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 all, Yordanka’s story 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 dares to reach the summit (and then rappel down).
At 55 years old, with health issues, Yordanka managed to achieve something many would deem impossible - rappelling down the highest waterfall in the world, Angel Falls in Venezuela. What’s the secret? Yordanka believes that nothing is impossible if you’re ready to fight for it.

We share Yordanka’s story - in her own words:

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Yordanka Kotselova, aged 55. I was born in Yambol but have lived in Blagoevgrad since 1991, where my husband is from. I’m a former athlete - I trained professionally in basketball until the age of 23. My whole life I’ve never stopped being active - perhaps that’s what 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 solo, without help, and often postponed my dreams. When they grew up, I expected to fulfill them, but fate sent me severe illnesses. I have disc hernias and severe arthritis in all joints and the spine, which disabled me and forced me onto biological treatment. The pain is constant and sometimes unbearable. Additionally, after an injury, I lost the tendons in my left shoulder. I underwent two surgeries - one attempted restoration, another to clear damaged tissues. The doctor managed to place an implant, specially brought from Germany, restoring part of the movement, but my arm is limited, and I can’t lift over 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 side of the world?

By nature, I am a traveler. I’ve been to many places worldwide, and in South America, I’ve visited almost every country. I spend all my vacations traveling. A few days after traveling to Venezuela, I set off for Chile, Bolivia, and Easter Island - a trip organized before the pandemic, which I awaited for three years.
Joining the group for the descent down Angel Falls was a true miracle. Over a year and a half ago, I read about it and thought, "This is exactly for me," but there were no spots available, and I didn’t even remember the agency’s name. Later, I came across an article in a newspaper about the first Bulgarian woman to rappel Angel Falls, which intensified my desire even more. In early September, I was at a sanatorium trying to alleviate my pain when my husband, surfing on his phone, said, "Have a look here - an article about the first Bulgarian woman who rappelled down Angel Falls." With that, he brought me back to my dream.

At what moment did you realize that rappelling down Angel Falls was not only possible for you but something you could master with confidence?

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

After a conversation with Stefcho, which answered all my questions, I was left to decide whether I could handle it. For three days, I thought, weighed and pondered - could I sustain it 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 backed me. And I dared! To fulfill your dreams, you must put in the effort. If you don’t try, you’ll never know if you can. As they say, "The bird lands on your shoulder only once." Thus, I fulfilled one of my dreams.

What made you dare to join an adventure like this to Angel Falls despite the difficulties your condition might pose?

I’m a person with a very strong will and have always handled challenges alone. No one ever helped me. But only after I signed up and paid did I realize I’ve really "entered a film." The battle between courage and fear began within me - thousands of questions roiled in my head: "Why am I challenging myself like this?", "Can I do it?", "Will I be scared of the height?"

Even though I had only 10 days for preparation, I managed to equip myself, watched films on YouTube, and read information about dangers in Canaima National Park. That helped me feel at least somewhat prepared. Even Stefcho, whom I spoke with on-site, was surprised at how much I knew.

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

My inner voice didn’t just speak to me, it outright screamed that I shouldn’t miss this opportunity. I thank myself for listening to it! If it were now, I wouldn’t have this opportunity, because my health condition has worsened. I am a deeply believing Christian and knew that the Lord would be with me. I prepared with medications to endure. My prayers were heard - even for good weather. Life has shown me that what is meant to be will happen. And I set off.

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

The entire descent of the waterfall is an unforgettable experience. Sometimes I return to my memories and relive it over and over again. But truly, there are several moments that are unforgettable. When we arrived at the spot for descent, we were slightly disappointed because everything was in fog. Almost nothing was visible. But, as I said already, the weather changes very rapidly and we stayed hopeful this would happen. Henry, Mario, and Alberto began preparing everything for the first rappel. Henry always descends first, lowering the rope and marking the route, also determining the order in which we’d go one after the other. I was second. I continued gathering courage, my heart raced wildly, my breathing became uneven. It’s scary, it’s no joke - over 1 km down of height. But ultimately, I’ve come here to do it, not to quit. 

To be honest, at no point did the thought of quitting cross my mind, but reality is another matter. When it was my turn, I was already secured, 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 breathed deeply to regulate my pulse. My first steps were uncertain, I tried to maintain balance, to stabilize with both feet and stay perpendicular to the rock. All my focus was now on the technique of descending. You release the rope slowly and take a step down. And so it goes, meter by meter. The fear gradually simply vanished! Perhaps the fog helped a bit too, as it concealed the height below. For this reason, the first to descend have no photos of the take-off. But it’s alright, that was our luck. On the platform after the first rappel, we gathered everyone - excited and eager to share their feelings. Right at that moment, the fog started slowly lifting.

The second rappel was the scariest for me - 100 meters of free descent. I went down again in fog, but just a few meters down I suddenly emerged into clear and bright conditions. It was cut with a knife. Below me, a breathtaking view opened up! Hanging on a rope in the void, you enjoy the beauty around you, you see Angel Falls beside you in all its splendor and can’t believe where you are. Thousands of emotions surge within you, you want to yell and scream, but I stood silent over this picture. It's indescribable! Beneath you lies all the majestic beauty of Canaima park with its unique tepuis and winding Churun River. Finally, I landed on a small rock, with space for only two or at most three people. That was the second unforgettable moment for me. And so slowly and leisurely, time went by, filled with emotions and adrenaline.

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

Angel Falls is a place that’s hard to describe with words - you have to see and feel it. After landing on Auyantepui, we immediately headed to the waterfall to sense its majesty. The path to it was an adventure in itself - we traversed carnivorous vegetation, waded through mud and water, climbed rocks, and descended into narrow holes. We were surrounded by dense jungle full of exotic plants, lianas, and huge orchids that seemed to come alive around us.

Upon reaching the final point, before us unfolded a breathtaking scene - over 1 km of sheer height from which Angel Falls cascades with incredible force. The view at the base is so magnetic that time seems to stand still. This is a place that not only impresses you but challenges you to overcome your fears.

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

When you relax and spread your arms over the abyss as you descend, you feel like a bird soaring over the waterfall. I cannot describe in words the feelings that surged within me. You're trembling, yet happy! It's an incredible sensation that everyone should experience! I am extremely happy that I managed to do it!

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