Where the borders of Brazil, Venezuela and Guyana meet is the impressive Mount Roraima, flanked all around by 400 metre cliffs – the highest peak in the Pakaraima mountain chain. Legend has it that the plateau is the stump of a mighty tree that once held all the fruits and vegetables in the world until it was felled by a mythical trickster named Makunaima, causing the tree to crash and unleashing a mighty flood. The summit covers just over 30 square kilometres and is defined by 400 metre cliffs on all sides. Here you can see it from the air:
Those who tackle the peak on foot tend to do so from the Venezuelan side, starting from the village of Paraitepui (best reached by 4×4) and typically hiring a Pemon Indian guide (recommended). Paraitepui lies in the Gran Sabana region in south-eastern Venezuela and is the country’s second largest national park. The whole trek usually takes around 5-6 days from start to finish.
The mountain is said to be the inspiration behind the animated Disney/Pixar movie ‘Up’.
Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxury Travel Blog and has worked in the travel industry for more than 30 years. He is Winner of the Innovations in Travel ‘Best Travel Influencer’ Award from WIRED magazine. In addition to other awards, the blog has also been voted “one of the world’s best travel blogs” and “best for luxury” by The Daily Telegraph.
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Those who tackle the peak on foot tend to do so from the Venezuelan side, starting from the village of Paraitepui (best reached by 4×4) and typically hiring a Pemon Indian guide (recommended). Paraitepui lies in the Gran Sabana region in south-eastern Venezuela and is the country’s second largest national park. The whole trek usually takes around 5-6 days from start to finish.
The mountain is said to be the inspiration behind the animated Disney/Pixar movie ‘Up’.
