Cuquenan Falls

Cuquenan Falls

Cuquenan Falls (or Salto Kukenan, Kukenaam, or similar) is the second tallest major waterfall in Venezuela after Salto Angel. It is also the second tallest free-leaping waterfall in the world. Overall, it is usually cited as the 11th highest river in the world. The falls drop in a single leap around 2000 feet (670 m) and the final portion of the falls trickle down towards the base of the Kukenan Tepui.

The Kukenan Tepui is located near Mount Roraima, which also serves as the geographical marker of the border between Brazil, Venezuela, and Guyana. Mount Roraima also hosts its own waterfall, usually referred to as Roraima Falls, which leaps off the tepui in four tiered leaps. The height is estimated at approximately 2000-feet (670-meters).

There has been some controversy over the years regarding the overall ranking of Cuquenan Falls among the world's tallest waterfalls. It has been listed anywhere from 2nd to 20th in various publications and internet sites. Such discrepancies probably arise from the fact that most official measurements of the falls take into consideration only the free leaping portion, omitting the bottom part that cascade along the tepui. Some published listings incorporate the free falling measurements only when arguing that its height is not enough for the top 10 tallest waterfalls.

Coordinates: 5°31′N 61°56′W / 5.517°N 61.933°W / 5.517; -61.933