Description

Rio Kukenan and the Mount Roraima

Rio Kukenan and the Mount Roraima

The expedition to Mount Roraima covers one of the most impressive landscapes of South America: the Gran Sabana, in Southern Venezuela. A huge highland of some 14,000 sq mi, covered by mysterious table mountains, called tepuis, with difficult access and many of them still undiscovered by science. A region that has been isolated for millions of years and where nature has developed endemic species on each of the tepuis , with a density rarely seen elsewhere, except Galapagos Islands. A world that has been described in the tale “The Lost World” by Scottish writer Conan Doyle (Sherlock Holmes). 

Monte Roraima canyons

Monte Roraima canyons

The aim of the expedition is the 2,810 m high Roraima table mountain (tepuy), located in the border region between Venezuela, Brazil and Guyana. Here we will penetrate one of the oldest regions on the planet. Even for experienced trekkers and natural adventurer, this expedition is a special and unforgettable experience. Not just another hike or outdoor activity, it is instead an unique trip for Nature lovers. 

The geological formation of the region is assigned to the Cambrian, which belongs to the lowest geo-chronic system. The Cambrian therefore corresponds to the period before about 542 to 488.3 million years ago, where the origin of mankind was not even to think about. In our "triangle" package we have developed a 10-day program that offers the possibility of some of the most spectacular places on the Roraima plateau.

Expedition Itinerary

Expedition Itinerary

The travel schedules may suffer alterations but will whenever possible be informed prior to start of the expedition (see disclaimer warranty).

 

Day 1

Arrival in Boa Vista, reception at the airport and transfer to the hotel

 

Day 2

9:00 am: group briefing on the expedition (exact venue to be confirmed)
4:00 pm: Boat tour, the evening is free to design and overnight in Boa Vista

 

Day 3

The carriers are ready to depart 5:00 am: departure from Boa Vista
9:00 am: arrival in Santa Elena de Uairén followed by breakfast
10:00 am: departure to Paraitepuy
12:00 am: arrival in Paraitepuy. The expedition equipment and baggage is now distributed between the carriers before the group takes on the 15 km trail to the Tek river, which consumes about 5 hr. Having arrived there we will set up our first camp. While dinner is being cooked, we relax and have a look around the area. After dinner we socialize with our guides and carriers before we hit the tents for a well earned rest.

 

Day 4

On our way over the foothills of Mount Roraima

On our way over the foothills of Mount Roraima

Breakfast, followed by the start of our tour at the foothills of Mount Roraima. For the 8 km hike we will need approximately 4-5 hours. Although the track appears to be rather short it is quite strenuous though, because we have to negociate about 70 % of the total altitude of the Roraima plateau.

We estimate to arrive around 2 pm when we pitch our camp. Before we dig our heads into pots and plates for a well-deserved lunch, you may want to take a refreshing dip in the cold streams. The afternoon is free for relax or activities around the camp site such as photo safari on wildlife, plants and flowers. Some may want to meditate surrounded by exuberant nature. There will be a briefing on next day's undertakings, followed by dinner and overnight.

 

Day 5

The base camp

The base camp

After breakfast we depart for the summit. We calculate approximately 4-5 hours for the 4½ km uphill hike and climb. During the climb we will be crossing rapids and waterfalls. Having arrived at the top of the mountain we take a break before we continue on the trail to reach our camp site. We have now the whole afternoon for explorations on the summit of Mount Roraima. Flora is specially endemic, reaching from carnivorous plants to bromeliads like Broccinia and orchids like Ecyclia. You may also be able to watch the cock-of-the-rock's Rupicola rupicola spectacular courtship performance, or the bearded bellbird Procinias averano. After dinner you will your first night on the top of Mount Roraima.

 

Day 6

Hiking on the summit of Monte Roraima

Hiking on the summit of Monte Roraima

Breakfast. This will be an easy going day, with light hikes and no backpacks. We will visit Maverick Rock (the highest point of Mount Roraima), from where one can see all the vastness of the Gran Sabana (including the trail we followed to reach the base). From here we walk to the Jacuzzi Tubs (where we can bath) and continue along the La-Ventana-Wall. From various lookout points we admire the grandiosity of the neighboring Kukenan Tepuy, with its various waterfalls. There is also an immense valley covered with dense forests between the two tepuys. The views are just breathtaking. The right moments to be still, “hear the silence”, and let the wind touch your soul.

After this unforgettable and magical moment, we take the Crystal Path, and dive into the energy of this place. The silence here should “speak louder”. On the return to camp, one can admire the Cathedral Fall, where you literally will feel yourself in a Sanctuary. The stop here is a must stop before arriving back at the camp for another night on top of Mount Roraima.

