Time to start the descent but before a little bit more exploration of the summit..
I just organized all best photos on this gallery. We did two expeditions on december/january 2012 and 2013. See an interactive map with the places we’ve been and some links to related articles bellow.
Kukenán means Valley of the Dead and, for the local people, the neighbour tepui of Mount Roraima is called Matawi (the killer). That is where sacrifices took place; the Indians offered themselves when something was not well and jumped off the highest point to calm Makunaima (their God) down or keep a promise. Halfway across the sacrifice spot in Kukenán, there was a skull made of rocks with a carved face and leaves indicating hanging. I noticed that it surprised the Indians behind me; they laughed, but when I got closer and asked, they frowned and just said it was something new, made by some carrier. I had never know the meaning, but it was curious to see before starting to climb. Someone have seen it or know the explanation?
Climbing Monte Roraima is a dream for many adventurers: a 6-day trekking, walking more than 90 km to get to know this prehistoric place. It stands 2.800m over the sea level and is one of the most spectacular adventures in South America.
Only few species were able to adapt in such inhospitable place as Monte Roraima, one of the oldest places in the world. The little endemic frog Oreophrynella Quelchii got it. It’s black with yellow belly and the size of a fingernail. It doesn’t jump; it shrinks and rolls over stones to escape from its predators.