Adventure tourism in Venezuela

Customised English-speaking travel agency in Venezuela.

The Greatest Hiking Experience: Mount Roraima, Pico Bolívar and Pico Humboldt 19D/18N

Program overview

Mount Roraima + Pico Humboldt + Pico Bolívar

Do you like hiking? If so, this trek is made for you. Go on a 19-day journey and have the best hiking experience. First, you’ll hike up Pico Bolivar and Pico Humboldt, the highest mountain summits in Venezuela. Both peaks are located in the Andean mountain range with an altitude of 4,978 m. and 4,940 m., respectively. Although you do not need too much experience and training to climb Pico Bolivar, courage and resistance are necessary. On our way to Pico Bolívar, we’ll come across four different sections that are very steep and difficult to ascend, so we’ll provide you with ropes and harness for you to climb them. Unlike Pico Bolívar, Pico Humboldt is more rounded and its summit is surrounded by the two largest glaciers out of the four remaining ones in the country. Although the ascent to Pico Humboldt is easier, you can’t help getting exhausted! On the other hand, Mount Roraima is the highest Tepui of the Pakaraima chain of tepui plateaus in South America. Hike up this magnificent tepui, and enjoy an incredible and unforgettable experience in Conan Doyle’s “Lost World”. Watch many species of plants and animals that are unique in the planet.

The following itinerary shows just a simplified overview of some of the services and activities we usually offer among many others; so remember we can adapt this trek on demand!

-A beautiful comprehensive tour where you'll discover the most stunning places in Venezuela.
-Unbeatable price. It’s definitely the best price-quality ratio for this kind of tour packages.
- Memorable landscapes.

-You can spend too much time waiting for domestic flights at the airport.
-Difficult access to Santa Elena, which is the starting point for our trek to Mount Roraima.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Venezuela and Transfer to the Andes

Once your international flight arrives in Caracas, claim your luggage at the carousel. After going through customs, follow the transit flight sign until you get to the national airport, and check in at the counter; it will take you about 10 minutes to go from the international flights area to the national one. Our driver is going to pick you up at the airport in El vígia city and take you directly to your posada (a sort of inn) in mérida (1h 30 min. - 2h).
Meal: (--).
Accommodation: Hacienda colonial Buenaventura. Hot water and electricity.
Communication: Mobile network & 3G.
Transport: Toyota Land Cruiser model 70.

Day 2: Stopover in Mérida

This day you can rest before we start our treks. In Mérida, you can visit historic city centre and its surroundings (not included).
Meals: (B--).
Accommodation: Hacienda colonial Buenaventura. Hot water and electricity.
Communication: Mobile network, 3G.

Coromoto lac trekking Humbolt Peak Andes Venezuela

Day 3: Lake Coromoto

We will drive you from Mérida to the entrance to the Sierra Nevada National Park in La Mucuy where you have to register. Next, we will start a 6 hour-hike through a dense humid forest with tall trees, beautiful streams of pure water and small waterfalls. Later, we’ll leave the woods behind and we’ll finally arrive at Lake Coromoto located in a páramo (a variety of alpine tundra eco-system) at an altitude of around 3,000 metres above sea level. We’ll finally set up camp here.
Meal: (B-L-D).
Accommodation: Tents.
Communication: None.
Transport: Toyota Land Cruiser model 70.

Important: We recommend bringing food high in potassium such as bananas, oranges and tomatoes. This type of food could prevent you from suffering from acute mountain sickness that is very common at this altitude. Drinking a lot of water and having already walked at high altitudes might also help. People have different susceptibilities to altitude sickness; for some otherwise healthy people, acute altitude sickness can begin to appear at around 2,000 metres above sea level. Symptoms often manifest themselves six to ten hours after ascent and generally subside in one to two days, but they occasionally develop into the more seRíous conditions. Symptoms include headache, fatigue, stomach illness, dizziness, and sleep disturbance. Exertion aggravates the symptoms.

