Trekking the Guayana Region

Visit the vast savannas of south Venezuela with their immense tepuis (table mountains), the most famous being Roraima, inspiration of The Lost World and one of Latin America’s top trekking destinations.

Fitness level: Challenging
Destinations: Gran Sabana
Duration: 9 days / 8 nights

Day 1. Caracas - Ciudad Guayana

Meet your travel assistant at the Maiquetía airport in Caracas and he/she will welcome you to Venezuela, answer all your questions, and transfer you to your connecting flight to Ciudad Guayana, the capital of the Guayana region. Upon arrival at Ciudad Guayana, you will be transferred to Ciudad Bolivar (about a 3 hour drive). Overnight at Posada Angostura. ( - / - /  - ).

Note: You need to arrive at Maiquetía airport before 12:00 pm. If you cannot be there before noon, Turpial Travel can make arrangements - at additional costs - to stay one night in a hotel of your preference close to the airport.

Day 2. Santa Elena de Uairen

Early in the morning, after breakfast, we will take a 4 x 4 jeep to Santa Elena de Uairen (a 9 to 10 hour drive), stopping on the way to see the waterfalls and admire the beautiful Gran Sabana landscape. Overnight at the ecological Yakoo camp. (B / - / - ).

Day 3. Roraima Trek (Rio Tök camp)

In the morning we leave Santa Elena for a 2 hours drive to the last Indian Village before Roraima. Paraitepuy is 1600 m above sea level and will be our starting point for the trekking to the Lost World. We will walk about 5 hours through open savannah before reaching the Kukenan Camp at a height of 1050m. We will cross two rivers, which can be tricky because the Kukenan River grows after rainfall to a respectful stream. Our experienced guides will help with the first adventure crossing the river. Overnight in tents. ( B / L / D).

Day 4. Roraima Trek (Base camp)

After a good breakfast we start a five-hour walk to the Base camp, which is 1870m above sea level. The walk also requires 2 hours uphill walking. On our way we will cross smooth hills in the savannah and beautiful landscapes covered with orchids and carnivores. In the afternoon we will reach the Base camp. Overnight in tents. (B / L / D).

Day 5. Roraima Trek (Ascent)

After having breakfast in the camp we start off to the tough part of the day: a 2-hour steep hike in the jungle. Afterwards we will be exhausted but amazed by the beauty and the overwhelming number of bromeliads, ferns and other rare plants. Finally we can touch the wall of the Roraima Mountain and a small waterfall will bring us our much needed refreshment! From there we need another hour to ninety minutes to reach the top, which is 2700 meters above sea level. The path leads us through the jungle and over stones of different forms and shapes. Stones looking like sea turtles or dragonheads welcome you finally at the top. A light lunch will be served at the camp. Now we have the whole afternoon for discovering the closer area around the camp. The evening will end with a delicious meal served by our guides. Overnight in tents on the top of Roraima. (B / L / D).

Day 6. Roraima Trek (Top)

The whole day we will discover the mystical top of the Roraima and feel the magic related to the mountain. We will find thousands of faces and sculptures in bizarre stone formations, some might remind us of lizards or Fidel Castro, others will seem to us like fantasy creatures or fairy tale witches. We will be amazed by the valley of crystals and the fantastic view from the top of Roraima to the valley. When the fog rises up the mountain we can feel the mystery. And do not be surprised when you feel like you are walking on the moon because the surface looks just alike. A light lunch will be given on the way and a delicious meal will be served at the camp in the evening. Overnight in tents on the top of Roraima. (B / L / D).

Day 7. Roraima Trek (Descent)

In the morning we will have a last chance to take some pictures before you descend the mountain again to reach the campsite at Rio Tök. Today we have to walk about 7 hours downhill that means from 2700m down to 1050m above sea level. Shortly before the camp we have to cross the two rivers from the first day again. A light lunch is given on the way and at the camp there will be served a warm meal. At the end of the day we can enjoy a great swim in the river with a fabulous view to the Kukenan and Roraima mountains. Overnight in tents. (B / L / D). 

Day 8. Rio Tök – Paraitepuy – Santa Elena de Uairen

After the last four hours of walking we will reach the Indian village Paraitepuy again. Please watch out! Every tourist is searched for crystals by the park rangers. The crystals are a lot more beautiful on the top of Roraima then in your apartment at home! Our Toyotas are already waiting for us with cold drinks and lunch. After lunch we go back to Santa Elena. In agreement of the group there is a short stop at the Quebrada de Jaspe with its brilliant red shining Jaspe stones. Overnight at the ecological Yakoo camp. (B / L / D).

Day 9. Santa Elena de Uairen - Caracas

Take a day rafting tour in the Yuruani river where we will walk under the Arapena Fall and do body Rafting in the river! Return to Yakoo camp and take an overnight bed bus to Caracas or another destination. ( B / L / - ).

* Optional: flight back to Caracas or Ciudad Bolívar

Total meals: Breakfast (B); Lunch (L); Dinner (D)
B = 8 / L = 7 / D = 6

The Trekking Guayana Region tour includes:

  • transportation as indicated
  • flights as indicated
  • bilingual tour guide (a specialist guide will be provided as required)
  • meals and drinks as indicated
  • accommodation in double rooms (double occupancy)
  • transfer to and from airports.

The Trekking Guayana Region tour does NOT include:

  • cable car tickets
  • charges for optional excursions
  • personal expenses, tips for local staff
  • airport taxes
  • national park fees
  • alcoholic drinks.

Best season for this program: All year round, but December and January are best as there is not too much rain.

Note: Turpial Travel & Adventure reserves the right to change the program for significant reasons such as weather conditions or changes in flight schedules.

 
Trekking the Guayana Region
 
 
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