Roraima Tepui: the journey to the top of the lost world

11 days / 10 nights – An expedition through Venezuela's Gran Sabana

11 days / 10 nights
Mount Roraima
≤ 9

Mount Roraima demands preparation, stamina and a love of walking. This expedition takes you from the road to the Gran Sabana to the trails leading to the summit, through savanna, rivers and unique rock formations.

Each day has its own pace and requires following the guides' instructions, looking after your personal gear and being ready for uneven terrain and changing conditions.

Before confirming, review with Agencia Sorocua the full itinerary, what is and isn't included, gear recommendations and the fitness needed to take part.

What does the excursion include?

Ground transport from Caracas to the Gran Sabana and back.
Two nights of shared accommodation at a guesthouse in Puerto Ordaz, on days 1 and 10.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner on the mountain trek days, as per the operator's program.
Non-alcoholic drinks during the excursion, as per the stated conditions.
Certified guide and driver.
Local expedition guide.
Two porters to carry food and waste.
Two porters for camping gear and accessories.
Cooking utensils and equipment to prepare meals.
Two-person tent.
Camping equipment specified by the operator.
4x4 transfer between Kumarakapay or Santa Elena de Uairén and Paraitepuy, round trip.
Permits from the relevant indigenous communities.
Permits from the competent authorities, including those specified by the operator.
Internet service during the road legs, subject to coverage; not available on the mountain trek.

Road days specified by the operator do not include meals. The document also states that accommodation in the Gran Sabana on days 2 and 8 is not included.

Not included

Sleeping bag and sleeping pad.
Accommodation in the Gran Sabana on days 2 and 8.
Hiking boots and water-resistant sandals.
Porter for personal luggage. The document states one can be hired with a maximum load of 15 kg.
Extra drinks, snacks, souvenirs and tips.
Repellent, sunscreen, rain poncho, flashlight and other personal items.
Meals not included in the program.
Travel accident insurance.
Other services not expressly listed as included.

Adventure itinerary

Day 1
Caracas – Puerto Ordaz
The adventure begins at a pre-arranged meeting point in Caracas at about 6:00 a.m. From there we'll drive across part of Venezuela to Puerto Ordaz, where we'll spend the night at a guesthouse.
Day 2
Puerto Ordaz – Gran Sabana – Kumarakapay
Very early we'll take the Troncal 10 highway toward the Gran Sabana, passing towns such as Guasipati, El Callao and Tumeremo, until we reach the indigenous community of Kumarakapay, also known as San Francisco de Yuruaní.
There we'll stay at a guesthouse and receive the instructions needed to prepare for the expedition.
Day 3
Santa Elena de Uairén – Paraitepuy – Tek River
Drive to the community of Paraitepuy, where the trek begins.
We'll hike for about four hours to the Tek River, where we'll set up our first camp, enjoying the Gran Sabana scenery and stopping for lunch along the way.
On arrival, we'll pitch the tents and get ready for our first night close to nature.
Accommodation: Tent camp.
Day 4
Tek River – Roraima base camp
After breakfast we'll continue hiking to Mount Roraima base camp. This day involves about six and a half hours on gradually climbing mountain trails.
At the foot of the tepui we can admire the impressive rock walls and panoramic views of the Gran Sabana.
Accommodation: Tent camp.
Day 5
Base camp – Summit of Mount Roraima
After breakfast we'll begin the climb to the summit of Roraima, a hike of about six hours.
As we go we'll discover the tepui's huge walls, its characteristic vegetation and extraordinary geological formations. At the top we'll settle into one of the natural shelters known as «hotels», rock formations that protect the camps from rain and wind.
Accommodation: Summit camp, subject to the availability of the natural shelter.
Days 6 and 7
Exploring the summit of Roraima
We'll spend these days exploring the Mount Roraima plateau and its unique landscapes.
On these walks we can see places of great natural interest such as the Valley of the Crystals, the tepui's eastern wall, Matawi Tepui and areas of dark rock formations and endemic plants.
There's also the option of visiting the point where the borders of Venezuela, Brazil and Guyana meet, a hike that can take several extra hours. If conditions allow, we can take a dip in one of the natural pools known as the natural jacuzzi.
Accommodation: Summit camp on Roraima.
Day 8
Summit of Roraima – Tek River
After the last views and photos at the summit, we'll start the descent.
The day involves about three hours to base camp and another two hours to the Tek River, where we'll set up the expedition's last camp. On arrival we can rest and take a refreshing dip in the river, if conditions allow.
Accommodation: Tent camp.
Day 9
Tek River – Paraitepuy – Santa Elena de Uairén
We'll hike back to Paraitepuy, about four hours.
In the community a vehicle will be waiting to take us to San Francisco de Yuruaní for lunch before continuing to Santa Elena de Uairén.
Accommodation: According to the operator's schedule; confirm whether it is included.
Day 10
Santa Elena de Uairén – Puerto Ordaz
Very early we'll head back on the Troncal 10 highway toward Ciudad Guayana. In Puerto Ordaz we'll stay at the guesthouse to rest before the last leg.
Day 11
Puerto Ordaz – Caracas
First thing in the morning we'll start the road trip back to Caracas, about ten hours. End of the expedition.

