Canaima National Park

Canaima National Park

Canaima National Park is located in the southeast of Venezuela, in the state of Bolívar, stretching to the border with Brazil and Guyana. The park was established in 1962 and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994. Roughly 65% of the park is covered by rocky plateaus called tepuis, which are a type of millions of years old, vertical-walled, almost flat-topped mountain. They form a unique biological environment and are of high geological importance. Among its sheer cliffs and waterfalls is Angel Falls, the highest waterfall in the world at 979 meters. Angel Falls is known locally as the "waterfall of the deepest place" or "the fall from the highest point". It is listed as one of South America's Seven Natural Wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Two of the most famous tepuis in the park are Mount Roraima, the highest and easiest to climb, and Auyantepui, where the Angel Falls are located. The great plateau of Auyan Tepui is home to several major cave systems, and the area is home to 25 different species of amphibians and reptiles. The tepuis are of sandstone and originate from a time when South America and Africa were part of a supercontinent. Predators such as cougar and jaguar can be seen in the park. Other possible wildlife includes the Giant Armadillo, Giant Otter, Two-Toed Sloth, Green Iguana and Green Dart Frog. Among the birdlife are the Dusky Parrot, Harpy Eagle, hummingbirds, Red Shoulder Macaw and toucans. Canaima National Park is one of dozens of Venezuelan regions designated as Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas by BirdLife International.