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One of the best hikes in the world is
RORAIMA
LOST WORLD TREK
Also known as:
- Trek to the Lost World
- Mt. Roraima Trek
- Roraima Tepui Trek
Note: This page is a stub. You can expand it by e-mailing comments, recommendations and links in the appropriate sections below. Our editors will add your comments. Thanks for your help!
 VENEZUELA is neglected hiking destination.
Many hikers have Roraima on their life list. It is unique. It is challenging.
Hikers should spend as little time as possible in Caracus, heading directly to Roraima or Mérida for the La Travesia trek.
WHY WE LIKE THIS HIKE
- bordering Venezuela, Brazil & Guyana, Roraima is remote
- it's in the world's largest national park — Canaima
- you climb the highest tepui (flat-topped, cliff-edged mountain) 2810m (9219ft)
- 6-day, 5-night round trip trek to the summit
- no mountaineering skill or gear needed
- the impressive Prow of Roraima was not climbed until 1973
- unique dreamscape at the top: weird rocks, gorges & gardens
- a full day needed to explore on high
- many unique species found only atop tepuis
- inspiration for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Lost World
- on the same trip visit nearby Salto Angel (Angel Falls), the world's highest at 979m (3212ft)
- Travel in Venezuela for as little as US$25-30 / day
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CONSIDERATIONS
Roraima is definitely challenging. The 4-hour main ascent is not easy for anyone. Weather is a big variable.
- you must hire a guide, no independent hiking allowed
- the so-called dry season is Dec - April
- expect to get very, very wet even then
- the hike is freezing cold at the top, bug-infested with jejenes (biting gnats) and mosquitos at some bottom camps
- bring or rent a good tent & a warm sleeping bag
- some hikers have been forced to wait a day or two to cross the Rio Kukenan when in flood
- Roraima is also the name of the Brazilian State
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ROUTES
- Roraima is about 40km (25mi) east of San Francisco de Yuruani
- 6 days, 5-nights (2 atop the tepui) is a normal itinerary
- 12 hours walking time up, 10 hours down
LOGISTICS
- you need choose a guide on-line, or in Venezuela
- shop around for a trek with tour operators in Santa Elena de Uairen (which has inexpensive, clean rooms and tourist facilities)
- next travel to the the jumping off point for most hikers, San Francisco de Yuruani (which has only very basic accommodation)
- from San Francisco jeep (or walk) to village of Paraitepui where you normally meet your guide
- if you stay overnight in Paraitepui, you may need to tent
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Two main options for this hike. The cheapest is to bring all your own gear & food, and hire just a guide out of Paraitepui. (US$25 plus tip / day / group up to 6 people)
Most hikers actually sign on for a fully-supported trek in Santa Elena as the cost is very reasonable. Go fully-supported if you can afford it.
INDEPENDENT OR GUIDED?
Browsing these offerings will give you a good feel for the trek. If you see one you like, sign-on. (We have not used any of the operators.)
Alternately, shop around in Santa Elena when you get there. It will likely be less expensive and you may be able to meet with some of the people you will be hiking with in advance of the trip.
LOCAL INFORMATION
BEST GUIDEBOOKS
There are no good trekking guidebooks for Roraima, so far as we know. Since you will have a guide, you really do not need one. Certainly the descriptions in Lonely Planet & Footprint help.
OTHER RECOMMENDED BOOKS
BEST MAPS
By far the best map for hikers is:
Other maps:
Online maps:
BEST WEB PAGES
After this page, the best jump is TheLostWorlds.org — a comprehensive site covering the tupuis including Roraima.
BEST PHOTOS & TRIP REPORTS
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