In small groups we start our trip of 10 days from Ciudad Bolivar or Puerto Ordaz, heading towards the Brazilian border. We are following the road across the Orinoco plains along the Guayanese border into the Gran Sabana, an extensive and impressive landscape featuring rivers, waterfalls, hills and marshy valleys. One of the most remarkable waterfalls, the Aponguao, will be reached by boat and a short walking tour. On our way to the South,
the Roraima is getting nearer, still partially hidden by his neighboring Tepuy, the Kukenan. Following a small track we reach the Indian village of Parai Tepuy, the starting point of our hike. From this point we can already get an impression of the famous table mountains, formed by erosion during millions of years, rising their walls several hundred meters above the savanna. On top of their isolated summits the special living conditions have generated unique plants and animals. The Roraima, almost 3.000 meters high is one of the biggest and most impressive 'island of the lost world' and will be our destination on our hiking tour of 6 days.
Before finally reaching Santa Elena we will enjoy more highlights of this
breathtaking nature, the following day a bus or plane will take you to your next destination.
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PROGRAM: Roraima Tepuy (10 days) from Ciudad Bolívar
Day 1: Departure from Puerto Ordaz or Ciudad Bolivar. Before heading south to the Gran Sabana we'll stop at Cachamay Park located on the Caroni River. A place with lush vegetation and water falls great for refreshing and picture taking. From here we'll continue to the Gran Sabana thru the towns of Upata, Guasipati, El Callao, Tumeremo and El Dorado, all with a gold mining history. In El Callao we'll see miners
digging for gold in Los Molinos underground mine. Later we'll stop in Tumeremo for lunch a la carte. After passing El Dorado and going thru the mining village of Km 88 we'll stop briefly at
the "Piedra de La Virgen" Natural Monument. Local people say that the silhouette of a woman can be seen on the rock surface. From here we make the final leg of Day 1 and reach the northern sector of the Gran Sabana at 1.400 meters above sea level. Our first night will be at a modest lodge in Rapidos de Kamoiran in double occupancy rooms with private bath and showers. Dinner will be at the lodge restaurant (same menu for everyone). (-/L/D)
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Camp
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Rio Tek |
| Day 2: After breakfast we'll go to the indigenous village of Liworibo where a 30-minute trip by motorized curiara (a native canoe) will take us to Chinak-meru, a water fall popularly known as Aponwao. With a height of 106 meters it is the highest in the Gran Sabana. After enjoying the site and taking pictures of the falls we'll walk back to the village, and on the way we'll stop at Pozo Escondido and Pozo de Los Enamorados, two water holes where we'll eat our picnic lunch and take a refreshing bath in the cool water, so bring your swimsuit! In the afternoon it's back to Rapidos de Kamoiran. Dinner will be at the lodge restaurant (same menu for everyone). (B/L/D)
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After breakfast our trip continues to Santa Elena de Uairen stopping
occasionally to visit interesting places like Salto Kawi, Salto Kama-Meru, Mirador El Oso (a lookout point from where you can take pictures of the tepuis), Quebrada Arapan, Quebrada Soroape (stop for picnic lunch). Later we'll stop at Rio Yuruani and Quebrada El Jaspe, a stream and water falls with a beautiful red jasper floor. To end the day we'll take a quick jump to the border with Brasil where we can browse and shop for souvenirs. The night will be at pleasant Camp Yakoo where we'll enjoy dinner and the silence of the sabana. Accommodations will be in double rooms with hot running water. Dinner will be at the lodge restaurant (same menu for everyone). (B/L/D)
Day 4:
After breakfast we'll head to the indigenous village of Paraytepuy located high on the mountain side where our group will spend some time getting ready for the trekking. During the first day of hiking we'll cross several small streams and we'll stop at the Tek river to cool of and relax a bit. Then it is one more hour to the Kukenan river where camp will be set for a good night's rest and for a refreshing bath. Today it will take us 4-5 hours away and at an
altitude of 1100 meters. We will spend the night in tents. (B/L/D)
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Aponguao Falls |
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Day 5: Hiking continues to Base Camp (altitude 1800 meters) at the foot of Roraima Tepuy. The trail is rather steep but after 4 hours we'll enjoy a great view of the western wall, an awesome vertical face of 600 meters made of quartzite. A cool but relaxing stream awaits us in this camp. Sleep in tents. (B/L/D)
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