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Canaima National Park

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Canaima National Park, located in southeastern Venezuela, is one of the world's most spectacular protected areas and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1994. Covering approximately 30,000 square kilometers (11,500 square miles), it is the second largest national park in the country and is famous for its unique flat-topped mountains known as tepuis. These geological formations, made of Precambrian sandstone, rise majestically above rainforests and savannas, hosting isolated flora and fauna with a high level of endemism. The park's most renowned highlight is Angel Falls on the Auyán-tepui, which at 979 meters (3,212 feet) is the highest uninterrupted waterfall on Earth. The region is home to the indigenous Pemon people, whose culture and myths are deeply intertwined with the spiritual significance of these massive plateaus. Geologically, the park sits on the Guiana Shield, one of the oldest geological regions on the planet. The ecosystem ranges from dense jungles to sprawling grasslands, supporting diverse species such as jaguars, giant otters, and anteaters. Canaima is not only a symbol of Venezuela's pristine nature but also a site of global importance for the study of evolution on isolated mountain plateaus.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	22	23	24	24	23	22	22	23	23	23	23	22
Rain mm	50	35	41	104	217	298	224	216	121	97	94	77

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

Access is most commonly achieved via small aircraft from Ciudad Bolívar or Puerto Ordaz to Canaima, as there are no continuous road links leading into the heart of this massive rainforest region.

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Best season

The rainy season (May to November) is convenient for seeing the waterfalls in their full glory, while the dry season gives easier hiking conditions and more stable flight conditions for the journey there.

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Terrain & paths

The terrain is characterized by dense tropical rainforests and the iconic, steeply rising table mountains known as tepuis, often requiring strenuous climbs or river boat trips for exploration.

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What to bring

Waterproof clothing, robust hiking boots with excellent grip, and insect repellent are essential; additionally, moisture-wicking functional wear is recommended due to the high tropical humidity.

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Parking

Parking for private cars is practically non-existent as the park is almost exclusively accessible by air; vehicles are typically left securely at the guarded airports in the departure cities.

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Safety

Navigation in the dense jungle and on the rivers should only be done with licensed guides; furthermore, one must be prepared for sudden weather changes and slippery paths on the mountain slopes.

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Time needed

Due to the immense size and difficult accessibility, a stay of at least three to five days is advisable to visit the key attractions such as Angel Falls and the surrounding table mountains.

Geography

Coordinates

5.92000, -62.50000

Facts

The park was officially established on June 12, 1962.
About 65% of the park is occupied by plateaus known as tepuis.
Angel Falls is nearly 20 times higher than Niagara Falls.
Mount Roraima stands at 2,810 meters and is a major landmark.
The park is a key watershed for the Guri Dam, Venezuela's main power source.
Roughly one-third of the plant species on the tepuis are endemic to the area.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Auyán-Tepui4 km · SExplore →

Angel Falls5 km · SEExplore →

Mount Uquien18 km · SExplore →

Chimantá Massif52 km · NWExplore →

Caruachi Hydroelectric Plant118 km · EExplore →

Sidor Steel Plant126 km · EExplore →

Palúa Iron Ore Port126 km · EExplore →

Orinokia Bridge126 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How is the best way to get to the national park?

Access is almost exclusively by plane from Puerto Ordaz or Ciudad Bolívar directly to Canaima.

What is the best time to visit Canaima?

The best time is from May to November when the waterfalls are most impressive due to the rainy season.

Do I need a guide for the tours?

Yes, due to the remoteness and wilderness, a local guide is mandatory for tours.

How difficult are the hikes?

Hikes vary; many require good physical condition, especially in the humid and hot climate.

Are there restrooms in the park?

Sanitary facilities are limited; basic restrooms are available in the camps.

Canaima National Park: where is it located?

Canaima National Park is located in Venezuela.

Canaima National Park: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.

Canaima National Park: why is it worth visiting?

Canaima National Park, located in southeastern Venezuela, is one of the world's most spectacular protected areas and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1994.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →