Venezuela 2002 - Roraima: life at the top
The plateau at the summit of Roraima is an astonishing place, with pools of water and exotic plants among dramatic black rock formations. We followed our guides across the rocks to a campsite under a wide rock overhang: the 'Hotel Watchero'.
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| A much-needed rest amid the weird rock formations of Roraima. | Trekking across the flat top of Roraima tepui. | Carlucho supervises kitchen installation in the Hotel Watchero. |
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Our campsite was only 100m from the edge of the Roraima plateau. The braver members our the party admired the view straight down.
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| Fiona and Cat admire the view over the edge. | The valley of crystals. | Above the clouds. |
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We stayed in the same campsite for two nights, and spent one whole day exploring the plateau.
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| Clouds pour through the gap between Roraima and Kukenan. | Life on the edge. | A perfect spot for a bathe. |
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We divided into two groups for our day of exploration: one group visited a valley carpeted with white crystals, a great swimming spot, and a region of chasms and rock bridges.
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| A rock bridge over a 300m chasm. | Looking for oilbirds down a deep crack in Roraima. | Dramatic rock structures on the top of Roraima. |
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The second group set of on a longer hike to visit the triple point where Venezuela, Brazil and Guiana meet, and a remarkable water-hole: La Fossa.
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| Wind-eroded rock columns on Roraima form a window framing a view of Kukenan tepui. | How to visit Venezuela, Brazil and Guiana in less than a minute - the triple point. | La Fossa. |
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The clouds closed in while we were on the summit and we were treated to the spectacle of mists moving through the unique rock structures. Despite the dull weather, we enjoyed a swim and shower in La Fossa. On the way back, our guide demonstrated his skill at catching the local animals.
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| Pete takes a swim in the icy water in La Fossa. | Chris takes a COLD shower in La Fossa. | Carmello catches a Coatimundi. |
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