Lost World of Mount Roraima

BOA VISTA TO SANTA ELENA

Our expedition begins early in Boa Vista, capital of Brazil’s northern state of Roraima.

Travelling in private vehicles, we journey north through the landscapes of northern Brazil towards the Venezuelan frontier. The drive takes approximately four hours, providing our first glimpse of the vast landscapes that characterise this remote corner of South America. Past groups have spotted giant anteaters along the road north. There are, of course, no guarantees, but we always keep watch for wildlife along the way.

After completing border formalities, we cross into Venezuela and continue to Santa Elena de Uairén, situated on the edge of the Gran Sabana.

Santa Elena is our gateway to the extraordinary tepui landscapes of south-eastern Venezuela. Here we meet members of our local expedition team and make our final preparations before setting out towards Mount Roraima. We enjoy dinner together before settling into our accommodation for the night.

Overnight: Santa Elena.

PARATEPUI TO RIO TEK

After breakfast, we leave Santa Elena in 4×4 vehicles and travel across the Gran Sabana towards the Indigenous Pemón community of Paratepui.

Here we complete the necessary registration formalities before beginning our trek towards Mount Roraima.

Our route crosses the sweeping landscapes of the Gran Sabana, following trails through open savannah with increasingly spectacular views towards the great tepuis ahead.

At first, Mount Roraima (on the right) and Kukenán Tepui (on the left) appear small on the horizon, but as we trek, these enormous plateaux gradually dominate the view, their immense cliffs rising like fortresses above the surrounding landscape.

Today’s trek takes approximately six hours across predominantly rolling and relatively gentle terrain before we reach our campsite near the Rio Tek.

As evening approaches, we settle into camp with magnificent views towards Mount Roraima.

Overnight: Rio Tek Camp.

RIO TEK TO BASE CAMP

Today we continue our approach towards Mount Roraima. Leaving Rio Tek behind, the trail begins to climb more steadily across the Gran Sabana. With every kilometre, Roraima’s gigantic cliffs become increasingly imposing, revealing the extraordinary scale of the mountain ahead.

The trek becomes progressively more demanding as we gain elevation and approach the base of the tepui. The scenery is absolutely spectacular.

Depending upon trail and weather conditions, today’s walk takes around six to eight hours. Close to the cliffs, we can see many bromeliads, including the carnivorous Brocchinia hechtioides, as well as insect-eating Drosera roraimae and remarkable Utricularia humboldtii.

Eventually, we arrive at Base Camp beneath the immense cliffs of Mount Roraima. From here, the summit towers above us and we can clearly see the dramatic natural route that will take us upwards the following day.

We settle into camp, enjoy dinner and prepare for tomorrow’s ascent into the Lost World.

Overnight: Base Camp.

ASCEND MOUNT RORAIMA

Today, we walk approximately 3 km (1.9 miles) to the summit of Mount Roraima. The ascent is steep and sustained but requires no technical climbing skills.
Anyone with a good level of fitness and stamina can reach the “lost world” on top.

Leaving Base Camp, we climb into increasingly lush vegetation as the trail enters the mossy cloudforest growing beneath Roraima’s immense cliffs. The vegetation changes dramatically with altitude. Moss-covered trees, Bonnetia forest, giant bromeliads
and tree ferns surround the trail, while carnivorous
Utricularia grow in wet habitats beside the route.

We then reach the natural ledge that provides access through the cliffs. As we climb higher, spectacular views open across the Gran Sabana far below.

After approximately four to five hours of climbing, we finally step onto the summit. The transformation is extraordinary. Lush cloudforest suddenly gives way to a strange landscape of dark rock, bizarre formations and unusual plants. We continue across the summit to our natural rock shelter, where we establish camp beneath one of Roraima’s enormous overhangs.

Overnight: Mount Roraima Summit.

VALLEY OF THE CRYSTALS

Our next four days are dedicated entirely to exploring the extraordinary summit of Mount Roraima. This is a good amount of time to see all of the key highlights (with a
little buffer time in case weather conditions are unfavourable).

The exact order of our excursions remains flexible, allowing our experienced local guides to adapt each day according to weather conditions, visibility and the interests and abilities of the group. This gives us the greatest opportunity to experience Roraima at its best.

Among the summit’s most remarkable landscapes is the Valley of the Crystals, where the ancient surface is scattered with beautiful quartz crystals. Surrounded by strange black rock formations, this
extraordinary landscape feels unlike almost
anywhere else on Earth.

