What’s on top of Mount Roraima?

Get to know more about the mysteries of the Tepui: wildlife, landscapes, and what is on the plateau at Mount Roraima 

Mount Roraima has fascinated travelers, scientists, and storytellers for centuries. Rising nearly 3,000 meters above sea level, this tepui, a flat-topped mountain unique to the Guiana Shield, looks like something out of a fantasy novel, a real “lost world”. But the real question many adventurers ask is: What’s on top of Mount Roraima?

At the top of Mount Roraima, you’ll find a surreal plateau unlike anywhere else on Earth: crystal valleys, natural pools, strange rock formations, and unique plants and animals that thrive only in this isolated environment. Far from being an empty summit, the plateau is alive with biodiversity and geological wonders.

PlanetaEXO, together with trusted local partners, leads sustainable expeditions to this remote landscape. Beyond trekking to the Mount Roraima high point, the journey is about responsible travel: supporting Indigenous communities and protecting the fragile environment of the plateau.

Without further ado, discover what’s on top of Mount Roraima and other questions about the tepui of this fascinating place:

What to do on top of Mount Roraima?

The summit is not just a barren rock: it’s a world full of surprises and experiences. From unique vegetation to surreal geological formations, every corner reveals something extraordinary. If you’re wondering what to do on top of Mount Roraima, here are the main activities and highlights that make the plateau so unforgettable:

Explore the unique vegetation and endemic species

Life at the summit has adapted to survive in extreme conditions. Carnivorous plants like Heliamphora nutans capture insects to compensate for nutrient-poor soil, while delicate orchids bloom between the rocks. 

Look closer and you might spot endemics such as the tepui frog (Anomaloglossus roraima), the Roraima black frog (Oreophrynella quelchii), and the tree frog Stefania roraimae. These species exist nowhere else on Earth, making the plateau a natural treasure.

Climb maverick rock: the highest point 

The most famous rock formation on the summit is Maverick Rock, which reaches 2,875 meters above sea level. Standing at this Mount Roraima high point gives trekkers sweeping views across Venezuela, Brazil, and Guyana. On clear days, it feels like the world stretches endlessly beneath your feet, while clouds swirl below the cliffs.

Walk through the Valley of Crystals

Perhaps the most surreal landscape on the plateau is the Valley of Crystals, where the ground sparkles with countless fragments of quartz. These glittering stones catch the sunlight, creating a dreamlike effect. Walking here feels like stepping into a natural cathedral made of glass.

Camp in the natural “hotels”

Instead of traditional accommodations, trekkers stay in natural caves and rock formations known as “hotels.” These shelters protect hikers from wind and rain while preserving the rustic atmosphere of the tepui. Spending a night here is a one-of-a-kind experience, like living inside the mountain itself.

Swim in the natural pools and jacuzzis

Water is everywhere on the plateau, creating enchanting natural pools and jacuzzis. After hours of hiking, a refreshing dip in these crystal-clear basins is pure bliss. Fed by constant rainfall, they reflect the sky and surrounding rocks, adding to the otherworldly beauty of the plateau.

Visit Lake Gladys

Another remarkable stop is Lake Gladys, a mysterious lagoon nestled in a depression of the plateau. Surrounded by dark rocks and often shrouded in mist, it has an almost mystical atmosphere. Many travelers describe it as one of the most peaceful places at the top of Mount Roraima, where silence and still waters amplify the feeling of being in another world.

Admire the view from La Ventana

The viewpoint known as La Ventana opens up dramatic vistas of the Gran Sabana and neighboring Mount Kukenan. Between towering cliffs, you’ll see vast forests and waterfalls stretching into the horizon. It’s one of the most breathtaking panoramas at the top of Mount Roraima.

Visit El Foso: The pit

Another unmissable feature is El Foso, a deep chasm with a natural pool at its base. Its dark waters and towering stone walls make it feel like a secret chamber carved by time. Many trekkers consider swimming here one of the most magical experiences of the journey.

Stand at the Triple Point

At one corner of the plateau lies the Triple Point, the exact spot where Brazil, Venezuela, and Guyana converge. Standing here, you are literally in three countries at once, a rare and fascinating highlight of the trek.

👉 Join us on our 10-day hike and enjoy all these activities during your stay at the top of Mount Roraima

Does anything live on the top of Mount Roraima?