 

Day 7

El Fosso

El Fosso

Departure after breakfast for dos Vales Cristais (Crystal valleys), El Fosso and triangle. We need to take our backpack for day use as we will hike nearly 4 hours to reach the tri-state-border, where we stay about 1½ hours taking pictures, exploring the environment, recreation and have lunch. The way back is a little bit easier so that it would take a bit over 3 hours. We will arrive at the camp site in late afternoon.

The about 7 hours hike has probably taken its toll and everybody is hungry and tired. Dinner expertly prepared by our staff, will be ready by then. We hit the tents for the third night on the summit.

 

Day 8

Camp at Rio Tek

Camp at Rio Tek

After breakfast and breaking camp we depart on our way back to civilization. With a about 4 hours descent and a break of about 40 minutes to rest and eat, we should arrive at our Rio Tek camp around 3 pm. That leaves us time to rest, take a bath in the river or go for another photo safari near the camp site. The day ends with dinner and overnight.

 

Day 9

Indio village of Paraitepuy

Indio village of Paraitepuy

We have set 8 am for departure for the last stage. After another 4 hours hike, covering 15 km, we arrive again at the Indio village of Paraitepuy. We have to undergo a routine check the national park authorities Inparques before we head back to Santa Elena de Uairén and Boa Vista, where we estimate to arrive around 8 pm. Depending on flight schedules we transfer you straight either to the airport or to your Hotel in Boa Vista.

 

Day 10

Transfer to the airport for travelers who stayed overnight in Boa Vista.

 

Prices & Travel Details

Prices & Travel Details

Travel Time 10 days / 9 nights
Group Size minimum 2, maximum 6 participants
Travel Dates Please contact us regarding actual dates!
Prices


 5 or more persons 2,700 US$ p. p.
4 persons 3,100 US$ p. p.
3 persons 3,650 US$ p. p.
2 persons 3,900 US$ p. p.

Prices are subject to change, please re-confirm with Southern Cross Tours & Expeditions before booking.

 

Included

All Services as described in the itinerary, in particular:

  • All transfer costs
  • Accommodation in Boa Vista double/single room occupation, breakfast
  • Full board during the trek: breakfast, light lunch and dinner
  • First Aid Kit
  • Travel Insurance
  • compete Camping equipment including tents
  • Kitchen utensils, etc.
  • Expeditions guides
  • Carriers for the general equipment
  • Entries and fees for the visit of Inparques (National Park Authorities) and the indigenous community at Paraitepuy

 

Not included
  • Food costs in Boa Vista and Santa Elena de Uairén, beverages
  • Private carrier, can be hired against add-on
  • Additional services required and not mentioned in the description or itinerary

 

Additional information
  • The groups are organized by Southern Cross Tours & Expeditions
  • The departure by boat on the second day is at 04:30pm sharp. The boat will not wait for late arriving travelers.Amazon Travel Brazil will automatically cancel the expedition for late travelers or no-shows. No refund will be paid by Amazon Travel Brazil
  • The itinerary and schedule of the journey starting and ending in Boa Vista is subject to changes due to weather conditions or other circumstances that are not within our power.
  • Accommodation on the camp ground is provided for each 2 persons per tent. For an add-on of 220 US$ a single tent can be provided.
  • The meal plan includes breakfast, a snack for lunch and dinner. Additional or special food can either be provided against payment but must either be carried by the traveler himself or by paid carrier.
  • The difficulty of the program is by and large, light to medium. The trails however on the ascent and descent to/from Mount Roraima are rugged with lots of ups and downs. Trekking experience and good physical conditions are therefore required.
  • We do not recommend this tour for persons receiving medical treatment - The minimum participation age 14 years

 

Health
  • Make sure you bring your International Vaccination Certificate.
    Vaccines mandatory: yellow fever, hepatites, tetanus. Vaccines not mandatory: malaria prophylaxis.

 

Disclaimer of warranty

This journey has the character of an expedition. Rivers and rainforest replace highways, streets and roads. The conditions which are encountered on route will be completely new for the traveler. A correct attitude and mental preparedness for a different and fascinating environment is imperative. The unexpected can happen, whereupon the traveler is expected to react flexible and, depending on the situation, relaxed or immediately. The guides with their knowledge of the environment, are experienced trekkers and expedition leaders and absolutely reliable. The willingness of the traveler to cooperate and interact tolerantly with other participants is required also in strenuous situations. As operator we disclaim ourselves of any warranty for any risk during this journey.