Auyán-tepui
Mountain Tabletop tepui in Venezuela; source of Angel Falls
A tabletop tepui in Bolívar state that forms the rim above Angel Falls; visitors reach Auyán-tepui from Canaima by flight or river trip to view the falls and plateau.
Auyán-tepui is a large table-top mountain (tepui) in Bolívar state, southern Venezuela, prominent for its sheer cliffs and wide flat summit. It is one of the best-known tepuis within Canaima National Park and is the source of Angel Falls, the world’s tallest single-drop waterfall.
The tepui’s summit is an isolated sandstone plateau that supports distinct flora and fauna adapted to the plateau environment, and its cliffs plunge dramatically into the surrounding rainforest and canyon systems. The most famous feature is Angel Falls (Salto Ángel), which drops 979 metres from the plateau lip to the gorge below and is visible from the base and from aircraft.
Auyán-tepui is of ancient Precambrian sandstone formation and forms part of the Guiana Shield geology; its isolated summit ecosystems and dramatic vertical relief have made it a focus for both scientific study and adventure tourism. The site lies within Canaima National Park and is reached by river and light-aircraft routes from regional bases such as the Canaima tourist camps.
The tepui is located in southeastern Venezuela in Bolívar state within the Canaima National Park protected area.
- Height of Angel Falls: Angel Falls drops 979 metres in a single uninterrupted plunge from the lip of the plateau and is the highest confirmed waterfall by total drop.
- Access and approach: Access is typically via Canaima National Park, combining river travel and, seasonally, light-aircraft flights to viewpoints and nearby camps.
What to See #
- Summit plateau: The escarpment and plateau summit that form the tepui's flat tabletop, hosting characteristic tepui vegetation and isolated habitats.
- Angel Falls: Angel Falls (Salto Ángel), which descends from the tepui and has a total drop of 979 metres, making it the world's tallest uninterrupted waterfall.
How to Get to Auyán-tepui #
Auyán-tepui is inside Canaima National Park (Bolívar state) and is typically reached via Canaima village. Visitors fly by small aircraft from Ciudad Bolívar (or Puerto Ordaz) into Canaima, then continue by river boat and guided trek to viewpoints and base areas - multi-hour boat and walking transfers are normal and schedules depend on river conditions and tour operators.
Tips for Visiting Auyán-tepui #
- Visit during the rainy season (roughly May-November) when Angel Falls and other cascades issuing from Auyán-tepui are at their fullest; in the dry season flow can be much reduced.
- Arrange travel through Canaima (small aircraft or riverboat trips) with a licensed guide or operator-approaches require river navigation and local knowledge and are commonly organized from Canaima camp.
- Check current conditions and logistics in advance: trips involve light aircraft and river transfers that are subject to weather and river levels, so allow flexible time in your itinerary.
Best Time to Visit Auyán-tepui #
To see Auyán-tepui's falls at peak flow visit in the rainy season, while the dry season offers easier, less muddy access-choose based on whether you prioritize waterfall volume or drier trekking conditions.
Weather & Climate near Auyán-tepui #
Auyán-tepui's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 16°C to 29°C. Heavy rainfall (2238 mm/year), wettest in June.
January
January is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 16°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (146 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is the warmest month with highs of 28°C and lows of 18°C. Heavy rain (269 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 18°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (294 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 18°C. Heavy rain (279 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 18°C. Heavy rain (257 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 18°C. Heavy rain (206 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 18°C. Heavy rain (230 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 18°C. Heavy rain (210 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. Significant rainfall (124 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
