Canaima, Venezuela: travel guide
Pink-sand lagoon and waterfalls at the gateway to Angel Falls
A Pemón indigenous village on a palm-fringed lagoon of pink-sand beaches and thundering waterfalls inside Canaima National Park — the springboard for the river-and-air journey to Angel Falls, the world's tallest waterfall.
About Canaima
Canaima is a small Pemon community beside a palm-fringed lagoon inside Canaima National Park, rather than a town in the usual sense. Waterfalls spill into the lagoon, and the sand has a pinkish tint that gives the setting a rare colour.
The main reason to come is Angel Falls, the world's tallest waterfall, reached by river boat and a trek through the jungle. Closer to hand, you can visit Salto El Sapo and other cascades, and swim or boat on the Laguna de Canaima.
It suits adventurous travellers and nature photographers. Access is by light aircraft, usually from Ciudad Bolivar. The rainy season, from about May to November, brings the fullest waterfalls and the easiest boat travel to Angel Falls.
- Country
- Venezuela
- Currency
- VES
- Time zone
- America/Caracas
- Nearest airport
- CAJ
Last updated
Top places to visit in Canaima
Salto Ángel (Angel Falls)
Waterfall · 4.7 rating · about 4 h · check the fee at the gate
The world's tallest uninterrupted waterfall, plunging 979 m from the Auyán-tepui — reached by a small plane to Canaima then a river journey through the jungle.
Laguna de Canaima
Nature · about 2.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A wide lagoon of tannin-pink water and palm-shaded pink-sand beaches, fed by a curtain of waterfalls — the hub of every Angel Falls trip.
Salto El Sapo
Waterfall · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A powerful waterfall you can walk behind on a guided trail, emerging soaked on the far side — a classic Canaima half-day excursion.
Things to do
- Angel Falls 3-Day Expedition Adventure · 72 h · from USD 420 per person
Where to stay in Canaima
- Canaima Lagoon Posadas about VES 120 per night
Simple all-inclusive camps and posadas on the lagoon, the only accommodation inside the park.
Hotels
- Campamento Canaima (Tomás Bernal) 2-star · USD 120 to USD 200 per night
- Waku Lodge 4-star · USD 200 to USD 340 per night
Getting to Canaima
Airport: Canaima (CAJ)
Getting around
- Boat
- Domestic Flight
- Walking
More in Venezuela
Frequently asked questions about Canaima
- What are the main places to visit in Canaima?
- Places covered in our Canaima guide include Salto Ángel (Angel Falls), Laguna de Canaima, Salto El Sapo.
- Where should I stay in Canaima?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Canaima: Canaima Lagoon Posadas.
- How do I get around Canaima?
- Ways to get around Canaima covered in our guide: Boat, Domestic flight, Walking.
- Which airport is nearest to Canaima?
- The nearest airport to Canaima has the code CAJ.