Where the borders of Brazil, Venezuela and Guyana meet is the impressive Mount Roraima, flanked all around by 400 metre cliffs – the highest peak in the Pakaraima mountain chain. Legend has it that the plateau is the stump of a mighty tree that once held all the fruits and vegetables in the world until it was felled by a mythical trickster named Makunaima, causing the tree to crash and unleashing a mighty flood. The summit covers just over 30 square kilometres and is defined by 400 metre cliffs on all sides. Here you can see it from the air:
Those who tackle the peak on foot tend to do so from the Venezuelan side, starting from the village of Paraitepui (best reached by 4×4) and typically hiring a Pemon Indian guide (recommended). Paraitepui lies in the Gran Sabana region in south-eastern Venezuela and is the country’s second largest national park. The whole trek usually takes around 5-6 days from start to finish.
The mountain is said to be the inspiration behind the animated Disney/Pixar movie ‘Up’.