Expedition details

Destination: Mount Roraima, Gran Sabana, Bolívar state, Venezuela.
Duration: 11 days / 10 nights.
Starting point: Caracas, at a pre-arranged meeting point.
Trailhead: Indigenous community of Paraitepuy.
Maximum group size stated by the operator: 9 people per trip.
Type: Adventure excursion with ground transfers, treks, camps and guides.

Tips for the expedition

As this is a demanding trek in a mountain setting, it's important to prepare properly before the trip.

Clothing and footwear

Light, sturdy hiking boots suited to uneven terrain.
Adjustable water-resistant sandals.
Comfortable, light clothing, ideally quick-dry.
Long pants and a swimsuit.
Rain jacket or poncho.
Cap or hat and sunglasses.

Gear and personal items

Small backpack for the hikes.
Sleeping bag and pad, as they are not included.
Flashlight.
Sunscreen and insect repellent.
Towel and personal hygiene items.
Biodegradable soap and shampoo.
Bags to protect your belongings from rain.
Personal medication and water for the route.
Energy snacks for the hikes.
Waterproof camera, if you want to photograph the scenery.

Fitness and care for the environment

The excursion requires suitable fitness for long hikes on rough trails.
Consult a health professional if you're unsure about your ability to do this kind of activity.
Tell the operator in advance about allergies, dietary restrictions or special needs.
Follow the guides' instructions and respect the traditions of indigenous communities.
Do not remove rocks, plants or other natural elements from the area.
Keep in mind that weather can change quickly and the itinerary may be adjusted for safety reasons.

Frequently asked questions

How many people go on each expedition?

The operator states a maximum of 9 people per trip.

Where does the trek start?

In the indigenous community of Paraitepuy, after the road trip from Caracas and a night in Kumarakapay.

Is accommodation in the Gran Sabana included?

No. According to the operator's document, accommodation in the Gran Sabana on days 2 and 8 is not included. The two nights in Puerto Ordaz (days 1 and 10) are.

Do I need a sleeping bag?

Yes. The sleeping bag and pad are not included; the two-person tent is.

Experience the Mount Roraima adventure with Agencia Sorocua

Explore one of Venezuela's most extraordinary natural settings and take on an experience that combines challenge, connection with nature and unforgettable scenery.

From the roads of the Gran Sabana to the rock formations at the summit, each stage of this expedition is a new chance to discover the vastness and beauty of Venezuela.

Contact Agencia Sorocua to ask about upcoming departures, availability, requirements and details of the Roraima Tepui expedition.