Day 4: Lake El Suero

This day, the pathway will be steeper and more difficult to hike and the area will be more wide-open. It will be a 6-hour journey where you’ll sometimes have to scramble across the rocks in order to keep your balance. After walking along a narrow path with a sharp cliff on one side, we will get to the Verde (Green) Lake. One hour later, we will be getting to Lake El Suero at the base of Pico Humboldt, where we’ll finally set up camp and stay overnight.
Meal : (B-L-D).
Accommodation: Tents.
Communication: None.

Base camp to climb Bolivar Peak Andes Venezuela

Day 5: Pico Humboldt

First of all, we will leave the unnecessary things at camp and start a 6-hour hike towards Pico Humboldt. We’ll walk across valleys, moraines and rocky areas where the glacier once used to be. When we finally reach the edge of the glacier, we’ll immediately put on our crampons and sunglasses to prevent snow blindness, we’ll take out our ice axes and start to hike up a steep ice slope that leads to the flat top of the mountain. Depending on weather conditions and the experience of the group, walking as a roped team might be necessary to be safer. We’ll finally reach the summit of this majestic peak at an altitude of 4,940 metres above sea level. You can stay a little while here, so that you can rest and enjoy watching this beautiful scenery. Later, we’ll get ready for the long descent to our camp at the base of Pico Humboldt; coming down the peak is much easier, though.
Meal : (B-L-D).
Accommodation: Tents.
Communication: None.

climbing to Bolivar peak from base camp Andes mérida Venezuela

Day 6: Hike from Verde Lake to Timoncito Lake

If you were not short of breath yesterday, you will be today. First, we will start hiking up a slope of loose rocks until we leave the páramo behind and get to a higher altitudinal zone. We will continue hiking at more or less the same altitude until we finally reach the base of Pico Bolivar. We’ll set up camp here by Timoncito Lake at 4,700 metres above sea level. Depending on weather and physical conditions of the group, we could hike up to Pico Espejo at 4,765 metres, where the cable car top station is located.
Meal : (B-L-D).
Accommodation: Tents.
Communication: None.

Day 7: Pico Bolívar

The day of the highest peak has finally come! The time it takes to climb Pico Bolivar and return to Pico Espejo or Timoncito Lake will depend on factors related to weather conditions such as excessive snow or rain, or those related to the group such as number of members, physical conditions and level of expertise. A positive attitude and a good dose of determination will absolutely be the two most important factors, so do not get discouraged once you leave the base camp! This is a hard peak to climb because of its steep, irregular rock faces. At the end of the day, we’ll go back to our base camp by Timoncito Lake where we will stay overnight.
Meal : (B-L-D).
Accommodation: Tents.
Communication: None.

Important: Depending on weather and physical conditions of the group, we’ll decide whether climbing Pico Bolívar or not; this peak is entirely optional!

Day 8: El Refugio de Pedro Peña (Pedro’s Mountain Hut/Refuge)

After breakfast, we’ll walk about 6 hours downhill before reaching a little mountain hut called El Refugio de Pedro where you’ll stay overnight. Take it easy because your knees and ankles will be tested on this long final section of the trek.
Meal :(B-L-D).
Accommodation: Pedro’s Refuge.
Communication: Partial Mobile Network.

trek to summit Bolivar Peak Andes Venezuela

Day 9: Back in Mérida

Today, we’ll continue walking downhill through a cloud forest before reaching the village of Mucunután where a Toyota Land Cruiser will be waiting for you to bring you back to Mérida.
Meal: (B-L-).
Accommodation: Hacienda colonial Buenaventura. Hot water and electricity.
Communication: Mobile network & 3G.
Transport: Toyota Land Cruiser model 70.

Day 10: Flights from mérida to Ciudad Bolívar

Today you’ll be transferred to El Vigía airport in Mérida where you’ll take a flight to Caracas. You must check in for your flight to Puerto Ordaz at Caracas airport. Then, when you arrive in Puerto Ordaz, a driver will pick you up there and take you to your posada in Ciudad Bolívar (1h; 100km).
Meal: (B-).
Communication: Mobile etwork & 3G.
Accommodation: Posada La Casita, Hot water and electricity.
Transport: Toyota Land Cruiser model 70.

