Best Time To Visit Mount Roraima

The best time to visit is during the dry season which starts at the end of November and finishes in April. However, it doesn’t mean it won’t rain during your hike. It’s a tropical place. 

If you decide to hike outside the dry season, you will be risking heavy rains and perilous river crossings. 

USA government travel advisory for Venezuela is set to Level 4: Do Not Travel. Do not travel to Venezuela due to crime, civil unrest, poor health infrastructure, kidnapping, and arbitrary arrest and detention of U.S. citizens.

Getting In Getting Out

The only way to climb Mount Roraima (apart from a few technical rock climbing options) is from the Venezuelan side near Paraitepui village which is based in Canaima National Park. 

To get here, there are a few options:

• If you fly into Venezuela there are direct busses (you can check bus schedules here) from cities in Ven Caracas, Ciudad Bolivar, or Ciudad Guyana to Santa Elena de Uairen and ask to stop at Kumarakapay village (do it before you buy the ticket). From there walk to Paraitepui village
• Fly to Santa Elena in Venezuela and take a bus to Guayana city (you can check bus schedules here) and ask to stop at Kumarakapay (do it before you buy the ticket). From there walk to Paraitepui village
• Hire a tour company such as Roraima Adventures, Wild Frontiers or any other that can arrange safe transportation from Brazil for you. Currently the safest option with the current situation in Venezuela 

Note: keep in mind that online bus schedules may not be up to date (not all of the buses or times will be listed). You will get most accurate information at the location.

Things To Consider

1. The current tense economic and political situation in Venezuela and the insecurity it brings
2. Going solo – if you decide to go solo, you have to understand that it’s illegal to do it. Thus I strongly advise going either with a tour company or hire local guides and porters at Paraitepui village. 
3. Going with a local indigenous guide – if you decide to go with the local indigenous guide you will have to source him yourself at the Paraitepui village. You need a guide for three main reasons. One hiking without it is illegal, two the top of the mountain is like a maze without a guide it’s very easy to get lost. And to climb without exploring the top of the mountain is just a waste of time. Three you would need a porter to carry a portable toilet. Since to do number 2 you either need to carry a toilet with you or take all the poop with you in a bag. You can’t leave it there.  As a final note if you decide to go trekking with a local indigenous guide you have to consider that you will have to carry food for at least 5 – 8 days and all the gear by yourself.
4. Going with a tour agency – If you decide to go with a tour agency that offers Roraima trek it solves for you all the above problems. Plus ensures the transportation in and out of the mountain and can help with any other issues you might have. If you will be using the agency that is based in Brazil, they might have connections to ensure safe passage in Venezuela. 

What To Bring

There are quite a few things to bring. Either fly it in or buy it in Brazil. You won’t be able to find anything in 2020 in Venezuela. 

• Backpack
• Sleeping Bag
• Sleeping Pad
• Hiking Shoes
• Shorts and Pants
• Tshirt 
• Shirt 
• Poncho 
• Underwear 
• Toothbrush
• Hat
• Head protection from flies
• Suncream
• Pullover
• Wind Cover
• Sunglasses

Trail Map

To get to the top of the mountain there is only one route. You won’t need a map for it if you will be going with a tour company or a guide, but it’s always good to be prepared. I have created a trail map leading to the top of Mount Roraima. Check it and analyze it. 

Hiking Key Information

• Length: 5-6 days
• Difficulty: moderate/strenuous – steep, humid, and rainy
• Best months: November to April
• Bring: water filter – the main water source will be wild streams
• Independent climbs are not permitted. A guide is mandatory
• Travel insurance

Mount Roraima Hiking Stages

Stage 1 – Paraitepyu To Tek River Camp (13,5KM) 

The trail starts at the Paraitepui village. It’s an easy hike on a dry flat Savannah. For most of the hike, it will be sunny with no shade to hide under. It will take no longer than 4 hours to walk to the campsite. 

There are two campsites, I would suggest staying at the second one, near the river. It’s more enjoyable and better for cooling down.

