Mount Roraima trek

Trek to the summit of Venezuela's tallest table mountain - inspiration for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's 'The Lost World'.

We first undertook this remarkable trek ourselves in 1992 and each year since then many Geodyssey groups have completed it successfully and without mishap, a tribute to the skill and experience of our local guides and the work that goes into planning and logistics. 

Roraima’s remoteness means that few people make the trek (you are unlikely to see more than one or two groups in the six days) but some ill-informed trekking groups are starting to cause damage that they could prevent, upsetting local people, and taking unnecessary risks. We adopt high standards to conserve this special mountain, we always work with the local Pemón (whose mountain it is), and our guides have long experience of trekking here safely.

Santa Elena to Paraitepui

Day 1  You will be met in Santa Elena (e.g. at the airport) by your English-speaking trekking guide and driven north into the Gran Sabana for lunch beside the Jaspé Falls where a clear stream runs over an orange and red bed of semiprecious jasper. Continue, off-road, to the Pemón village of Paraitepui. Make camp and meet your Pemón porters.

Approach trek

Day 2  Our route starts with easy walking across rolling grasslands. Crossing several streams we ford the Tek river and later the Kukenán river—in the rainy season this may be high enough that ropes are needed to cross it, but usually it can be waded quite easily. We camp with a fantastic view of the stark face of Roraima ahead and Kukenán-tepui to its left. Kukenán Falls (second tallest in the world) is clearly visible in the right season. From this point we can also see the pinnacle of rock next to Roraima like the one by which Conan Doyle’s heroes reached the top.

Day 3 Next day we trek across rising savannah to the base of the mountain to camp in a meadow alive with multicoloured birds by day and fireflies at night. The Roraima wall is extremely impressive here, rising nearly 3,000 ft directly in front of the camp, the quartz in the rock glittering in the late afternoon sun.

Ascent

Day 4 In the morning we set off up the route that leads diagonally across the face of the Roraima wall. The trail ascends through montane rainforest and crosses small streams where hummingbirds, orchids and brightly coloured flowers are abundant. Higher, the vegetation changes to prehistoric tree ferns and the trail leads under a waterfall descending from the cliff edge hundreds of feet above. After 3-4hrs (during which we are well shielded from the downwards cliff by the width of the defile and by vegetation and rocks) we arrive at the entrance to the summit, guarded by massive grey rocks, and emerge at the top—looking back for an incredible view. We camp a short distance across the summit for two nights.

The summit is so high that it creates its own weather: swirling cloud can descend with little warning, and there can be sudden electrical storms at any season.

Exploring the Lost World

Day 5 Next day we explore Roraima’s summit, taking a long circular route to the marker where Venezuela, Brazil and Guyana meet—the furthest accessible point. We walk among vast and forbidding rock formations, suddenly finding surprisingly lush meadows among the stark outcrops, and places where the ground is covered with sparkling quartz crystals. There are rock pools everywhere, and in them you may be lucky enough to see the black toads unique to Roraima. The plant life is bizarre, over half the species are unique to tepuis or to Roraima alone, including several species of orchid and carnivorous plants.

Day 6 The next morning there is time to explore some more before we descend to the base and continue to one of several possible camping places.

Return trek

Day 7  After a final morning’s walk you arrive back in the Pemón village of Paraitepui where a vehicle will be waiting to take you back to Santa Elena. Time permitting you can stop for a little sightseeing en route, such as to visit Aguas Frías and nearby Puerta del Cielo lookout or to bathe at Suruape cataract, before heading to a comfortable lodge on the outskirts of the town.

Day 8  Driven back to Santa Elena airport where the tour ends.

Getting there and away

Santa Elena is accessible by road or air from Puerto Ordaz or Ciudad Bolivar. We can arrange flights (usually via Canaima/Angel Falls), or road transfers by private 4WD.  Call us for details.

Long distance buses are a possibility, flights from Santa Elena to Brazil are starting up, and there is an arduous and unrewarding route through Guyana.

The places you will visit:

Gran Sabana

Guide price £650

8 days/7 nights, starts and ends at Santa Elena de Uairén. Grade: Strenuous

The guide price is per person based on 2 people travelling together and sharing twin/double accommodation.

Guide price includes: all travel from Santa Elena, private services of English speaking experienced local trekking guide (Days 2-9), camp porters, accommodation (2 nights tourist lodges, 6 nights camping in tents), most meals (except 1 dinner - allow £10). Porters for personal kit are available at extra cost.