Mount Roraima

The Mind-Blowing Mount Roraima

Mount Roraima, also known as Tepuy Roraima and Cerro Roraima; Portuguese: Monte Roraima is the highest of the Pakaraima chain of tepui plateaus in South America. Described by the English explorer Sir Walter Raleigh in 1596, its 31 km2 summit area is bounded on all sides by cliffs rising 400 metres (1,300 ft). The mountain also serves as the triple border point of Venezuela (claiming 85% of its territory), Brazil (5%) and Guyana (10%).

Mount Roraima lies on the Guiana Shield in the southeastern corner of Venezuela’s 30,000-square-kilometre (12,000 sq mi) Canaima National Park forming the highest peak of Guyana’s Highland Range. The tabletop mountains of the park are considered some of the oldest geological formations on Earth, dating back to some two billion years ago in the Precambrian.

The highest point in Guyana and the highest point of the Brazilian state of Roraima lie on the plateau, but Venezuela and Brazil have higher mountains elsewhere. The triple border point is at 5°12′08″N 60°44′07″W, but the mountain’s highest point is Maverick Rock, 2,810 metres (9,219 ft), at the south end of the plateau and wholly within Venezuela.

When to go

You can climb Mount Roraima any time of the year, but most people prefer the dry season between December and April. However, the weather is changeable at any time, and rain and mist are a constant. With rain, the rivers swell and crossing may be difficult.

Getting there

Without our Mount Roraima Expedition, first you must fly into Santa Elena de Uarién airport. Santa Elena de Uarién airport is not serviced by direct flights from major cities, so it is likely you will need to take a transfer flight. The airport is located in a small town in Brazil near to the border with Venezuela.

What to take to Mount Roraima

Be prepared for hot, steamy days and cold nights on the top of the tepuy. You’ll want reliable rain gear, tent, and sleeping bag. Note that tent and sleeping bag are included in our Mount Roraima Expedition package. Additionally, you’ll need good walking shoes or boots, sneakers, a bathing suit, sun protection/sun blocker, hat, knife, water bottle, and a flashlight.

A camera and plenty of film is a must, as is a cooking stove and food. If you’re on your own, take more food than you’ll need in case you want to spend an extra day on the tepuy. But again, TourByLocals.org will take care of all camping stuff and meals throughout our Expedition. Take a big supply of good insect repellant. The Sabana is home to a biting gnat, jején. commonly referred to as la plaga, the plague and a repellant will help you against these.