Angel Falls – where dreams rise above all limits

Over the years, we've met remarkable individuals, each with their unique story filled with dreams, battles, and triumphs. But among them, the story of Yordanka stands out with its strength, inspiration, and indomitable spirit. This is the tale of a woman who not only overcomes her physical and life challenges but also dares to reach the peak (and then descend from it).
At 55, with health issues, Yordanka accomplished something many would deem impossible – to rappel down the world's highest waterfall, Angel Falls, in Venezuela. What's the secret? Yordanka believes that nothing is impossible if you're ready to fight for it.

We tell you the story of Yordanka – in her own words:

Tell us a bit about yourself.

My name is Yordanka Kotselova, I'm 55 years old. I was born in Yambol but have lived in Blagoevgrad since 1991, where my husband is from. I'm a former athlete – I trained basketball professionally until the age of 23. Throughout my life, I haven't stopped exercising – perhaps this keeps me alive. I have three children – two sons and a daughter, aged 35, 30, and 22 respectively. They are independent, and my eldest son, who is married, has blessed me with two granddaughters – aged 8 and 4.

By nature, I crave adrenaline, but over the years I raised my children alone, without help, and often postponed my dreams. When they grew up, I expected to fulfill them, but fate sent me severe illnesses. I have herniated discs and severe arthritis in all joints and the spine, which left me disabled and forced me to undergo biological treatment. The pain is constant and sometimes unbearable. Moreover, after an injury, I lost the tendons in my left shoulder. I underwent two surgeries – one to attempt restoration, the other to clear damaged tissues. The doctor managed to place an implant, brought specially for me from Germany, which restored some movement, but my arm is limited, and I can't lift more than a kilogram. This stops me from being as active as I’d like, but my spirit remains strong.

How did you decide to travel to the other end of the world?

In essence, I am a traveler. I've been to many places around the world, and in South America, I’ve visited almost all countries. I use all my leave for traveling. A few days after my trip to Venezuela, I headed to Chile, Bolivia, and Easter Island – a trip organized even before the pandemic, which I've been waiting for three years.
Joining the group to descend Angel Falls was a real miracle. Over a year and a half ago, I read about it and thought: “This is exactly for me,” but there were no spots, and I didn’t even remember the agency's name. Later, I came across an article in a newspaper about the first Bulgarian woman who descended Angel Falls, further igniting my desire. At the beginning of September, I was at a sanatorium, trying to ease my pains, when my husband, surfing his phone, said: “Look here – an article about the first Bulgarian woman who descended Angel Falls.” This remark brought me back to my dream.

What was the moment you realized that rappelling down Angel Falls was not only possible for you but something you could master confidently?

Sometimes inexplicable events happen in life that seem like signs from fate. On September 21, I decided to check the situation with the waterfall and came across the website of the agency Panic Frame & Travel, which solely organized this dream experience. Surprisingly, there was one free spot – I took it as a sign. I gathered courage all day to ask if it was still available. The next day I received a positive answer – a participant had released it only a day or two prior. I thought: “This spot is waiting for me.”

After a conversation with Stefcho, where I asked all my questions, it was left to me to decide if I could handle it. I thought, weighed, and reconsidered for three days – would I endure both physically and mentally? At home, I didn’t receive support – I heard only: “Are you crazy?”, “Where are you going with these pains and one arm?” Only my colleagues supported me. And I dared! To fulfill your dreams, you have to make an effort. If you don't try, you'll never know if you can do it. As they say: “The bird perches on your shoulder only once.” Thus, I fulfilled one of my dreams.

What made you dare to join an adventure like the trip to Angel Falls, despite the difficulties your condition may pose?

I am a person with a strong will, and I’ve always coped with challenges on my own. No one has ever helped me. But only after I registered and paid did I realize I truly got myself into “a film.” The battle between courage and fear began within me – thousands of questions raged in my head: “Why am I challenging myself like this?”, “Can I do it?”, “Will I be afraid of the height?”

Although I had only 10 days for preparation, I managed to equip myself, watched YouTube films, and read information about the dangers in Canaima National Park. This helped me feel at least a bit prepared. Even Stefcho, whom I talked to on-site, was surprised by how much I knew.

