Canaima National Park
Angel Falls is the prize at the end of this adventure but Canaima definitely is a place worth visiting on its own merits. It is a small Indian village, it is inaccessible by any roads and the only way in or out is by those little planes we had just hopped off. The airport is basically a gift shop with toilets and some benches to sit and wait on until you are called up to board a plane, who gets chosen seems to be randomly selected.
It was a really peaceful, relaxing and laid back place next to the chaos that was Cuidad Bolivar from which we had just left. Here our group was formed together from the various arriving planes and we met our guide who would take us up the river to the falls tomorrow. Our accommodation in Canaima was modest to say the least, but comfortable enough and anyone expecting expecting 5 star trimmings in the middle of Venezuelan jungle, are looking in the wrong place. But the simplicity is endearing and the service is with a big smile. The locals in the village seem very happy with their part of the world, and as far as the stunning power
of nature they are in rich supply.
The village is on the side of a lagoon fed by some monstrous waterfalls. Palm trees grow in the shallows of the lagoon and with its dark, red colour water and huge falls in the background, you absolutely feel lost in another world.
We were taken on a small canoe over to the other side of the lagoon to experience the power of the falls up close. Closer than we expected.
So, I watched, terrified, with my fingers crossed for about the 10th time in two days, as Nathan and the English guy went under and didn't come back for what seemed like ages! But lucky for me his head popped out from the water, he had made it back! I was so happy to test my fear and we just sat and watched the
amazing sight of those falls for a long time…
I didn’t entirely miss the experience though because we headed further around the lagoon to another set of huge falls and this time the path led around all the way around behind the wall of water! It was amazing! We came out the other side and had another chance to sit and take in the awesome power of nature.
To sit on top of the falling water is unforgettable!!!
After, we hiked around above the falls to sit on top where everything seems so calm before the water takes it’s final plunge. And this was just the base camp to get up to Angel Falls, the most impressive sight was still to come!!
The boats were waiting for our long trip up the river. I hope the one on the left is our boat.
Angel Falls is the prize at the end of this adventure but Canaima definitely is a place worth visiting on its own merits. It is a small Indian village, it is inaccessible by any roads and the only way in or out is by those little planes we had just hopped off. The airport is basically a gift shop with toilets and some benches to sit and wait on until you are called up to board a plane, who gets chosen seems to be randomly selected.
It was a really peaceful, relaxing and laid back place next to the chaos that was Cuidad Bolivar from which we had just left. Here our group was formed together from the various arriving planes and we met our guide who would take us up the river to the falls tomorrow. Our accommodation in Canaima was modest to say the least, but comfortable enough and anyone expecting expecting 5 star trimmings in the middle of Venezuelan jungle, are looking in the wrong place. But the simplicity is endearing and the service is with a big smile. The locals in the village seem very happy with their part of the world, and as far as the stunning power
of nature they are in rich supply.
The village is on the side of a lagoon fed by some monstrous waterfalls. Palm trees grow in the shallows of the lagoon and with its dark, red colour water and huge falls in the background, you absolutely feel lost in another world.
We were taken on a small canoe over to the other side of the lagoon to experience the power of the falls up close. Closer than we expected.
Impressive enough???
Behind these huge falls the cliff is eroded away so that once you brave pushing through the curtain of water you can see it from the other side. This was a seriously intense experience. The amount of water coming over pounds down heavily on you and you can not see a thing! So you are blindly trying to get through and under the water while it is trying to push and throw you out over the cliff into the lagoon. Only a few of the men made it through. I tried but had to turn back as it was too strong for me.
So, I watched, terrified, with my fingers crossed for about the 10th time in two days, as Nathan and the English guy went under and didn't come back for what seemed like ages! But lucky for me his head popped out from the water, he had made it back! I was so happy to test my fear and we just sat and watched the
amazing sight of those falls for a long time…
I didn’t entirely miss the experience though because we headed further around the lagoon to another set of huge falls and this time the path led around all the way around behind the wall of water! It was amazing! We came out the other side and had another chance to sit and take in the awesome power of nature.
To sit on top of the falling water is unforgettable!!!
After, we hiked around above the falls to sit on top where everything seems so calm before the water takes it’s final plunge. And this was just the base camp to get up to Angel Falls, the most impressive sight was still to come!!
The boats were waiting for our long trip up the river. I hope the one on the left is our boat.
To be continued...
