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Canaima National Park

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Tepui Peaks and Angel Falls Wonder

Canaima National Park in Venezuela covers over three million hectares of land and water. The landscape features thousands of flat-topped mountains called tepuis, some rising over 2,000 meters above sea level. Rivers cut through deep valleys while dense forests cover much of the terrain. Wildlife includes jaguars, giant otters and many bird species. The park is home to indigenous Pemon people who maintain traditional ways of life. Visitors can explore by boat or on foot, experiencing waterfalls like Kerepakupai Merú and unique plant life found nowhere else in the world.

National Park in Venezuela
Climate zone: Tropical savanna

Tropical savanna: Tropical climates with distinct wet and dry seasons, warm year-round, featuring grasslands with scattered trees and shrubs.

See climate table
Price level: $$$
$Cheap
$$Medium
$$$Expensive, upscale
$$$+Very expensive, luxury
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Safety: 5.2
General Safety:6
Health & medical:5
Accessibility:3
Tap water:3
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Tourist English: 2/5
English is spoken by some guides and in a few lodges, but most locals and tour operators speak only Spanish. Having a Spanish phrasebook or translation app will help, especially for independent travelers.
There is a travel warning issued for this country. Please check the website of your country's foreign office for the latest information.
Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Canaima National Park Summary

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Outstanding for waterfalls and jungle landscapes. Hike through savannas, take boat trips to giant waterfalls and explore remote tepui mountains.
Place score
7.7
Best at:
Natural sites
10
Waterfalls
10
Mountains
9
Secluded
9
Guided tours
9
Personal score
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Suited for
👶 5
Families
🧓 4
Seniors
♻️ 9
Sustainability
❤️ 8
Couples
Venezuela – Quick facts
Power Grid: 120 V, 60 Hz
Plug: Type A , Type B
Type A:
Diagram of a Type A power plug
Type B:
Diagram of a Type B power plug

Read about power adapters
Currency: Venezuelan Bolívar (VES)
£1 ≈ VES 1,177.22
Cashless info: Rating 3/5
Cashless payments are becoming more common in larger cities, but cash remains the preferred method in Venezuela, especially in rural areas.

Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers: Best value: Saily
Flexibility: Airalo
Read our in-depth comparison
Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory in Venezuela but is appreciated in restaurants (10-15%) and for hotel and taxi services.
Public drinking: Public drinking is allowed in some areas of Venezuela, but it may be subject to local regulations depending on the region.
Public smoking: Smoking is allowed in outdoor public spaces and in designated indoor areas.
Independence Day
(5 July)
Celebrates Venezuela’s independence from Spain
Christmas
(25 December)
Celebrated with family gatherings and festive meals
Emergency contact: Emergency Number: 911 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Taxi apps: Uber, Bolt
Other: Venezuela is known for its natural beauty, including Angel Falls, the world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall. Despite its challenges, the country offers rich cultural experiences and scenic landscapes.
Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

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Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Canaima National Park, Venezuela
🌧️
Jan
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Feb
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Mar
🌧️
Apr
🌧️
May
🌧️
Jun
🌧️
Jul
⛈️
Aug
🌦️
Sep
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Oct
🌧️
Nov
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Dec
High season: Jan., July - Dec.
Shoulder season: Feb. - March, June
Crowdedness: 4 (Moderate tourist numbers)
Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info
Boat trips to the Angel Falls viewpoint run only when rivers are high, roughly June to November
Park reachable only by small plane or guided tours, with flights and trips more reliable in the dry season
Angel Falls is much thinner and sometimes a mist in the dry season, February to May

Why travel to Canaima National Park?

