RORAIMA TREKKING

Today, Mount Roraima is a destination for backpackers. Almost all who go up the mountain approach it from the Venezuelan side. Most hikers hire a Pemon Indian guide in the village of Paraitepui, which is reached by dirt road from the main Gran Sabana road between kilometre 88 and Santa Elena de Uairen. Although the path to reach the plateau is well marked and popularly travelled, it is easy to get lost on top of the mountain, as there are few distinct trails and the near constant cloud cover on top and the uncanny rock formations make visual references problematic. Paraitepui can be reached easily by four wheel drive vehicle,or by foot in about a day.

From Paraitepui, most hikers take one day to reach the base of the mountain, and then another day to follow "La Rampa" a natural staircase-like path, up to the top. Another two days are typically needed for the return, and many people spend one day and night on top of the mountain, making five days in total.

RORAIMA 8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS

DAY 1

PUERTO ORDAZ < GRAN SABANA OR YURUANI

Sightseeing Puerto Ordaz,mining towns of Guasipiti, El Callao, Virgen Stone, Mounument to Pioneer Soldier. Overnight local lodge.

The walk starts at the indigenous community of Paraitüpü or Paraitepuy after signing the control book in Inparques office. If required some additional porters are hired. The maximum that each porter can carry is fifteen kilos. It is recommended to leave around 09:00a.m. bound to Kukenán River camp (located at 1,050 meters), where the night is spent in tents. The distance is about thirteen kilometers through gently rolling hills and savannahs. The walk takes four or five hours, including some stops for rest. Some snacks are served when reaching a camp located on the Tek river. After crossing the Tek River and just before reaching the Kukenán river camp, we find the hermitage of Santa María de Tökwono, which stands on a hill in front of Roraima. Later, the trail descends steeply to the banks of the Kukenán river, which you must cross to finally reach the camp and mount the tents . Once in the camp site, you can take the rest of the afternoon for a swim in the river before dinner.

( . / L. / D. )

DAY 2

YURUANI OR GRAN SABANA < PARAITEPUY < RIO TEK OR RIO KUKENAN

After picking up the tents and having breakfast, you head towards Base Camp (1,870 m. High). The distance to cover is about nine kilometers, through an uneven terrain since you will be beginning to climb up the slopes of the tepui. The effort will be higher than the previous day, and the walk will take from four to five hours. At Base Camp the temperature can drop down to 10 C° overnight, and it rains quite often. There is a permanent water source nearby where they can enjoy a cold bath (if you can tolerate so much cold). The beautiful view of the savannah that has been left behind, and the immense masses of Roraima and Kukenán Flattop Mountains up front, saturate the senses.

Overnight tents, (B. / L. / D. )


DAY 3

RIO TEK CAMP

After picking up the tents and breakfast, the ascent to the summit begins. You climb a natural ramp attached to the wall of Roraima. The trail is pretty rocky, with many loose stones. The distance to cover is only about 2.5 kilometers, but the steep slope (with a height of about 850 meters) and the difficult terrain requires five or six hours of walking. Particular care must be taken in the final ramp, where the road disappears under many loose rocks and water. If it has rained the water cascading from the top run between the stones forming a real river on the trail: is called the Passage of Tears. Upon reaching the top you will have to find accommodation in any of the hotels... The "hotels" are places that allow us to be sheltered from the wind and the rain. The “hotels” are comprised of ledges and crevices between the rocks with enough space to install some tents. If you arrive early you can visit the jacuzzis, small sinkholes whose bottoms are covered by quartz crystals, where you can enjoy an energizing bath.

Overnight tents (B. / L. / D. )

DAY 4

BASE > SUMMIT

After breakfast the journey to CoatĂ­ hotel begins by walking northeast bound crossing the ArabopĂł river,passing the north Crystals valley and the triple point. You can also get a view of the Scheffleras forests and stone mazes along the way. At the Coati hotel you will stay two nights. In the evening if the weather permits it you visit the Roraiminha mirador (Wei AssepĂş).

Overnight tents, (B. / L. / D. )


DAY 5

EXPLORING SUMMIT - TRIPLE POINT OR EL ABISMO

An interesting day, after a good breakfast you get to visit Gladys lake, no backpacks. On the way to the Bow mirador you get to see valleys full of bonetias and the paikwa rivers on the other side of the border inside Guyana territory. Later return to Coati hotel and then visit to the small tepuy (flat top mountain) called Wey AssipĂş.

Overnight tents (B. / L. / D. )


DAY 6

SUMMIT > RIO TEK

Camp pickup, breakfast and then walk to Triple point. Visit to buraco well and then walk to the hotel near the tepee entrance. Night stay close to Roraima summit.

Overnight tents (B. / L. / D. )



DAY 7

RIO TEK < PARAI TEPUY < SANTA ELENA

After breakfast, the descent begins. You will have lunch at campsite and then the walk continues to Tok river where we will camp and have dinner.

The Great Rift / Tek River: You leave the Great Rift camp back to the hotels and then down to the Tek River, snacks and refreshments on the walk, dinner.

Overnight local lodge

(B. / L. / D. )


DAY 8

OUT SANTA ELENA

After picking up camp and having breakfast we return to Paraitepuy to take the transport. A short stop at San Francisco for lunch and then the trip continues to Santa Elena de Uairen. End of service.

(B. / . / . )


COMPLETE PACKAGE

Round trip transportation, eight days food supply, tents, insulation, guides, food carrying porters, portable kitchen, tables, chairs, sleeping bag and personal porter.

4 to 6 people minimum.

You must bring for the trip

Backpack

Raincoat

Trekking boots

Sandals

Warm clothing

Hat

Flashlight

Sun blocking cream

Insect repellent

Water bottle

Hand gloves

4 pairs of socks

Energy bars

Two pairs of AA/AAA batteries

Your backpack weight should not exceed 15Kg. You can hire a personal porter that can carry up to 15kg, if so you must do it at departure time and the cost of it will be paid by the customer. See prices at time of booking. Remember that only cash is accepted at this time of service. We also recommend packing your clothes and sleeping back in resistant plastic bags before putting them in the backpack.