We also visit Triple Point, the remarkable location where the borders of Venezuela, Guyana and Brazil meet. Reaching this isolated point provides a wonderful sense of Roraima’s immense scale and remoteness.

Along the way, we search for some of Roraima’s distinctive wildlife, including tiny summit frogs, butterflies and the remarkable black-and-yellow Riolama lizards.

After a full day exploring the Lost World, we return to our sheltered summit camp.

Overnight: Mount Roraima Summit.

LAKE GLADYS & THE PROW

Today we venture deeper across Roraima’s vast summit, trekking through a labyrinth of extraordinary rock formations towards some of the plateau’s most remote landscapes.

Depending upon conditions and the route chosen
by our guides, our explorations may take us towards Lake Gladys and the Prow, amongst the more distant highlights of the summit.

As we explore, we begin to discover the remarkable flora that has adapted to life on the summit. Carnivorous plants are particularly diverse, and we may encounter Heliamphora nutans, H. glabra and natural hybrids between them, as well as other fascinating plants.

Throughout the trek, the landscape continually changes. Towering stone pinnacles rise from the plateau, strange rock formations emerge from the mist and isolated patches of vegetation occupy sheltered depressions amongst the ancient rocks.

Weather on Roraima can transform the atmosphere within minutes. Clouds sweep across the summit, briefly concealing the landscape before clearing to reveal immense views and distant formations – all part of the extraordinary experience of exploring this mountain. We eventually return across the plateau to our summit camp for another evening above the clouds.

Overnight: Mount Roraima Summit.

LA VENTANA & THE JACUZZIS

Another full day gives us the freedom to continue exploring Roraima’s remarkable summit.
When weather conditions are favourable, one of the great experiences is the trek to La Ventana, a spectacular natural viewpoint overlooking some of the most dramatic scenery in the region. From the edge of the tepui, immense cliffs plunge towards the wilderness below while neighbouring plateaux rise beyond the clouds.

We also have the opportunity to visit the famous Jacuzzis – beautiful natural pools set amongst the rocks of the summit. Their clear waters and extraordinary surroundings make them one of Roraima’s most distinctive natural features.

Other possible explorations include the Pit, the Valley of a Thousand Columns and some of the countless unusual rock formations scattered across the plateau. We may also visit the western cliffs, where views towards neighbouring Kukenán Tepui can be spectacular.

Throughout the day there is plenty of time for photography and exploration. As evening
approaches, we return once again to our sheltered camp on the summit.

Overnight: Mount Roraima Summit.

OILBIRD RAVINE & CAVES

Our final full day on the summit provides flexibility, allowing us to revisit a favourite location, explore additional areas of the plateau or reach viewpoints that may previously have been obscured by cloud.

Depending on conditions, we may trek to Oilbird Ravine, a dramatic cleft in the plateau inhabited by the remarkable oilbird (Steatornis caripensis). These unusual nocturnal birds roost in caves and dark ravines and are among the few birds in the world to use echolocation to navigate in darkness.

Other possibilities include an ascent of Maverick
Rock, the highest point on Mount Roraima, where clear conditions can reveal spectacular views across the summit. We may also explore the Cathedral, the Window Viewpoint and the atmospheric Cave of Crystal Eyes. Throughout the day, we continue searching for the plateau’s distinctive wildlife, including tiny endemic frogs and Riolama lizards, as well as butterflies and, with luck, the elusive South American coati (Nasua nasua).

As darkness falls, we return to camp for our final evening on the summit, surrounded by the extraordinary Lost World landscapes that we have spent four full days exploring.

Overnight: Mount Roraima Summit.

DESCEND MOUNT RORAIMA

After our final night on the summit, today we begin our descent
from Mount Roraima.

Leaving our sheltered camp, we cross the extraordinary summit landscape for the final time before reaching the edge of the plateau and beginning the descent down the natural ledge.

As we lose altitude, the strange black rocks and open landscapes of the summit gradually give way to lush vegetation. We descend once again through Bonnetia forest, giant bromeliads, tree ferns and the misty cloudforest that cloaks the lower slopes of the mountain.

Emerging beneath Roraima’s immense cliffs, we continue downhill across the Gran Sabana towards Rio Tek. Although predominantly downhill, this is a long trekking day, generally taking around six to eight hours.

Reaching camp, we can look back towards the great cliffs of Mount Roraima and the Lost World we have spent the previous four days exploring.

Overnight: Rio Tek Camp.

RETURN TO SANTA ELENA

This morning we begin the final stage of our trek across the Gran Sabana. Leaving Rio Tek, we follow the trail back through the sweeping savannah landscapes towards Paratepui. To our right are magnificent views of Kukenán Tepui and the enormous cascade of Kukenán Falls.