Canaima is a dream for adventurers and nature lovers. The park’s dramatic table-top mountains (tepuis) rise abruptly from lush jungle, creating a landscape that inspired 'The Lost World.' The highlight is Angel Falls, plunging nearly a kilometer from Auyantepui into the misty forest below, reached by a thrilling boat ride and a jungle hike. But there’s much more – swim beneath Sapo Falls, trek to the summit of Mount Roraima or meet the welcoming Pemon people in their villages. Wildlife abounds, from jaguars and giant otters to rare birds and orchids. But be prepared: this is true wilderness. Most attractions are only accessible by guided tour, often involving flights in small planes, long canoe rides and basic camp accommodations. English is limited and tours are physically demanding, with long hours in boats and on foot. The rainy season (May–November) is best for visiting Angel Falls, but heavy rain can disrupt travel. Infrastructure is basic, medical facilities are limited and you must bring cash, as cards are rarely accepted. Still, for those seeking a real adventure and jaw-dropping scenery, Canaima is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

🏯Places worth seeing
  • 1 Kukenán Tepuy
🎡Places for activities
  • 1 La Gran Sabana
  • 2 Laguna de Canaima
🏞️Natural landmarks
  • 1 Mount Roraima
  • 2 Angel Falls
  • 3 Auyan Tepui
🎈Events
  • Pemon cultural festivals
  • Guided birdwatching weeks
  • Adventure trekking expeditions
  • Seasonal wildlife watching

Knowledge before you go

  • Reach Canaima by small plane; road access is limited.
  • Plan for multi-day excursions; Angel Falls trips involve long canoe rides and short jungle hikes.
  • Visit in rainy season for better water flow; conditions can be wet and change quickly.
  • Bring cash, rain gear and insect repellent; most activities run via lodges and Pemón-guided cooperatives.

How to travel to Canaima National Park

Access is via flights from Caracas or Ciudad Bolívar to Canaima village (no road access). Most visitors join a package tour, which includes flights, boat rides and guides. Book tours in Ciudad Bolívar for better prices. International travelers typically fly to Caracas, then connect to Ciudad Bolívar or Puerto Ordaz. Bring cash, as cards are rarely accepted.

Access summary

  • From Canaima Airport (CAJ): 5–10 min walk/jeep to lodges in village.
  • From Ciudad Bolívar: 1-hour domestic flight to Canaima, usually on tour packages.
  • From Puerto Ordaz: Around 1-hour domestic flight to Canaima with local airlines.

Where to stay in Canaima National Park

Accommodation is mostly basic: jungle campsites, rustic lodges and simple guesthouses, often with shared facilities and limited electricity. Most stays are arranged as part of a tour package. In Canaima village, a few mid-range lodges offer more comfort, but book ahead. Expect early nights and simple meals-this is all about the adventure.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
We couldn't find any nearby hotels for now.

How to get around Canaima National Park

Most travel within Canaima is by organized tour, using small planes, motorized dugout canoes and hiking. There are no roads between major sites and independent travel is difficult. Tours include all transport, meals and guides. Be ready for long boat rides (up to 5 hours) and basic campsites. Bring soft luggage, as hard suitcases are impractical for small planes and boats.
Budget snapshot
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Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

+62428 %
Your exchange rate (GBP to VES) is 62428% worse than in recent years. That means travelling now is a lot more expensive compared to the past.

Safety information overview

General safety
6
Canaima is generally safe for tourists, but it’s remote and medical help is limited. Always join reputable tours, follow guide instructions and beware of slippery rocks and strong river currents. Bring all needed medications and avoid night swimming.
Health & Medical
5
Medical facilities are basic and far away. Bring all necessary medications and a first aid kit. Insect bites and minor injuries are the main risks. Drink only bottled or purified water and be cautious with food hygiene.
Accessi­bility
3
Canaima is not accessible for those with serious mobility issues: boat rides, jungle hikes and basic campsites are the norm. Most activities require moderate fitness and the ability to walk on uneven, sometimes muddy, terrain.
Tap water
3
Tap water is not safe to drink. Only use bottled or purified water for drinking and brushing teeth. Bring a reusable bottle and purification tablets if possible.

Packing recommendations for Canaima National Park

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