The falls are on the Gauja River (alternatively known as the Kerep River or Kerepacupai), which flows into the Churun River, a tributary of the Carrao River. The waterfall is named after Jimmie Angel, a US aviator, who was the first person to fly over the falls.
There are two ways to see the Angel Falls. One of them is from the air in an small airplane. The other one is an excursion that involves several hours navigation in a canoe upstream the Carrao River, and then the Churun river. From there, a one hour walk through the jungle takes you to the base of the falls. Angel Falls are open to visitors all time the year. The river trips, however, are conducted from June to December, when the rivers run deep enough and are best suited to boat rides by the Pemon guides.
The dry season lasts from December to March when tourists avoid the national park. The trip towards the fall itself has many attractions. The boat rides and walks through the jungle offer a unique view of Venezuelan flora, fauna, and terrain. If the water flow is mild enough, you can swim in the small pool that forms below the falls. There is an incredible variety of tropical wildlife in the area, including monkeys, poison arrow frogs and hundreds of species of orchids. Aside from the monkeys, mammals in the area are generally difficult to spot but include giant anteaters, armadillos, porcupines, three-toed sloths, otters, jaguars, pumas, tapirs and capybaras.
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