MOUNT RORAIMA
Mount Roraima is a table top mountain (tepui) located in the Gran Sabana Province at the southernmost point of Venezuela, next to the town of Santa Elena de Uairen. Tepuis are ancient table top mountains, in fact the Gran Sabana tepui range is one of the oldest mountain ranges of the planet, which has a sort of “Jurassic Park” like feel about it.
It is possible to climb mount Roraima, but the only way of getting there is by foot. The entire trip takes around 7 days. 3 days crossing some marvelous landscapes to get to the top, one or 2 days on top and 2 or 3 to get back.
The landscape on top of Mount Roraima is one which you will never see again in your life. It consists of bizar and unnatural looking stone formations which seem to defy the law of gravity. Besides the views from la Ventana (the window) where you gaze 1000 meters down straight is one never to forget. Since Mount Roraima was formed before the creation of life on earth, life has evolved separately on the top, resulting in unique plant and animal life forms. There are plants here that uniquely exist on Roraima tepui. Besides you’ll see funny black mini-frogs, and black birds that crash themselves when they see you.
One of the most reknown guides in the area is called "Puri Puri", the most experienced and professional guide around. He guided the BBC expedition when they made a documentary about this amazing outskirt of the world. Book ahead as he’s away on the 7-day trip all year round. There are several other operators in Santa Elena de Uairen. Ask around to find out which is a good one and who has a group leaving. The tour brings you to Quebrada de Jaspe and Salto Yuruani as well. Bring good hiking boots, and loads of bug spray as the local bugs (funnily called puri puri as well (get it?)) are merciless around sunset. You get a discount if you have a tent/sleeping bag of your own. It gets very cold at night, around 0 degrees Celcius to freezing on top.
Your legs will be sore for a couple of days after returning from your trip, so plan a day or two to recover.
Roraima is one of the absolute highlights in Venezuela and an experience never to forget!
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