What helped you overcome those moments when your inner voice doubted your abilities?

My inner voice not only spoke to me but shouted that I mustn't miss this opportunity. I thank myself for listening to it! If it were now, I wouldn't have this chance because my health has worsened. I am deeply faithful, a Christian, and knew that the Lord would be with me. I prepared with medication to endure. My prayers were heard – even for good weather. Life has shown me that what is fated will happen. And I set off.

What was the most memorable moment from the descent of the waterfall – the moment that will truly stay with you forever?

The entire descent down the waterfall is an unforgettable experience. Sometimes I revisit my memories and relive it over and over again. But indeed, there are several moments that are impossible to forget. When we reached the site for the descent, we were a bit disappointed because everything was foggy. We could see almost nothing. But, as I already said, the weather changes very quickly here, and we kept the hope that this would happen. Henry, Mario, and Alberto began to prepare everything for the first rappel. Henry always descends first, lowering the rope and marking the track, and also determining the order in which we would set off one by one. I was second. I continued to gather courage, my heart pounded wildly, my breathing became uneven. It's terrifying, not to be joked about – more than 1 km down in height. But ultimately, I came here to do it, not to back out. 

In truth, at no point did I consider quitting, but reality is something else. When my turn came, I was already secured, I received final instructions on how and what to do and what to expect over the next 90 meters down. I was trembling all over! I took deep breaths to regulate my pulse. My first steps were uncertain, I tried to maintain my balance, to balance with both feet and to stay perpendicular to the rock. All my focus was now on the technique of descent. You slowly let the rope go and take a step down. And so, meter by meter. Fear gradually just vanished! Maybe the fog helped a bit, as it didn’t reveal the height below. For the same reason, those of us who descended first don’t have photos from the departure. But it’s alright, that was just our luck. At the platform after the first rappel, we all gathered – exhilarated and eager to share our sensations. Just at that moment, the fog began to lift little by little.

The second rappel was the scariest for me – 100 meters of free descent. I set off in the fog again, but only a few meters down I suddenly emerged into a clear and bright weather. It was as if it were cut with a knife. An incredible view unfolded beneath me! You hang on the rope in nothingness, enjoy the beauty around you, see Angel Falls on the side in all its glory, and can’t believe where you are. Thousands of emotions rage inside you, you can shout and scream, but I stood silent above this scene. It’s indescribable! Beneath you lies the majestic beauty of Canaima Park with its unique tepuis and the winding Churun River. Finally, I landed on a small rock that only had space for two or maybe three people. This was the second unforgettable moment for me. And thus, slowly but surely, time passed filled with emotions and adrenaline.

Angel Falls is a unique place that few manage to visit. How would you describe it to someone who has never been there, and why should they embark on this adventure with Panic Frame and Travel?

Angel Falls is a place that can scarcely be described with words – you have to see and feel it. After we landed on Auyantepui, we immediately headed to the waterfall to feel its majesty. The route was an adventure by itself – we passed through carnivorous vegetation, waded through mud and water, climbed rocks and descended into narrow crevices. We were surrounded by dense jungle filled with exotic plants, lianas, and huge orchids that seemed to come to life around us.

Reaching the end point, an awe-inspiring scene unfolded before us – over 1 km vertical height from which Angel Falls crashes down with incredible force. The view at its base is so magnetic that time seems to stand still. It's a place that not only impresses but also urges you to overcome your fears.

With Panic Frame & Travel, you have a chance to experience not just a journey but a true challenge that changes your perception of the world and yourself. The team takes care of every detail, and the guides provide safety and motivation every step of the way. 

When you relax and spread your arms above the abyss as you descend, you feel like a bird flying over the waterfall. I can't put into words the emotions that raged within me. Both trembling and joyous! It is an incredible feeling that everyone should experience! I am immensely happy that I managed to do it!

Thank you to everyone who made my dream come true!
Thank you to Panic Frame & Travel because without them none of this would have happened!
Thanks to Henry Gonzalez, who created the descent route!
Thanks to Mario, Alberto Osorio, and Antonio, who took care of our safety throughout each rappel! They carried and stretched the heavy ropes for 12 hours a day.