Day 11: Crossing Gran Sabana to Santa Elena

Today you will cross all the Gran Sabana and will be able to observe many Tepuys and big falls of water. Count 10h of road (790kms). You will meet your Roraima guide at the end of the afternoon to plan your next day excursion.
Meal: (--).
Accommodation: Posada Los Pinos. Hot water and electricity.
Communication: Mobile network & 3G.

Important: The bus fare from the bus terminal to your posada costs around 5 euros (not included).

cross river Tek Roraima trekking Venezuela

Day 12: Arrival at Tek River Camp

You’ll be transferred from Santa Elena to the indigenous community of Paratepuy in 4WD vehicle. On our arrival to Paratepuy, we’ll make some final arrangements for our journey to the tepui before lunchtime. In the afternoon, we’ll set off on a 5-hour hike to Tek River Camp, where you can enjoy an astonishing view of Mount Roraima. At this camp, you can also relax and enjoy swimming in the Tek River.
Meals : (-L-D).
Accommodation: Tents at Tek River Camp.
Transport: Toyota Land Cruiser model 70
Communication: No signal.

IMPORTANT: You need to bring: hiking boots, hats, sunscreen, shorts, trekking trousers, t-shirts, fleece sweaters; bug spray or lotion, headlamps, raincoats, bath towels, flip-flops and swimsuits.

You have to carry your personal luggage, max. 12 kg.

Note: If you’re interested in renting a mattress or a sleeping bag, please let us know in advance.

Day 13: Base Camp near Mount Roraima

Today we’ll have breakfast at dawn; and right after that, we’ll start hiking across the savannah to the Kukenan River. Crossing the river can be a little difficult if the water level is too high; your guide will help you wade through, though. If it has been raining the hours pRíor to crossing the river, you may be requested to wait a few hours until the water level gets lower, you'll get wet anyway! After a 5-hour hike, we'll finally arrive at the base camp near Roraima. Your tent will be set up in a way you can watch the savannah on one side and Mount Roraima on the other.
Meals: (B-L-D).
Accommodation: Tents at the Base Camp.
Communication: No signal.

Day 14: Reach the MysteRíous Summit of Mount Roraima

The most awaited day has finally come! We are going to walk through a rocky almost-vertical pathway for around 5 hours, to the summit of the highest tepui in Gran Sabana. On our way to the top, we’ll walk under a waterfall called Paso de Las Lágrimas; so we recommend covering your luggage with some plastic material like cling film or plastic bags. Once we get to the top of the tepui, we will be able to observe the world’s most isolated plants and animals, and one of the most interesting geological formation. These landscapes are just more than amazing! We’ll finally stay overnight in a sort of "natural hotel" which is actually a prehistoric cave.
Meals: (B-L-D).
Accommodation: Tents inside a cave.
Communication: No signal.

Day 15: Discover the Secrets Hidden at the Summit of Mount Roraima

We’ll start the day on the top of Mount Roraima. You will be able to watch one of the rarest landscapes on Earth; in fact, you’ll feel as if you were in a different planet, billions of light-years away. Discover the exotic creatures that live in this remote place, visit the Valley of the Crystals and climb up to the highest point at 2,723 metres above sea level. You’ll also be able to take a bath in a natural Jacuzzi and observe the amazing views from the edge of a cliff called La Ventana (The Window). Warning! The top of Mount Roraima can be dangerous because there are very deep cracks that are difficult to see. Never walk around up there without your tour guide!
Meals: (B-L-D).
Accommodation: Tents inside a cave.
Communication: No signal.

Day 16: Back at Tek River Camp

After having breakfast, we will walk all the way back to Tek River Camp. Once again, we will pass under the waterfall and wade through the Kukenan River.
Meals: (B-L-D).
Accommodation: Tents at Tek River Camp.
Communication: No signal.

Day 17: Back in Paratepuy

We’ll head back to Paratepuy where we’ll make a lunch stop. Then, you'll be transferred to Santa Elena in a 4WD vehicle.
Meals: (B-L-).
Accommodation: None. Night on Bus
Communication: Partial signal.

Important: Bus fare from the posada to Ciudad Bolívar costs around 20EUR (not included). We recommend taking the last bus to Ciudad Bolívar for you not to be at your posada too early in the morning. Remember your room will be available at the end of the morning.

Day 18: Take a Break in Ciudad Bolívar

You can enjoy this day in Ciudad Bolívar as you please. You can either stay at your Posada or visit the town centre and buy souvenirs. Look for handcrafted products or just enjoy eating and relaxing at any local restaurant.
Meal: (-).
Communication: Mobile network & 3G.
Accommodation: Posada La Casita. Hot water and electricity

Important: Bus fare from the bus terminal to the posada costs around 5 euros (not included).

Day 19: Catch your Flight Home!

You’ll be driven back to Puerto Ordaz airport where you’ll take a flight to Caracas. We recommend being at the check-in counter 5 hours before your international flight in Caracas.
Communication: Mobile network & 3G.
Meal : (--).
Accommodation: None.

PRICES PER PERSON

Double and triple accommodation in regional cities: Trekking for 19D/18N
4 people or more: 1890 Euros/person
2 people:2490 Euros/person
High season rates: +15%

Look at the accomodations

The following is included in this price:

- All of the forms of Transport, flights, boats, 4WD, taxis from Caracas and to Caracas, except for the bus by night from Santa Elena to Ciudad Bolivar on the day 17
- All of the accommodation facilities except for day 17 (night in the bus)
- Meals when specified (B-L-D) = (Breakfast-Lunch-Diner).
- Specialised guides on each tour speak English & Spanish.
- All of the excursions and safaris mentioned in the tour package

Not included:

- International flights.
- Airport taxes (about 5 euros/person/flight).
- Alcoholic drinks.
- Transfers from Ciudad Bolívar to the Posada in Santa Elena/Bus station, and bus at night.
- Meals when not specified (by yourself) (--) = no meals included.
- Private English-speaking guide during your whole trip.
- Taxes in Roraima National Park (20euros/person).
- Personal expenses.
- All sorts of insurance.
- Everything that’s not specified below « The Following is included in this price».

Travel organization:

Our programmes are individually organised in terms of dates and content. However, our tours are not fully private, so you could meet other travellers at different stages of your trip.

What to Bring?

Hat; sunscreen; water bottle; hike pants; insect repellent; headlamp; raincoat; passport copy; sleeping bag liner; you don’t need big, heavy or cumbersome shoes, but good trainers (orienteering shoes); plastic bags to keep water away from electronic devices; first-aid-kit; polar fleece jacket; bath towel.

Tips when Planing your Trip to Venezuela:

Don't forget your travel insurance! You can benefit from the travel cancellation insurance offered by your credit-card company when paying for your tourist package at our point of sale. You must get neither a visa nor vaccination to come to Venezuela. However, Franbrasil Tour’s C.A. recommends you should get the yellow fever vaccine and the preventive treatment of malaria. You also need to have a valid passport for at least six months before arriving in Venezuela, and you have to carry it with you when travelling within the country.

Transport:

Means of Transport are mentioned as examples of the models of vehicles used most often.

Roraima 6, 7 or 8 days?

Visiting Roraima in 6 days (recommended): This package allows you to spend 36 hours at the summit of Mount Roraima. This excursion allows you to visit the main places of interest such as: La Ventana, The Valley of Crystals, The Labyrinth and the Jacuzzis.
Visiting Roraima in 7 days allows you to do all of the activities of the 6 day version and visit three places after a long day walk (8hours).
Visiting Roraima in 8 days will let you enjoy the same adventure as the 7 days version and visit the Northern path of Mount Roraima. This is a 2 day hike (8 hours walking per day). Enjoy watching the breath-taking view of the Amazon Rainforest if weather permits.