Stage 2 – Tek River Camp To Base Camp Under Mount Roraima (10 KM)

The trail will be slightly steeper compared to the first stage. If you are lucky and the season will be dry, you will have quite an easy crossing of two rivers. 

After the two river crossing, you will reach a basecamp right under the cliffs of Mount Roraima. With the possibility to enjoy a natural shower under the nearby waterfall. 

Stage 3 – Basecamp To Roraima Summit (5.5KM)

The most difficult stage. With a total ascent of around 1000m and a steep climb up Mount Roraima.  The trail follows a natural ramp along the Roraima’s cliffside from right to left through the lush and humid jungle. 

Once you reach the top of the mountain the campsite will be in one of the caves named “hotel”.

Stage 4 – Exploring The Roraima Summit

It is a day of relaxation and eye-popping views. If you have time and would like to enjoy the magical views that only Roraima can offer, you can spend at least 3 days exploring the top.

Some of the highlights are the valley of crystals,  angel falls, rock formations and flora that only grows here.

Stage 5 – Summit To Tek River Camp (16km)

It is a long day. A total of 16km will be walked. The most difficult part will be getting down from the mountain to the basecamp. The rest is an easy walk, with a river waiting to swim in. 

Stage 6 – Tek River Camp to Paraitepuy (13.5km) 

A light hike through the savannah leaving Mount Roraima in the back. The only nuance is the sun, otherwise a pleasant hike. 

Conclusion

Mount Roraima hike is one of the most beautiful hikes in South America. Few people ever do it but the reward it gives the climber is simply spectacular. If you are ever in the region to skip this trek would be simply sacrilegious.

The Legend

In my recent visitation to the tavern, I heard a story that came from as far away as Ecuador. A story about how 3 volcanoes came to be. As all the stories so is this one starts a long long time ago, it is vague and has questionable parts. There were two mighty warriors the handsome and powerful warrior Cotopaxi and a fierce and ruthless Chimborazo. Who fought each other for the love of a beautiful maiden Tungurahua. 

They had many bloody battles over the course of the years. However, the handsome Cotopaxi lost. Eventually, Chimborazo proclaimed his victory and married Tungurahua.

Soon after, the newlyweds welcomed a son, naming him, Guagua Pichincha or in Quechua “Baby Pichincha.”

Over time because the souls these three people couldn’t be in peace they turned into volcanoes. Be it curse or divine intervention no one knows. 

Legend has it that when Guagua Pichincha cries, his mother, “Mama Tungurahua” along with the defeated Cotopaxi tremble and answer back with an eruption. In anger and sadness that it was not him that won the final fight. 

In the last three centuries, the Majestic Cotopaxi has erupted more than 50 times.

Not often you can see the batling volcanoes that are part of a very old legend. Maybe just maybe there is still something magical hidden there. Thus, this is one more entry in the map of future explorations. To explore and find the last pockets of the elder world. 

The route

The route I am told is not a difficult one. If we exclude the fact that you will be spending most of the time above 3000m. It is almost a hike in the park.

For most of the hike, you will be spending time alone with the fabled warrior Cotopaxi. Always having each other insight. Him looking down upon you with his year-round snowy white cape. While you looking up with your heavy backpack. Since all the food for 5-7 days will be carried on your shoulders. And at times when you won’t be looking upon this mighty being. You will be surrounded by the rugged paramo grassland. If lucky once in a while between the deep canyons and snowmelt creeks you might see the local habitats wild horses, llamas, foxes, and even pumas. And at times you might find Inca ruins. Letting you feel like you have traveled in time. 

The circuit is easy to follow. Just keep the Volcano insight. While it has many possible variations among the spiderweb of roads and livestock trails. Thus you can create your own trail. But if tired or lazy I have prepared one at the bottom of this post for you to download. However, it is still required that you carry both a mobile map and also a paper map just in case.

The trail has two starts. One at Mulalo. It can also finish here. But that means you will have to walk a large part of the route near the road. Thus a reasonable abbreviation would be to trek only between Mulalo and the west park entrance or Laguna Limpiopungo. This cuts out a lot of busy road walking without sacrificing much in the scenery. (hiking counter-clockwise)

Or start at Laguna Limpiopungo and hike clockwise and arriving at Mulano. 

