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Waterfall · Canaima, Bolívar
Salto El Sapo
The waterfall of the Carrao River, on the island opposite the village of Canaima, behind which a trail carved into the rock passes: the visitor goes through the curtain of water from one side to the other.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Salto El Sapo
Salto El Sapo is on a branch of the Carrao River, on an island across the Laguna de Canaima. It is a wide drop, about 20 meters high, that forms a curtain of water over a rock face. Erosion has created a cavity behind the fall, and a trail passes through it, allowing visitors to go behind the waterfall from one side to the other.
The excursion starts by boat from the village beach. The boat crosses the lagoon, passes near the Ucaima and Golondrina falls, and drops the group on the island. From there, a trail of about 15 minutes over savanna and forest leads to the top of the fall, where the water runs in rapids over stone steps before plunging.
The passage behind the waterfall is the highlight. In the high-water season, from June to November, the water falls with force and it's impossible to stay dry: the noise is loud, the wind drives water inward, and the path—protected by rope handrails in some sections—becomes slippery. In the dry season the volume decreases and the passage is calmer, but the curtain of water is much thinner.
On the other side of the river you can see the tepuis Zamuro, Venado and Cerbatana. Beside it is Salto El Sapito, smaller, which many tours include on the same visit.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
2 to 3 hours, including the boat, the trail and the passage behind the waterfall.
Best time
In the high-water season, from June to November, when the curtain of water is usually more voluminous. In the morning or early afternoon, before the rains that typically arrive late in the day.
How to get there
By boat from the beach of the village of Canaima, crossing the lagoon to the island, then by a short trail. The tour is guided and arranged at the lodging.
Tip
Go in swimwear and shoes that can get wet, and take your phone in a dry bag or leave it at the lodging. Follow the guide when passing behind the waterfall and hold on to the rope handrail.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Salto El Sapo
Can you go behind the waterfall?
Yes — it's the highlight of the trip. A trail crosses the cavity behind the falls, from one side to the other, always accompanied by a guide.
Will I get wet?
In the high-water season, from June to November, yes — completely. Go in swimwear and protect your phone in a dry bag.
How do you get to Salto El Sapo?
By boat from the village beach, crossing the lagoon, and then a roughly 15-minute trail on the island. The excursion is guided.
Is the excursion difficult?
The trail is short, but the passage behind the falls has wet, slippery rocks. With sturdy footwear and attention to the guide, it can be done by people with normal mobility.