Monte Roraima
Rising 2,810 meters above the Gran Sabana, Roraima is the highest and most famous of Venezuela's tepuis — the flat-topped mountains that inspired Arthur Conan Doyle's The Lost World.
The Trek
The classic route approaches from the Pemón village of Paraitepui and takes 5-7 days round trip. The trail crosses open savanna before ascending through cloud forest to the otherworldly summit plateau.
Summit Plateau
The top of Roraima is another world entirely:
- Crystal Valley — formations of quartz crystals scattered across black rock
- The Jacuzzis — natural rock pools filled with tea-colored water
- La Ventana — a window in the cliff edge with views across three countries (Venezuela, Brazil, Guyana)
- Triple Point — the exact tripoint border marker
What to Bring
Footwear
Waterproof with ankle support — summit terrain is rough and wet
Clothing
The summit receives constant rain
Nights at 2,800m get cold
Shelter
Safety
Gear
Essential for the steep descent
Lighting
Protection
Provisions
5-7 days of food — buy in Santa Elena de Uairén
Drier months reduce summit fog but never eliminate rain. Prepare for wet conditions regardless of season.
Difficulty Notes
This is a strenuous multi-day trek. The ascent on Day 3 involves scrambling over rocks and navigating a narrow ledge called "El Paso de las Lágrimas" (The Pass of Tears). Summit navigation requires a guide — the plateau is a maze of rock formations.