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New for 2009!
An Anniversary Follow the Leader Trip with Sergio Fitch-Watkins

Honored as one of National Geographic Adventure Magazine's 25 Best New Trips for 2009!

While the notion of summiting a mountain and hiking across a flattop mesa may at first appear incompatible, they are in fact complementary on this unique adventure in south-eastern Venezuela. You’ll summit Mount Roraima (9,219’), the tallest of the tepui—sandstone mesas that are some of the oldest geological formations on Earth. Discover an extraordinary landscape of sheer-sided plateaus towering 6,000-feet above pristine rainforests, while the lands to the north offer even more scenic surprises—rock formations carved by wind and water, valleys scattered with precious crystals, and views of Guyana’s dense jungle below. Along the way, you’ll learn about Roraima’s unusual plants and animals that can be only found here. Count on long hikes along a trail that’s technically quite easy, but a formidable ascent considering the altitude, cold weather, and the possibility of sudden storms. We combine vigorous hiking with village tours—and even regional culinary specialties (ants and termites!)—so you may fully explore the stark, pure beauty of this wild and unspoiled region. You’ll soon come to understand why Roraima was the inspiration for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's novel The Lost World and the Disney/Pixar film Up!

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Challenging 7-day trek on Mount Roraima, the highest of Venezuela’s tepui—tabletop mountains
• Behold immense waterfalls formed by torrents cascading over the tepui’s edge, including Angel Falls on Auyantepui, the world’s highest waterfall
• Venture to Lago Gladys and the “prow”—the northern tip of Roraima—well beyond where most trekkers explore
• Enjoy a vigorous trek through vast savannah and pristine rainforest, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage area
• Explore the high, remote plateaus of Mount Roraima, with its strange, weather-eroded rock formations, natural thermal pools, and unusual flora and fauna

"The tepuis are one of the most exotic types of mountains you can climb, and are still being studied. Remote, wild, and unique in the world, they even have their own flora and fauna. Sir Conan Doyle’s book The Lost World was inspired by them—mountains that are in the middle of the jungle, yet are several thousand feet high. The top is one of the most intriguing places—like a labyrinth—with caves, crevasses, and little pools, and very hard to cross, all in the middle of the tropics! We will climb to the summit and explore (caves, pools, etc.), and ponder how the tepuis were formed." ~ Sergio Fitch-Watkins

Day 1 - Arrive in Caracas, Venezuela.

Day 2 - Fly to Luepa near Canaima National Park, via Puerto Ordaz. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon sightseeing in this remote landscape of savannah, rainforest, waterfalls, and remarkable tepui—sandstone tabletop mountains.

Day 3 - 12-mile hike across rolling grasslands and several rivers to the base (6,000’) of Mount Roraima.

Day 4 - Hike to 9,180-feet, the top of the tepui, through dense rainforest and up a steep ramp, breaking midway at the foot of a waterfall. Camp at the summit in natural caves (known as “hotels” by the locals).

Day 5 - Early morning hike to the “window” for breathtaking views of the eastern faces of Mount Roraima and Guyana’s jungles below. Hike to Triple Point, where the borders of Venezuela, Brazil, and Guyana meet.

Day 6 - Walk through a spectacular fantasyland of strange, weather-eroded rock formations and a lush river valley to Lago Gladys, and on to the “prow” of Roraima (weather permitting), beyond where most tours explore.

Day 7 - Hike to El Foso, a small watering hole, for a refreshing swim.

Day 8 - Descend to camp in the savannah, crossing the Ríos Kukenán and Tek along the way.

Day 9 - Hike to Paraitepui, a Pemón Indian village, and drive to Santa Elena. En route, you’ll stop at Quebrada de Jaspe, taking in its waterfall cascading over a dazzling orange-and-red jasper riverbed.

Day 10 - Fly to Caracas via Puerto Ordaz, taking in stunning views of the savannahs and tabletop mountains, as well as Angel Falls (3,212’), the world’s highest waterfall. (Opt to join one of our extensions to Angel Falls or Los Roques Archipelago National Park.)

Day 11 - Depart Caracas.

Extend your adventure!
Now that you’ve seen Angel Falls—the world’s highest waterfall—from above, you’ll no doubt want to view it up close! We offer a post-trip extension to the base of Angel Falls.

Or want to complement your trek with some Carribean snorkeling and relaxation? Join our extension to Los Roques Archipelago National Park. Call for details.

Photo Credits
©AGE Fotostock; ©Peter & Jackie Main