Mount Roraima Trek in Venezuela’s Canaima National Park is out of this world and one of the best treks in Latin America. From an indigenous village, it passes a dry desert-like landscape, rainforest and reaches the plateau with a moonlike landscape. Standing on top of the Roraima Tepui, where strangely formed rocks are creating gushing waterfalls from the daily rainfall truly feels like being on another planet.

Usually, a 6-day Mount Roraima Trek, covers 64 km, including the tabletop (but not flat) surface where you can find many plants that don’t exist anywhere in the world and endemic animals, such as black frogs, tarantulas, and snakes.

Mount Roraima Trek in Venezuela

The story of Mount Roraima

Mount Roraima is one of the table mountains scattered in Venezuela’s rainforests.

A mystic table mountain, sacred to indigenous Pemons, is considered one of the oldest geological formations on Earth, originated when African and American continents parted around 2 billion years ago. Indigenous Pemons call table mountains ‘tepuis’, which means ‘houses of the gods’.

The mountain stretches on the border of Venezuela, Guyana & Brazil with the majority of the mountain in Venezuela. The only way up (apart from a few technical rock climbing options) is from the Venezuelan side near Paraitepuy village.

While most treks around the world focus on getting to the top, Roraima’s secrets lie on top of the plateau. It’s unlike anything we’ve ever seen before. Mount Roraima is a 14 km long mountain with cliffs on each side, 600 m high in a few places and the highest point, the Maverick Rock at 2,810 m.

The remoteness of the mountain inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s novel The Lost World which describes a plateau surrounded by cliffs where dinosaurs live.

Because of the (almost) daily rain on the tepuis, the rocks and cliffs form several waterfalls. The tallest waterfall in the world, Angel Falls, is only 220 km away in the same national park as Mount Roraima. Visiting and swimming under the Angel Falls was an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience.

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This is our story from Mount Roraima Trek with plenty of tips for you at the end.

Mount Roraima Trek summary

Details of Mount Roraima Trek

  • Distance: 64 km (out and back)
  • Time: 5-6 days
  • Elevation: 2,810 m
  • Difficulty: moderate
  • Best time to go: December to April (dry season)

6-day itinerary

  • Day 1: Paraitepuy to Tek River Camp (13,5 km)
  • Day 2: Tek River Camp to Base Camp under Mount Roraima (10 km)
  • Day 3: Base Camp to Roraima Summit (5,5 km)
  • Day 4: Exploring the Roraima Summit: Crystal Valley, Maverick Rock, cave, viewpoints (5,5 km)
  • Day 5: Roraima Summit to Tek River Camp (16 km)
  • Day 6: Tek Camp to Paraitepuy (13,5 km)

Mount Roraima Trek

After our visit to the Angel Falls, we took a night bus from Ciudad Bolivar to Santa Elena, the nearest town to Roraima where all the agencies and guides are. We’ve met the rest of our group from US and Brazil.

I was the only girl in a group of 6 trekkers, a guide and several porters. The next morning, our guide and porters loaded jeeps with all the gear and we were off to Paraitepuy village, the starting point of the trek.

Mount Roraima Trek in Venezuela

Day 1 – Paraitepuy to Tek River Camp (13,5 km)

Across savanna and a first sunset swim

Our trek started easier than we expected. We walked across savanna on a very dry and well-trodden trail. Table mountains Roraima and Kukenan were rising in the distance and the gruelling sun made us walk slowly. It was an easy 4-hour walk.

One of the luxuries of trekking through an agency is having porters. They carry all the food and gear except our personal stuff, set up and pack our tents and prepare all our meals. Since this was our first multi-day trek ever, we welcomed any help and could enjoy other aspects of the trek.

Mount Roraima Trek in Venezuela

The trail was so easy we wished we could have biked to the first camp, as some locals did on motorcycles. The Tek Camp has several clay houses providing shelter and cooking areas for porters.

Our guide told us the camp used to be full of hundreds of trekkers in the peak season. But since the economic situation in Venezuela is getting worse, not many people want to visit.

