Trekking in the lost world

Read all articles about Venezuela

Although many people do not know it, Monte Roraima is a rock formation dating back 2 billion years, when South America and Africa were still connected and formed the continent called Gondwana. It is one of the oldest regions on Earth, older than the Himalayas, the Alps and the Andes, and until today is among the least explored areas in the planet.

After being discovered, almost 300 years were needed for the first explorer to arrive on the top – the Englishman Everard Im Thurn, who discovered the route by Passo das Lágrimas in 1884, and whose travel writings inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (the creator of Sherlock Holmes) to write “The Lost World” in 1911.

On the hill there are no sharp peaks, only flat rock formations called tepuis. Monte Roraima is the highest of all six Tepuis located in Gran Sabana. It is in the extreme north of Brazil, bordering Venezuela and Guyana.

Many adventurers go on this expedition looking for a reconnection with their inner selves and the origin of life on Earth. But more than this, they find a lost world full of beauty hidden behind the clouds.

In order to get there you need breath and strong legs. There are restrictions to climb, but you should bear in mind that it is a tiring trail. It lasts about a week and you walk on slippery and uneven ground, rocks and river crossings. A non-stop up and down where physical stress is exhausting. Besides all this, there is no infrastructure, bathing is in the cold water of the rivers and you sleep in tents.

Be sure your effort will be 100% rewarded, being up there is a unique feeling. Looking at an infinite horizon over the clouds makes us think a lot.

Take Note

Safety is important, it is required to hire local tour guides who know the place and who have had previous contact with the Indians. I hired Roraima Adventures, expert in this expedition.

© All rights reserved. Pictures and report 100% originals.

Translated by Lúcia Maciel
English teacher