One of the World’s Most Beautiful Waterfalls Is Tucked Away in the Amazon — and It’s Four Times Taller Than Niagara Falls
Kaieteur Falls in Guyana is like living on the edge of the world.
The giant waterfall is located on the Potaro River in Kaieteur National Park, within Guyana’s region of the Amazon Forest. At 741 feet, the falls are roughly four times taller than Niagara Falls and twice as high as Victoria Falls.
The impressive waterfall is also known as the world’s largest single drop waterfall (meaning one level at the top and bottom) by the volume of water flowing over it. Kaieteur is among the most powerful waterfalls in the world with an average flow rate of 23,400 cubic feet per second.
The falls are also especially remote, surrounded by gorgeous rainforest. Despite this, tourists can access the falls by chartering a plane and following a hiking tour in order to reach the top. There is even a special airstrip, Kaieteur Airstrip, which is only a 15 minute walk from the falls and is often used by plane tours that run directly from the two Georgetown airports: Ogle Airport and Cheddi Jagan International Airport.
Several reputable tour operators are even on Guyana’s tourism board online. It’s best to book ahead, since planes are usually small, with some limited to 10 passengers at a time.
Related: 25 Awe-Inspiring Waterfalls to See Before You Die
If you are hoping to plan an Amazon adventure, choosing when to visit can be fairly unpredictable near the falls. Generally, the best time is during summer monsoons, which fall from April to September, though tours are available other months as well.
Walking through the Kaieteur National Park is also a treat in itself. Among the many trails, you’ll see plenty of colorful birds, frogs and other plant life that are particular to the Amazon rainforest.
More information about Kaieteur Falls can be found on Explore Guyana.