No, there are no permanent human settlements at the top of Mount Roraima. The plateau is too isolated and inhospitable for people to live there, with thin soil, frequent rain, and freezing nights. Trekkers only stay temporarily in campsites or natural rock shelters during expeditions.

However, communities live and thrive around the mountain’s base. The Pemón (including groups like the Arekunas, Taurepanes, and Kamarakotos), as well as the Ingarikó, Patamona, Akawaio, and Wapishana, are deeply connected to the land. These Indigenous peoples guide expeditions, share cultural heritage, and help ensure that tourism respects both tradition and environment.

👉 Want to learn even more fascinating details? Check out our article on 10 facts about Mount Roraima!

Can you go to the top of Mount Roraima?

Yes, you can! Reaching the top of Mount Roraima requires determination, but it’s not reserved for professional climbers. The ascent is a multi-day trek starting from Paraitepuy, an Indigenous community in Venezuela, with routes organized by experienced local guides.

The trek usually takes 8 to 10 days, covering around 90 to 100 kilometers. You’ll pass rivers, rocky slopes, and steep sections like La Rampa, a natural corridor that leads hikers to the tepui of Mount Roraima. The journey is demanding but achievable for those with decent fitness and preparation.

At the summit, the effort pays off with landscapes that seem straight out of another planet. Walking across the plateau, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into the pages of Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Lost World, which was inspired by this very mountain.

👉 Thinking about the challenge? Read our full article on How hard it is to trek Mount Roraima

Has anyone been to the top of Mount Roraima?

Not only has it been climbed, but thousands of travelers make the journey every year. The first documented ascent was in 1884 by the British explorer Sir Everard Thurn. However, long before Europeans arrived, Indigenous peoples such as the Pemón already knew the mountain intimately, weaving it into their myths and traditions.

Today, Mount Roraima is a well-known trekking destination. Around 2,000 to 3,000 visitors make the journey each year, coming from all over the world to experience its alien landscapes, sleep under the stars, and discover the unique biodiversity of the tepui.

👉 Curious about logistics and costs? Here’s our breakdown of How much it costs to climb Mount Roraima

Can you fly to the top of Mount Roraima?

This is a common question, and the answer is yes: helicopter landings are possible in certain areas of the summit. Some tours depart from Boa Vista, following the same route across the border to Paraitepuy before taking off toward the mountain. 

Once on the plateau, visitors can explore highlights at the top of Mount Roraima. Flights depend on weather conditions and are operated under strict conservation rules to minimize environmental impact.

For those who prefer not to land, aerial experiences are also available. Scenic flights provide breathtaking views of Canaima National Park, Angel Falls, Mount Kukenan, and the dramatic cliffs of Mount Roraima before circling above the plateau.

👉 Prefer a more intense adventure? Explore our 8-day Mount Roraima trek for a rewarding experience

Is Mount Roraima tepui above the clouds?

Yes, it is. At 2,810 meters above sea level, the top of Mount Roraima frequently pierces the clouds. One moment, the summit may be hidden in thick fog, and the next, the sky clears to reveal panoramic views across Brazil, Guyana, and Venezuela.

This high-altitude environment means dramatic weather shifts. Days can be surprisingly hot, with strong sun exposure that makes the thin air feel intense and requires constant hydration and sun protection. 

Yet the atmosphere can change in minutes: clear skies give way to sudden rain showers and powerful winds sweeping across the plateau. Nights can be freezing, with temperatures dropping close to 0°C (32°F), even though you’re in the tropics.

Even with all these challenges and unpredictable weather, seeing the world from above the clouds makes you feel both incredibly small and deeply connected to nature.

👉 Planning your trip? Don’t miss our blog post on How to get to Mount Roraima

Traveling with PlanetaEXO

Traveling with PlanetaEXO means more than reaching the summit: it’s about making your adventure count. By choosing our expeditions, you directly support Indigenous communities, help preserve the fragile ecosystem of the tepui, and ensure tourism leaves a positive footprint.

We keep groups small and partner with trusted local guides, so your experience is authentic, safe, and respectful to the environment. That way, exploring the plateau and discovering what’s on top of Mount Roraima becomes both a personal achievement and a contribution to conservation.

👉 Want to experience this adventure? Contact us here and let’s start planning your Mount Roraima trek!

Read More: 

• National Parks in Brazil you should visit in 2025
• 10 facts you need to know about Mount Roraima 
• How to get to Mount Roraima