By the way, for those who feel like fighting the Volcano, there is a possibility with a guided tour to climb to the top of it. If interested here are some articles and tour providers that can help you set it up (I am not being paid for these links) https://www.carpedm.ca/.

Key Information for the circuit

• There are no taverns along the way. Meaning own tent must be carried all the time. 
• There are no places to resupply thus all essentials should be bought in the capital (city name) for roughly 7 days. 
• Water is plenty but it is mandatory to filter it. 
• This is a demanding walk in remote mountains with uncertain weather, where altitude can cause problems. Come fully prepared including proper acclimatization.
• Distance – 79 KM 
• Time – 5-7 days
• Grade – Easy to Moderate
• Trail Type – Dirt Roads, alpine tracks

MAP

https://www.plotaroute.com/route/996879?units=km

Author

Simonas R.

There are some very well-known hiking routes going through South America. However, most like all rivers flow into the so-called “Gringo Trail” river. And the dream for an authentic trip, exploring the unknown, going where few have ever ventured will be never attained.

Luckily for you, I know a country that few ventures in. Paraguay. A place where tourists are as rare as elephants in Europe. Few choose Paraguay when deciding where to go in South America. And so you will barely see any backpacker crossing Paraguay. There is so little information written because there are just so few travelers who know the beauty and have the courage to go their on their own.

Tourism is poorly developed, and getting around is a bit tricky.  Especially if you want to visit the exciting spots. And because of that, it will be weeks before you meet another tourist specifically if you stay in the less popular spots. If by chance a traveler enters Paraguay it stays along the line of the Paraguayan and Argentinian border. Between Asuncion and Foz de Iguazu.

The rest of the country is game for adventurers. Just one key advice. Have a tent and some food in your backpack. Because getting in and out of a more exciting spot will be tricky and sleeping there might be required.

Getting In/Out of Paraguay

There are few ways a backpacker traveling in South America can enter and exit it.

By boat

Between Argentinian and Paraguayian cities of Posadas and Encarnacion, Puerto Iguazu and Ciudad Del Este. And for those who want some adventure can try crossing from one-horse town of Puerto Cano and Pilar.

Between Brazil and Paraguay between villages of  Puerto Busch and Bahia Negra. Getting to any of these points is an adventure on its own.

Between Bolivia and Paraguay between villages of Bahia Negra and Puerto Busch. From Puerto Busch, you gotta catch a bus if it still goes. Or arrange a different ride.

By bus

Between Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay between cities of Foz do Iguazu and Ciudad del Este.

Between Bolivia and Paraguay between cities of Santa Cruz and Asuncion.

By train

Between Argentina and Paraguay between cities of Posadas and Encarnacion.

By Plane

International flights to Asuncion.

Getting Around

It is a tricky part. The bus system between the main cities functions quite well. However, going into the places of interest for the traveler is hard. There are no direct buses or services besides the taxi. Thus if you do not rent a car I would suggest bringing a tent and food with you just in case you get stuck hitchhiking. However, people are friendly and will give you a ride if not for free then definitely for a little bit of cash.

Costs

It all depends on you. How extravagant you want to be. I have managed to spend per day between 17 and 30 Eur. If you leave Asuncion, make sure you have enough cash to come back to Asuncion or any other that has an ATM. Most of the country is cash only.

Items To Pack

Do not bring anything you can’t bear to see ruined. Ten months out of the year is very warm and humid.  The sun is very intense and you will sweat a lot.

• Light, long-sleeved sun protection shirts
• Tank-tops
• Lightweight hiking pants
• Shorts
• Shirts
• Outerwear
• Belt
• Raingear
• Swimsuit
• Underwear
• Socks
• Hat
• Hiking Shoes
• Flipflops
• Sunscreen
• Headlamp
• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping pad
• Waterproof stuff sacks
• Backpack rain cover
• Small padlock
• Moneybelt/hidden purse
• Tent
• Sunglasses
• Towel, quick-drying

Must See In Paraguay

These are the hidden gems of South America and Paraguay that most of the travelers never heard about. It is not only beautiful but any adventure seeker will have fun getting there, exploring the place and getting back.

