Kaieteur National Park

Kaieteur Overview

Kaieteur National Park, established in 1929, is one of Guyana’s premier natural attractions, located in the heart of the country’s Potaro-Siparuni region. The park covers an area of approximately 627 square kilometers (about 242 square miles) and is home to the magnificent Kaieteur Falls, one of the world’s most powerful waterfalls. Kaieteur Falls is a breathtaking natural wonder, where the Potaro River plunges 226 meters (741 feet) into a deep gorge, making it nearly five times higher than Niagara Falls. This singular feature has earned the park international fame and a place on the bucket lists of travelers from around the globe.

Beyond its iconic waterfall, Kaieteur National Park is an ecological treasure trove, situated within the Guiana Shield, one of the world’s regions of highest biodiversity. The park’s pristine rainforest ecosystem supports a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including many endemic and rare species. Visitors may spot the vibrant Guianan cock-of-the-rock, giant river otters, jaguars, and several species of primates, among others. The park’s flora includes a wide variety of bromeliads, orchids, and the giant tank bromeliad, which is known to host several species of aquatic organisms.

Kaieteur National Park’s isolation has helped preserve its untouched landscapes and the traditional way of life of the indigenous Patamona people, who consider the falls and surrounding land sacred. The park offers a unique blend of breathtaking natural beauty, significant cultural heritage, and biodiversity conservation.

Visitors to Kaieteur National Park typically arrive by small aircraft, landing on a nearby airstrip, which adds to the adventure of exploring this remote and majestic natural area. Despite its relative inaccessibility, the experience of witnessing the sheer scale and beauty of Kaieteur Falls, set against the backdrop of dense, vibrant rainforest, makes a trip to Kaieteur National Park an unforgettable journey into the heart of Guyana’s natural wonders.