We stayed in a tent next to the river which proved to be the perfect place to cool off. What a surprise. And I thought we would go 6 days without a shower.

Day 2 – Tek River Camp to Base Camp under Mount Roraima (10 km)

To the base of Mount Roraima

The trail got a little bit steeper as we walked approaching the mountain. Luckily it was a dry season and our two river crossings across Tek and Kukenan Rivers were easy.

Mount Roraima Trek in Venezuela

Four hours later we arrived at the base camp which sits at 1,800 meters right at the cliffside of Mount Roraima. Just in time for lunch, we set up a camp and seized the opportunity for another swim. Well, it was more of a dip in the cold waterfall than a swim.

We had a tuna and veggie salad for lunch and later chicken with rice and baked potatoes for dinner. We’ve felt like eating in a restaurant the whole 6-day trek. Not only were all the meals tasty and fulfilling, but it was also real food from fresh ingredients.

Something too far from regular dehydrated meals people usually bring on backpacking trips due to their lightweight (or three different pasta meals we’ve switched over later on a trek in Patagonia).

Mount Roraima Trek in Venezuela

Day 3 – Base Camp to Roraima Summit (5,5 km)

Steep uphill through the jungle

It was the most difficult day of the trek. Starting from the base camp at 1,800 m we were climbing steeply to 2,800 m to the top of Mount Roraima.

The trail follows a natural ramp along the Roraima’s cliffside from right to left through the lush and humid jungle. It looked like an exposed cliff from the distance but the trail is quite wide and easily doable even if you’re afraid of heights (according to Michal’s personal experience).

Mount Roraima Trek in Venezuela

The first part was challenging due to large boulders and then a hissing sound of a venomous snake along the trail. Luckily we were able to make a slight detour not to disturb him anymore.

I enjoyed the climb even though my legs were burning. Everybody walked at their pace and we were in no rush. The most enjoyable part of the trail was close to the top when we walked right underneath a waterfall.

When we reached the top we were in awe. Black rocks of all shapes and sizes were spreading across the top of the mountain. Unbelievable landscape.

And we slept in a cave! Roraima’s many overhangs were named by the guides ‘The hotels’ and our guide chose the best ‘hotel’, as we learnt the next day.

Mount Roraima Trek in Venezuela

Day 4 – exploring the Roraima Summit: Crystal Valley, Maverick Rock, cave, viewpoints (5,5 km)

Exploring the moonlike mountain top

Once the morning fog disappeared, we walked to several viewpoints, made a lot of ‘I’m going to fall off the cliff’ photos and learnt about the unique fauna and flora that Mount Roraima holds. Our guide showed us a plant you can eat in case you get lost and run out of food (lucky us have an experienced guide).

The top of Mount Roraima is very hard to navigate and even rookie guides get lost sometimes. We also saw a tiny local, an endemic black frog.

Mount Roraima Trek in Venezuela

There is so much to see we could easily spend three days on top. During the day, we went to the:

  • Guacharo viewpoint
  • Valley of the Crystals filled endlessly with quartz minerals (which are not allowed to take, every bag is searched upon return)
  • Maverick rock, the highest point of Mount Roraima at 2,800 m
  • swam in natural pools
  • watched carnivorous plants tried to eat our fingers (unsuccessfully)
  • hung out at the cliffs staring down at the jungle 600 meters below us

Michal stayed further from the edge and got dizzy just taking the pictures of me but he managed it bravely.

Mount Roraima Trek in Venezuela

In the evening, we found out why we had the best hotel (campsite). It was raining and the overhang created a nice waterfall right next to our tents. I doubt that any real hotel can do that.

Day 5 – Roraima Summit to Tek River Camp (16 km)

A long day back to the camp

After fulfilling breakfast of scrambled eggs and arepas (typical Venezuelan bread made of maize) and packing our bags, we were on our way back to the Tek River Camp from the first day. So what we walked in days 2 and 3, we now had to cover in one day.

