Mount Roraima Trail

A six-day, roughly 64 km circuit that climbs from the Gran Sabana savannah onto the tabletop of Mount Roraima.

Time to Hike: 6 days, about 64 km total; a typical itinerary uses two days to approach and reach the plateau, two days to explore the summit and two days to return.

Best Time to Go: December to March offers the driest conditions, though weather on the tepui can change quickly.

Getting there: Access is usually via the town of Santa Elena de Uairén in Venezuela with a 4x4 transfer to Paraitepuy or the Tek River trailhead; most operators include transfers in the package.

Costs: There are no mountain huts - camping only. You must hire a local Pemon guide and expect to pay community or park fees; most visitors book an organised trek from Santa Elena de Uairén.

Difficulty: Steep, muddy jungle approach with river crossings, rocky scrambling onto the tepui and exposed, wind-swept plateau walking; remote location raises seriousness but technical rock climbing is not required.

The route crosses the sweeping grasslands of the Gran Sabana and climbs through cloud forest to the base of Mount Roraima’s sheer sandstone cliffs. The summit is an ancient, level sandstone plateau scarred by erosion into boulders, natural pools, caves and dramatic waterfalls.

There are no staffed huts so you camp beside rivers on the approach and on designated campsites on the plateau; valley camps are sheltered while summit nights are cold and often windy. The trek is notable for the tepui’s isolated ecology, unusual rock formations and the cinematic feel of walking on a tabletop above the rainforest.

The nearest service town is Santa Elena de Uairén in Venezuela, which is the normal staging point for Roraima treks. From there arrange a 4x4 transfer to the Paraitepuy or Tek River trailhead; transfers and guide hires are commonly arranged through local operators.

Most parties ascend from the Venezuelan side, walk up onto the plateau, explore the summit and return the same way. Approaches from Guyana or Brazil exist but require separate logistics and cross-border permissions.

The walkable season is generally the drier months, roughly December to March in Venezuela, when river levels are lower and trails are less waterlogged. Even in the dry season the summit can be foggy, rainy and very windy, so expect changeable conditions.

Book guides and any community permissions in advance during the main season. Bring waterproof layers, warm clothing for cold nights and equipment for wet camping; heavy rains outside the dry window make river crossings hazardous and can force cancellations.