Visiting Canaima with young children is becoming increasingly common. While it used to be rare, today many families—especially Venezuelan ones—choose to share this adventure with their little ones.
If the trip will be challenging or not depends largely on your children and what they’re used to. If they’re active, curious, and enjoy exploring nature, they’ll likely find Canaima to be a thrilling and rewarding experience.
Here are some key aspects to consider:
Ideal age
We generally recommend visiting Angel Falls with children from age 7 and up. At that age, kids are typically steady walkers, more aware of their surroundings, and better able to truly appreciate the magnitude of the experience. That said, it’s entirely possible to visit with younger children or even babies, depending on your family’s travel style and what they’re used to.
River expedition to Angel Falls
The journey to Angel Falls involves a 4 to 5-hour ride upriver in a traditional wooden canoe called a curiara. This can be a challenging leg of the trip for young children: there are no restrooms onboard, and they may be exposed to sun or heavy rain throughout the ride. The long duration may also be boring or uncomfortable, especially for younger kids.
Hike to the lookout
If you choose to bring your kids on the full expedition, it’s important to note that after the river journey, there is an optional hike to reach the Angel Falls lookout. This hike takes about 1 to 2 hours through natural forest trails with roots, mud, and steep, rocky sections. If you’re traveling with younger children, you may need to carry them at certain points of the hike.
Overnight at the base of Angel Falls
The night is usually spent in hammocks at a riverside shelter facing the falls. Unless you select the camp that offers cabins with beds (which is ideal when traveling with small children not used to go camping), be prepared for a rustic setting. No matter the choice, the experience is magical—but it’s best to prepare children for a simple, adventurous overnight stay.
Alternative excursions
If the river expedition seems too demanding for your family, there are other great alternatives:
• Kavac Caves: A half-day tour that includes a scenic small-plane overflight of Angel Falls and a visit to stunning natural caves. Less physically demanding, and very fun for kids.
• Helicopter overflight: A short, breathtaking aerial tour of Angel Falls and its surrounding landscapes. Though more expensive, it’s a memorable option for the whole family.
• You could also combine options, doing one scenic excursion and skipping the more challenging expedition by canoe.
Experience the Magic of Canaima!
We collaborate with the most authentic and high-quality lodges in Canaima to ensure a unique and seamless adventure.
- Carefully selected accommodation for an authentic connection with nature.
- A full-day or overnight Angel Falls expedition.
- Complimentary airport transfer in Caracas for a smooth start.
- Expert travel advice and local insights for an unforgettable journey.
Limited spots available. Book now and let the adventure begin!
Reserve Your ExperienceAdditional options for families
Some families choose to hire a nanny service at the main lodge, allowing adults to take the river expedition while the children stay behind. This can be coordinated based on your preferences.
It’s also worth mentioning that most camps are eco-lodges with no TVs in the rooms. If you’d like more comfort, we can help you book a lodge with swimming pool, TVs, and kid-friendly amenities.
Final thoughts
In short: yes, you can visit Angel Falls with kids! The experience can be magical and unforgettable for the entire family. But it’s important to consider the physical aspects and manage expectations to ensure that everyone has a safe, enjoyable, and meaningful trip.
