Angel Falls in Venezuela is the tallest uninterrupted waterfall in the world at 979 m and has a plunge of 807 m, but also includes 400 m of cascade and rapids below the main drop and a 30-meter-high plunge downstream of the talus rapids.
The falls have been known as the Angel Falls since the mid-20th century, and the common Spanish name Salto ngel derives from Jimmie Angel’s surname.
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Angel Falls Facts for Kids
- The Angel Falls is the highest waterfall in the world
- The waterfall is 979 m tall
- It is located in Canaima National Park.
- It’s one of Venezuela’s top tourist attractions.
- From May to November, you can see it at its best.
History of Angel Falls
Sir Walter Raleigh is said to have been the first European to see the waterfall. The first Westerner to view the waterfall was the Spanish explorer Fèlix Cardona in 1927.
On 16 November 1933, Jimmie Angel, following Cardona’s directions, flew over them as he searched for a valuable ore bed
Angel tried to land his plane in the October of the same year at the top of the tepui, but it was damaged. After 11 days, he and three companions found their way back to civilization on foot by the waterfall, which was named after him.
The first recorded European to reach the base of the falls was the Latvian explorer Aleksandrs Laime. He reached Angel’s plane 18 years after the crash landing and named the falls after a Latvian river, Gauja.
Laime was the first to clear a trail from the river to the base of the falls, named Mirador Laime after himself.
Angel Falls, one of Venezuela’s most popular tourist attractions, is located in an isolated jungle, so you need to take a river trip to see them.
Where is Angel Falls?
The falls are in Canaima National Park, Venezuela, South America
Who first saw Angel Falls?
During a solo flight with the Santa Ana Mining Company of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Jimmie Angel saw Angel Falls for the first time on 16 November 1933.
DH Curry, a mining official, and co-pilot Jose Cardona from Mexico came with Angel on the expedition to Gran Sabana, but they somehow didn’t see the waterfall. They did not believe what he said about a “mile-high waterfall.” Due to constant heavy rain, Cardona and Curry became discouraged and left the area.
Why is Angel Falls so special?
Angel Falls’ water evaporates even before it touches the ground in warmer and drier seasons, forming a mist.
It’s the world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall has a height of 979 meters (3,212 ft) and a drop of 807 meters (2,648 ft). Its height is three times that of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
