Cuquenan Falls (or Salto Kukenan, Kukenaam, or similar) is the second tallest major waterfall in Venezuela after Angel Falls. It is also the second tallest free-leaping waterfall in the world. Overall, it is usually cited as the 11th highest waterfall in the world. The falls drop in a single leap of around 2,211 feet (674 m) and the final portion of the falls trickles down towards the base of the Kukenan Tepui.
The Kukenan Tepui is located near Mount Roraima, which 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 2,000 feet (610 m).
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 because most official measurements of the falls take into consideration only the free-leaping portion, omitting the bottom part that cascades 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.
Famous quotes containing the word falls:
“Farewell? a long farewell to all my greatness.
This is the state of man; today he puts forth
The tender leaves of hopes, tomorrow blossoms,
And bears his blushing honors thick upon him:
The third day comes a frost, a killing frost,
And when he thinks, good easy man, full surely
His greatness is a-ripening, nips his root,
And then he falls as I do.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)