden by vegetation.

While the views from under the falls are impressive, the distant views from the beaches and even while wading in the lagoons is also worth seeing. The entire area offers great remote beach scenes as well as beautiful waterfalls.

Water volume is important to making a great waterfall. The highest flows over Sapo Falls occur during the wet months of May through November. The wet season also can make travel to the region more difficult although the waterfalls are always worth the effort.

The area is also noted its scenic geology. Visitors can view three plateaus in the distance. These are known as the three tepuys of Canaima and are named Zamuro for vulture, Cerbastana for blowpipe and Venado for deer. Some hiking enthusiasts include trips into the backcountry of these areas as part of their excursion to the area.

Sapo and Sapito Falls are not the only waterfalls on the Carrao River. This river is best known for Angel Falls. Angel Falls is the tallest waterfall in the world. Many waterfall enthusiasts include a trip to Sapo Falls as part of a larger excursion that includes Angel Falls.

The waterfalls are located at the north end of Canaima National Park in eastern Venezuela. The park borders the countries of Brazil and Guyana. The park is known for its rivers, lagoons or lakes and its mountains. Mount Roraima stands about 9,300 feet or 2,800 meters tall but is considered easy to climb.

Visitors to the park and its waterfalls often encounter iguanas and parrots adding to the regions tropical rainforest allure.

Kaieteur Falls, Guyana

admin — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 19:35:30 +0000

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.