Foz de Iguazu

The magnificent of the Waterfalls is impossible to describe by words you have to visit them yourself. Therefore, I won’t spend wasting your time and say visit it. I just don’t have the vocabulary to do that.

Jesuit Ruins

Small beautiful villages were Portuguese priests tried to convert the local population to Christianity. They are even included as a UNESCO protected heritage. If you are lucky you can get a bike to cruise around. Last time there was one bicycle.

Asuncion

Asuncion is the next great place to visit. The capital of Paraguay with its beautiful colonial architecture and cultural heritage attractions. Although it has few sights like beaches, skyscrapers or impressive parks, it has an unmistakable spirit that will make you want to stay an extra day!

Pantanal

The lands of the Pantanal region are home to a large variety of life, from jaguars and alligators to the hyacinth macaw. It’s a spectacular bio-diverse wetland. If you miss it, well it is a loss for you. I suggest going from Paraguay this way most probably you will be the only person there.

Cerro Corra National park

It is an ant size national park. However, it is probably one of the most charming parts of Paraguay. It covers a never-ending savannah with never-ending magical rivers of hills. It is simply awe-inspiring. The best place to start is at the Muralia peak. Fantastic panoramic views, magical trails and ancient petroglyphs that will take you on a magic trip. I believe it is truly one of the power places of the world.

Ybycui National Park

Beautiful, small park with gushing waterfalls that cascade down through the rocky undergrowth of the forests. This park beside its beauty also hides a secret. A weaponry and munitions foundry that was built in secret during the Paraguayan War.

Vallemí Caverns, San Lazaro

If you want something different if you are tired of walking on our beautiful earth. Then Vallemi Caverns are for you. It is millions of labyrinths going deep underground. If you want to explore it, you will have to walk, crawl and squeeze through the narrow passages leading to a hidden, magical and mysterious caves.

Kururu Kua: The Aquatic Cave in the Heart of Amambay

The divers’ paradise in the center of South America. Scientists claim that this place shouldn’t exist, that it is a miracle because most of the caves consist of sandstone. These aquatic caves are now open for the divers to explore and marvel at the underwater caves surrounded by a blue lagoon of transparent water.

Laguna Blanca

Surrounded by one of the oldest forests in the world. Clear white waters, quiet, serene place. Perfect for relaxation and disconnect from the world. Again one of the wonders of Paraguay!

Must-Do In Paraguay

Gaucho Experience

If you can I would suggest trying to arrange a stay with a real cowboy ranch and help them out. If not possible find few that offer tour packages for an interesting stay and experience. It is one of the few countries where cowboys or gauchos are still in force.

River Ride To Bahia Negra

A 3 to 5-day river ride in a transport boat to Bahia Negra a village in the middle of nowhere. With beautiful views from day one and relaxed river life. Getting out of there is as exciting as getting in. A difficult but movie worth crossing by boat to Bolivia or Brazil. Quite costly but interesting.

Los Tres Gigantes

The Tres Gigantes station is located 40 km from the center of Bahía Negra, on the Río Negro. It is the first research center in the Paraguayan sector of the Pantanal. Reachable only by boat. Surrounded by jungle and wildlife. It gets its energy from solar energy and amenities are basic. But the experience is one of a kind. They have 3 rooms and you can agree to rent hammocks if they are full. But call just in case.

Paraguay is a beautiful raw country for travelers and backpackers traversing South America. A perfect place to go on an adventure and disconnect from the world. A must-visit for those seeking that something special

P.s. Almost all of the pictures I had from South America were stolen during my trip. Thus most of the pictures you see here are taken from free stock photos websites. However, they all are from the exact locations as described. If by any chance you have any of the missing pictures do share. Paraguay is so rarely visited that there is barely any photos to borrow from.