Trek Venezuela’s Mysterious Flat Top Mountain Tepuis
An unparalleled adventure awaits you on trek 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. Over our seven day hike, we'll traverse sheer-sided plateaus with towering 6,000-feet views of Guyana's pristine rainforests, explore rock formations carved by wind and water, and ramble through valleys scattered with precious crystals. We'll venture to Lago Gladys and the "prow" - the northern tip of Roraima - well beyond where most trekkers explore. Along the way, we'll discover why Roraima's plant and animal life is unique to this stark, rare topography.
Activities
7 days strenuous hiking on steep, uneven terrain.
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
- Explore the high, remote plateaus of Mount Roraima, with its strange, weather-eroded rock formations, natural thermal pools, and unusual flora and fauna
2010 Prices
$4,395 (11-12 members)
$4,595 (6-10 members)
$4,895 (3-5 members)
Duration: 11 days Start Location: Caracas End Location: Caracas Best time to go: March, July, November
Itinerary
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Day 1 : Arrive in Caracas
Arrive in Caracas, Venezuela.
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Day 2 : Puerto Ordaz – Parque Nacional Canaima
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.
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Day 3 : Hike to Base Camp
12 mile hike across rolling grasslands and several rivers to the base (6,000') of Mount Roraima.
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Day 4 : Summit Day
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).
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Day 5 : Triple Point
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.
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Day 6 : Lago Gladys – Prow of Roraima
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.
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Day 7 : Return to El Hotel
Hike to El Foso, a small watering hole, for a refreshing swim.
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Day 8 : Crossing Ríos Kukenán and Tek
Descend to camp in the savannah, crossing the Ríos Kukenán and Tek along the way.
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Day 9 : Paraitepui – Santa Elena
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.
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Day 10 : Angel Falls - Caracas
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.)
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Day 11 : Fly Home
Depart Caracas.
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Hotel Eurobuilding Express
A comfortable European style hotel with ideal location near the airport. The generous, clean rooms in a newly-constructed building provides a fine welcome to arriving travelers.
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Yakoo Lodge
Santa ElenaA rustic haven nestled the hills outside of Santa Elena, Yakoo provides a welcome resting stop. Separate cabins are enclosed in tropical gardens, frequented by hummingbirds and other wildlife. A helicopter pad, quiet pool, and cozy bar add to the lodge's charm.
Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.
Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.
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Sergio Fitch-Watkins A native of Mexico is Mountain Travel Sobek's senior climbing guide, with over 20 years of experience (his climbing resume is eight pages long—the short version, that is). Besides leading our climbing expeditions in Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru, and Argentina’s Aconcagua, he also loves to lead some of our more challenging treks in Nepal and Peru. Having led more than 100 trips for Mountain Travel Sobek, Sergio has acquired a considerable, loyal following!
photo credits: ©AGE Fotostock
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