Behind us, Mount Roraima and the surrounding tepuis provide a spectacular backdrop to our final hours on foot. After approximately four to five hours of trekking, we arrive at Paratepui, where our 4×4 vehicles are waiting for us.

We say farewell to the trail and begin our journey back across
the Gran Sabana to Santa Elena de Uairén. After days of wilderness camping and trekking, we return to the comforts of our hotel and enjoy a well-earned meal together.

The remainder of the evening is free to relax after completing our trek to one of South America’s most extraordinary mountains.

Overnight: Santa Elena.

EXPLORE THE GRAN SABANA

After descending from Mount Roraima, we have a full day to explore the magnificent Gran Sabana – the vast upland grasslands stretching between the great tepuis and the homeland of the Indigenous Pemón people.

Travelling by private vehicle, we explore some of the region’s most spectacular natural sites. Depending upon conditions and the interests of the group, we can visit Kama Falls, walk to the impressive Yuruani Falls and swim in the beautiful emerald pools of Pacheco Falls. On clear days, viewpoints across the savannah provide magnificent panoramas towards the Eastern Tepuis.

We stop for lunch in San Francisco de Yuruani, a Pemón community where there is an opportunity to try traditional foods and visit the local artisan market. Here, locally produced weavings, carvings, artwork and other handicrafts provide an insight into the culture and traditions of the communities of the Gran Sabana.

Another highlight is spectacular Jasper Creek, where clear water flows across a natural bed of beautiful red jasper. We can also visit the sacred Pemón stones of Abuelo Kako and Kako Paru – enormous blocks of this remarkable semi-precious stone.

The Gran Sabana is also exceptionally rewarding botanically. We visit natural populations of the carnivorous pitcher plant Heliamphora heterodoxa, alongside Catopsis berteroniana, Brocchinia, Genlisea, Drosera and Utricularia. Many bromeliads and beautiful orchids, including Epidendrum species, can also be encountered.

This day has also been deliberately incorporated into our itinerary to provide valuable flexibility. In the unlikely event that high water temporarily delays one of the river crossings during our descent from Mount Roraima, the day provides a useful contingency without affecting onward travel arrangements.

Later, we return to Santa Elena for our final evening in Venezuela.

Overnight: Santa Elena.

RETURN TO BOA VISTA

After breakfast, our expedition begins its final journey south.

Leaving Santa Elena, we travel towards the frontier and cross from Venezuela back into Brazil. From here, we continue by private vehicle through the landscapes of northern Brazil towards Boa Vista.

After twelve days, our journey has taken us from the lowlands of Brazil across the Gran Sabana and beneath the immense cliffs of Mount Roraima, through cloudforest and onto a summit isolated above the surrounding landscape for millions of years.

We have spent four full days exploring the Lost World, discovering crystal valleys, extraordinary rock formations, carnivorous plants and unique wildlife before descending once again to the savannahs below.

Upon arrival in Boa Vista, our expedition concludes.

FLY OVER THE TEPUIS

For a truly unforgettable perspective on the Lost World, we can arrange an optional scenic flight by private Cessna over the Eastern Tepuis. From the air, the extraordinary scale of this ancient landscape is revealed, with immense table mountains rising abruptly from the Gran Sabana, sheer cliffs disappearing into forest and cloud, and vast stretches of wilderness extending towards the horizon.

Weather permitting, the flight offers spectacular aerial views and exceptional photographic opportunities over one of South America’s most dramatic and inaccessible landscapes.

The cost of the charter depends upon the number of participants wishing to take part. On previous trips, we have organised this for the morning of Day 12 before travelling to Boa Vista.

Please email sales@redfernadventures.com to discuss options.

ANGEL FALLS

Extend your adventure with an unforgettable journey to Angel Falls, the world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall. We can arrange a spectacular scenic flight over the falls, offering breathtaking aerial views of the immense cascade plunging from the summit of Auyán Tepui.

For the ultimate experience, join our three-day/two-night extension to Canaima, flying by Cessna into this remote wilderness before travelling upriver in traditional
motorised Pemón canoes to Angel Falls. We overnight close to the falls and trek through the rainforest to their base, standing beneath a cascade that drops 979 metres from the tepui above. The journey also provides time to explore the beautiful lagoons and waterfalls around Canaima before flying back to Santa Elena – an extraordinary finale to the Mount Roraima expedition.

Please email sales@redfernadventures.com to discuss options.