Kaieteur

Kaieteur Falls is a waterfall on the Potaro River in Guyana. It lies within Kaieteur National Park in the Pakaraima Mountains and is widely regarded as one of the world’s most powerful waterfalls by water volume. The falls have a single vertical drop of about 226 meters (741 feet), making them among the tallest uninterrupted drops in the world, though much of the flow varies with the rainy season. The surrounding rainforest and the sheer cascade create a dramatic plume of mist that can be seen from a distance.

The Potaro River plunges over a remote plateau into a steep gorge, producing a broad curtain of spray. The site sits in dense tropical rainforest, and the falls are largely undeveloped, preserving the natural ecosystem.

Most visitors reach Kaieteur by small aircraft from Georgetown, landing at a dedicated airstrip near the falls. From the strip, a short walk leads to viewing platforms and viewpoints. Guided tours emphasize conservation and provide ranger-led interpretation.

Kaieteur National Park protects the falls and surrounding rainforest as part of Guyana’s protected areas network. The area supports diverse plant and animal life and remains relatively pristine due to limited infrastructure and controlled visitation.

The name Kaieteur is derived from local Indigenous languages and the falls hold cultural significance for Indigenous communities in the region.