Climbing down Mount Roraima through the morning fog, we felt incredibly grateful for the experience Roraima prepared for us.

Mount Roraima Trek in Venezuela

We were coming down the steep cliff through the humid bush filled with fresh morning air. Several waterfalls were gushing down the mountain from the cliffs after the rainfall from the previous night.

We even walked under one of them, something we hadn’t experienced while climbing up a few days prior (because it didn’t rain that much). It was as if the mountain was saying goodbye to us. Nobody was concerned about slippery rocks.

Our porters were ahead of us and prepared lunch in the base camp. And after a short break, we continued to the Tek River Camp. After the long day of trekking, we jumped into the river for the last sunset near Mount Roraima.

Day 6 – Tek Camp to Paraitepuy (13,5 km)

We’ve made it and are forever grateful

The sun on the savanna was unbelievably strong. We refreshed in every stream along the way. Much to our surprise, the Paraitepuy village had a snack bar (or a pop-up window) with cold beers. Everyone in our group was making turns to buy beers for our amazing guide, porters and the rest of us.

When a jeep picked us up, we headed to San Francisco village for lunch. Locals had a few stands set up with souvenirs and I was able to buy the quartz mineral from Roraima on a necklace, my most cherished gift from South America.

Even though we couldn’t communicate with some of the Brazil trekkers because we don’t speak Portuguese, we all made a strong connection during the trek, had fun while camping and remained friends with all the trekkers, porters and the guide. So if you’re looking to visit Venezuela, I’d be more than happy to get you in touch with them.

This trip remains to be one of the highlights of our trip across South America and I would recommend anyone looking for a unique experience to visit Roraima.

Tips for visiting Mount Roraima

Agency vs. independent with a guide

We booked the trip through the same tourist agency we used for Angel Falls. They are based in Ciudad Bolivar and also helped us get tickets on the night bus to Santa Elena. However, there are plenty of agencies at Santa Elena’s bus station.

Since the Venezuelan Bolivar is going through extreme inflation, most of the agencies require payments in US dollars.

We’ve paid 225 USD per person (it would be cheaper if you buy at Santa Elena bus station) for the whole 6-day trek including transportation, camping gear, food, porters and a guide. And if you’re satisfied with everything as much as we were, make sure to have US bills for tips.

You can also go independently but you will need a guide. Every hostel in Santa Elena should be able to recommend someone (or I can recommend a great guide, just shoot me an email!).

Not only the guide is mandatory for Mount Roraima Trek, but you’ll also be glad you have one once you reach the top of the mountain. With all the rock formations and massive areas, you can get lost even if you’re using GPS.

This option is even cheaper. You would have to arrange transport to and from Paraitepuy village, have all the necessary camping gear and carry enough food for 6 days.

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Best time to do Mount Roraima Trek

The dry season is from April to December but the trek can be done all year round. Santa Elena might be dry but expect rain on the mountain. It is usually raining every day of the year on top of Roraima.

Essentials for Mount Roraima Trek

Clothes

  • Rain jacket – the most important item to feel comfortable on the mountain
  • Quick-drying shirt and pants – regular hiking pants made of polyamide and a quick-drying t-shirt are the best because of the sweaty trek through the sunny savanna and rainy top of Mount Roraima
  • Hat – the sun is beating down very strongly on savanna and we were all wearing hats. Michal had to use his tiny towel for the neck as you can get heatstroke very easily
  • Swimsuit – there will be plenty of opportunities for a dip

Shoes

  • Michal and I were wearing our trail running shoes and also hiked in them volcanoes in Central America. However, depending on your form, you can wear trekking shoes above the ankle. The top of Mount Roraima is very rocky.

Repellent

I haven’t seen a single mosquito but sand flies called puri puri can make you quite miserable. You won’t even notice those tiny bloodsuckers but they leave nasty itchy patches. Make sure to use repellent after you cross a river or go for a swim.

Water bottle

There are plenty of streams or rivers on the trek. We, or anybody in our group, haven’t used water filters or any purification tablets and were just fine. The only time we used water filters was on top of the mountain when we drank from tiny pools in rocks.

