Discover the Unrivaled Beauty of Kaieteur Falls

Kaieteur Falls, located in Guyana's Kaieteur National Park, is a globally significant natural wonder. It's renowned not just for its beauty, but for a unique combination of height, power, and its pristine setting deep within the Amazon rainforest.

What to expect

Scale and Power

• Single-Drop Waterfall: The fall is a single, dramatic drop of the Potaro River. This single-plunge feature is a defining characteristic, differentiating it from many other multi-tiered waterfalls.
• Impressive Height: The main drop is 741 feet (226 meters) high. When including a series of cascades below the main plunge, the total height is 822 feet (251 meters). This makes it about five times taller than Niagara Falls.
• Immense Volume: Kaieteur is considered one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world. It boasts a high average flow rate, especially during the wet season, which contributes to its thunderous roar and powerful appearance.

Geological and Environmental Setting

• Caprock and Formation: The waterfall flows over a sheer sandstone and conglomerate cliff, which acts as the hard, erosion-resistant caprock. The river has been cutting a gorge through the softer rock below, causing the falls to slowly retreat upstream over geological time.
• Remote and Pristine Location: The falls are situated in the heart of the Amazon rainforest within the protected Kaieteur National Park. This remote location means the area is largely untouched by human development, offering an isolated and natural experience.
• Plunge Pool and Gorge: The force of the falling water has created a large plunge pool at the base. Over time, the continuous erosion has carved a deep, five-mile-long gorge downstream.

Unique Wildlife and Biodiversity

• Biodiversity Hotspot: The surrounding rainforest is part of the Guyana Shield ecosystem, which is famous for its unique and diverse plant and animal life.
• Endemic Species: The falls' misty micro-climate supports unique flora, including giant "tank bromeliads" that collect water. These plants are the habitat for the endemic golden rocket frog, a species found only in this specific area.
• Rare Birds: The area is a haven for birdwatchers, home to species like the vibrant orange cock-of-the-rock.

How to get there

The only practical ways to get to Kaieteur Falls are by air or a multi-day overland trek through the rainforest. The fall is in a remote, protected area of central Guyana, and there are no roads for direct travel. The nearest major city and typical starting point for tours is Georgetown.