Mount Roraima: the Lost World of Venezuela

Introduction Of Mount Roraima

Mount Roraima isn’t just a mountain — it’s a geological marvel, a natural fortress, and one of the most otherworldly landscapes on Earth. Straddling the borders of Venezuela, Brazil, and Guyana, this awe-inspiring tepui (a flat-topped mountain) rises to an elevation of 2,810 meters (9,219 feet) and spreads across 31 square kilometers of prehistoric mystery. With its sheer cliffs, ever-shifting weather, and a summit shrouded in mist and legend, it feels like stepping into a forgotten world — which is exactly why it inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Lost World. Mount Roraima

A Landscape Frozen in Time

Roraima is part of the ancient Pakaraima mountain range, anchored in the Guiana Shield, a geological formation that dates back nearly two billion years. The tepuis — including Roraima and its sibling Kukenan — are remnants of massive sandstone plateaus eroded over eons. What’s left are these towering table mountains, with vertical walls so steep they seem to erupt straight out of the jungle. Mount Roraima

These plateaus are completely isolated ecosystems. The summit of Roraima is a surreal expanse of jagged black rock, strange plant life, and bizarre rock formations sculpted by wind and rain. Because of its isolation, the summit is home to numerous endemic species — think carnivorous sundews and pitcher plants, mossy pools, and orchids that don’t grow anywhere else on Earth. Mount Roraima

Welcome to the Gran Sabana

The journey begins in the Gran Sabana — a region of wide savannas, jungle rivers, and remote Pemon villages. These Indigenous communities are the guardians of this land and play a crucial role in guiding trekkers to Roraima. The trailhead starts at Paraitepui, a sleepy village nestled between epic landscapes. To the left: Kukenan Tepui. To the right: the mighty Roraima. Mount Roraima

Getting There: The Long Road South

We drove from Puerto Ordaz, deep into southern Venezuela — a journey that takes an entire day. Along the way, we passed through mining settlements that felt straight out of the Wild West. The region is rich in gold and diamonds, and it shows. Mount Roraima

One of the road’s unexpected highlights? Crossing the Cuyuni River over a bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel (yep, the guy behind the tower). The bridge was originally intended for another location but somehow ended up here — a remnant of history now being swallowed by jungle. Mount Roraima

Trekking to Roraima

The trek itself is no joke — about 14 km on the first day alone. The sun is intense, the bugs are relentless (puri puri will eat you alive, and Deet won’t save you), but the views? Absolutely worth it. Rivers crisscross the trail, and we could drink straight from the streams — no filtration needed. Mount Roraima

The landscape constantly shifts. One moment you’re staring at endless grassy plains; the next, you’re in front of towering cliffs cloaked in mist. By the time we reached Camp 2 — our basecamp before the climb — we had crystal-clear views of both Kukenan and Roraima in all their dramatic glory. Mount Roraima

The Ascent: The Ramp and the Pass of Tears

To climb Roraima, there’s only one way up: the Ramp. It’s a natural sloping path along the sheer walls of the mountain, often slippery with mist and waterfalls. Before entering the pass, it’s customary to ask the mountain for safe passage — a ritual rooted in Pemon tradition.

The views along the Ramp are dizzying. The Kukenan River roars below, and waterfalls stream down like silver ribbons. The “Pass of Tears,” named after the cascading falls that appear after rain, offers a stunning overlook — and a humbling reminder of nature’s raw power.

The Summit: Another Planet

Standing on top of Roraima is like landing on an alien planet. The terrain is flat but broken — a maze of crevices, pools, and bizarre stone sculptures. The ground is constantly wet, the clouds roll in without warning, and the temperature swings from tropical heat during the day to near-freezing cold at night.

Our group camped on the summit for three nights under a rock overhang that protected us from relentless rain. At night, the skies opened up with stars unlike anything I’ve seen before — no light pollution, just endless cosmos.

Strange Flora, No Dinosaurs (But Close)

Though I was secretly hoping to spot a dinosaur, the mountaintop offered something just as wild — carnivorous plants. Sundews with sticky tentacles, pitcher plants that drown their prey, and mossy rock gardens that seemed to glow with otherworldly energy.

No fossils have ever been found up here, reinforcing the belief that the tepuis once belonged to the supercontinent Gondwana. This place is ancient — a living time capsule of Earth’s past.

The Descent: Waterfalls and Wild Weather

After days of drizzle and a bone-chilling night at 2°C, we began our descent. Heavy rains had transformed the Ramp into a riverbed. We were soaked crossing waterfalls and rivers like the swollen Kukenan. But even in the mist, the mountain was stunning — haunting and ethereal.

We finished the trek back in the village of Yuruani, where park rangers inspected our bags to make sure no one had smuggled out rocks, crystals, or plants from the summit. This is a sacred place, and the rules protect it.

Final Thoughts

Mount Roraima is unlike anything else on Earth. The mix of extreme geography, rare biodiversity, Indigenous culture, and sheer adventure makes it a true “lost world.” The weather might mess with your plans, and the bugs might test your patience, but the experience? Absolutely unforgettable.

If you’re up for a real expedition — the kind that makes you feel small in the best way possible — Roraima is calling.

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