Travel insurance

Better be safe than sorry. Anything can happen on a mountain. Michal got unknowingly so close to a poisonous snake that a bite would require are guide calling a helicopter.

We use and recommend World Nomads. From our extensive research regarding travel insurance, they provide the best value. You can check their plans here.

Know what you’re doing and do your research

Even though Santa Elena is close to the Brazil border and therefore you can buy here a lot of things that other Venezuelan towns lack, don’t expect it’s easy to find camping gas or camping food in stores.

Venezuela is going through a food crisis and no international brands are imported to the country either. It’s much easier to bring everything you need from elsewhere rather than relying on finding it in Venezuelan stores.

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Although we weren’t hungry during our time in Venezuela, we made a few visits to the stores and saw alarmingly empty shelves in Ciudad Bolivar. The selection of food in stores, although not wide, was better in Santa Elena.

Search Facebook groups and talk to travellers who have been in Venezuela recently so you have the latest information about their situation. As much as I love Venezuela, it is not an easy country to travel to.

We never felt in danger but several people approached us on the streets to make sure we hide the camera right after snapping a picture, not to walk the streets at night or away from the frequented places.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to Roraima?

If you’re flying internationally, you’ll fly to Caracas International Airport. Then you need to get to Santa Elena de Uairen, the closest town to Mount Roraima.

From Caracas to Santa Elena, the cheapest option would be taking a bus that costs around 100 USD and takes 21 hours. An easier option is taking a 1-hour flight from Caracas to Puerto Ordaz, and then a bus to Santa Elena.

Because Santa Elena is on the border with Brazil, many travellers choose to arrive from Brazil. You can fly to Boa Vista in Brazil and take a bus across the border to Santa Elena.

Even though some travellers think arriving from Brazil is a safer option, both routes are passing checkpoints where foreigners’ passports are checked and occasionally policemen look for quick cash.

How long does it take to climb Mount Roraima?

It takes three days to reach the top of Mount Roraima. The whole trek can last from five to seven days, depending on how many days you would like to stay on top of Mount Roraima to explore.

However, if you’re climbing independently or are pressed on time, you can negotiate with your guide or locals in Paraitepuy village to take you on a motorbike to the first camp.

Tek River Camp is just slightly uphill across savanna on a well-trodden trail. Our fellow trekker who injured his knee was taken by motorbike on the way back from Tek River Camp.

Is Mount Roraima safe?

Venezuela is considered one of the most dangerous countries to visit. But that doesn’t mean that the whole country is dangerous. We’ve visited four different towns in Venezuela and Santa Elena, from which the tours to Mount Roraima depart, was the safest. We never felt uneasy or scared for any reason.

Mount Roraima is not easily accessible, you need to pass through a difficult dirt road and indigenous villages. All travellers I’ve met, and even our guide and porters said it’s one of the safest places in the country.

Update from our friend and guide at Roraima: The Roraima area is in a complicated situation, and not suitable for tourist visit (as of February 2022).

How much does it cost to climb Roraima?

We paid 225 USD (in 2016) per person for a 6-day trek including transport, guide, porters, and food. If you buy the tour at the bus station or in Santa Elena town, it might be cheaper but even now the price is between 200-300 USD.

Due to extreme hyperinflation in Venezuela, the exchange rate for Venezuelan Bolivar is very unstable and changes rapidly every day. Therefore most businesses prefer American dollars.

If you’d like to go independently, the guide costs around 50-70 USD, plus around 30 USD for food for 6 days.

*In the spirit of full disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through them, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. We appreciate your support!

 


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About Maya Steiningerova

Heyo, I’m Maya! An adventure athlete currently living near the Canadian Rockies with my partner in crime Michal. I love running in the mountains, jumping in the ice cold lakes, mountain biking and trying not so common activities, such as mountaineering. By showing that an ordinary person can live an extraordinary life, my hope is to inspire you to live an adventurous life and provide you with tips and tools for your own adventure.

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