Kaieteur Falls
Guyana, Potaro-Siparuni

Kaieteur Falls is one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders of South America, located on the Potaro River in western Guyana. With a single uninterrupted drop of 226 meters, it holds the title of the tallest single-drop waterfall in the world. It is nearly five times higher than Niagara Falls and more than twice the height of Victoria Falls. The waterfall averages about 100 meters in width and releases a powerful flow of water measured in hundreds of cubic meters per second.


The name "Kaieteur" is rooted in local indigenous legend. According to tradition, a chief named Kai sacrificed himself by paddling his canoe over the edge of the falls to save his people from enemies, an act of bravery that gave the waterfall its name and sacred status.


Surrounded by the dense rainforests of the Guiana Shield, Kaieteur Falls lies within the pristine Kaieteur National Park — one of the oldest protected areas in South America. The region's remoteness has helped preserve its rich biodiversity, including rare species like the tiny golden rocket frog and the vibrant Guianan cock-of-the-rock, a bird found only in this part of the world.


Most visitors arrive via small aircraft from Georgetown, landing on a remote airstrip near the falls. From there, walking paths lead to various viewpoints that offer dramatic and unforgettable perspectives. Thanks to its seclusion and low visitor numbers, Kaieteur remains a truly wild destination — a place to experience raw nature, far from the noise and crowds of mass tourism.

Location
Kaieteur Falls