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

• Waterproof everything — the summit receives constant rain
• Warm layers for nights at 2,800m altitude
• Good hiking boots with ankle support
• 5-7 days of food (bought in Santa Elena de Uairén)

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.