The oldest place on planet Earth is in Venezuela 🇻🇪 and it is called Mount Roraima. Mount Roraima, in Venezuela 🇻🇪🤯 One of the most beautiful and impressive natural wonders in the world🌎💚 For more than 500 years, scientists around the world have attempted to decipher the unique geological origin of Mount Roraima, southern Venezuela. In addition to rising almost 3,000 meters above sea level, the mountain has an unnatural morphology, which seems to have been cut with knives due to the precision of its million-year-old angles.

This rock formation is the largest of its kind in all of South America, and is part of the Pakaraima mountain range. For more than 5 centuries, it has intrigued historians, geologists and other scientists because it is a mountain without a point. The top of Mount Roraima is completely horizontal, and occupies an area of more than 30 square kilometers, surrounded by waterfalls, cliffs and other rare geographical features in the world. Seen this way, it could be considered an island in the heights. Mount Roraima is home to a great diversity of endemic plant and animal species. Geologists and biologists from around the world estimate that it hides some of the species that science has no record of, since there are spaces in the mountain that still remain unexplored. 𝙎𝙪 𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙚𝙣 𝙚𝙨 𝙪𝙣 𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙤. It is thought that Mount Roraima was the product of a large earthquake in the past. However, its origin is not certain, since geological features that were created in similar ways do not have that shape. This has led scientists to think that it may be the oldest rock formation on Earth.

Mount  Roraima is the highest of the Pacaraima chain of tepuis or plateaux in South America. It is located at the junction of Brazil, Guyana and Venezuela. A characteristic large flat-topped mountain surrounded by cliffs 400–1,000 m high. 

Mount Roraima, located on the border between  Venezuela,  Brazil, and Guyana, is one of the oldest and most fascinating geological formations on our planet. Belonging to the category of tepuis, ancient rocky plateaus dating back to the Precambrian period, Roraima rises with its vertical walls and flat summit at an altitude of 2,810 meters above sea level. What makes Roraima particularly extraordinary is its horizontal top, a rocky platform of about 12 square miles, often shrouded in dense clouds that add a mystical and mysterious atmosphere to the landscape.

Due to its high altitude, the climate at the top of Roraima is typically cold and humid, a unique environment that has favored the development of flora and fauna adapted to this geographical isolation, with many endemic species that have evolved exclusively on this plateau. Among these, carnivorous plants such as Drosera stand out, along with a variety of orchids, bromeliads, and ferns. The fauna is equally fascinating, with birds like the Long-billed Starthroat hummingbird feeding on flower nectar, colorful insects, and amphibian species. Carnivorous insects and spiders contribute to the diversity of the ecosystem, while some mammal species, adapted to high mountain life, are present in limited numbers. Mount Roraima, also known as Tepuy de Roraima or Cerro Roraima, besides its geological and biological importance, is also a sacred place for some indigenous tribes, such as the Pemon. For them, the mountain is steeped in spiritual and mythological meanings, often associated with legends and cultural traditions. The wild beauty of this place has attracted the attention of explorers, scientists, and artists from around the world, such as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who used Roraima as the setting for his novel “The Lost World.”

Mount Roraima is a monument to the geological history of the Earth, an island of biodiversity, and a place of cultural significance. Its antiquity, unique flora, and fauna make it an extraordinary attraction for explorers and nature lovers. The best time for a hike is during the dry season, from December to March. During this period, weather conditions are more stable, with less rainfall and milder temperatures. The most common route to reach Mount Roraima is through Canaima National Park in Venezuela. Several tourist agencies offer guided excursions, usually including transportation, permits, guides, and equipment. The trekking duration is almost a week, considering that it takes two days just to reach the summit. It is advisable to be accompanied by an experienced local guide familiar with the area. This not only enhances safety but also provides an in-depth perspective on local flora, fauna, and culture. (Information provided by: MyBestPlaceAroundTheWorld)

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What is so special about Mount Roraima, Venezuela you ask?

The highest tepui plateau, Mount Roraima, is famous for its prehistoric ecology, which sustains plants and animals found nowhere else in the world.

Mount Roraima and Mount Aoyan are the only flat-topped mountains in the Canaima National Park that can be climbed by hikers, with a monthly quota of 200 people.

Its ascent takes three to five days in total, the summit route is on a natural slope on the southwestern cliffs of Mount Roraima, it does not require any special equipment or training, so it is chosen by almost all hikers, the only difficulty is that some streams and small waterfalls may become difficult to pass under heavy rain.

However, the length of the trail requires climbers to spend one night at the base camp at the foot of the cliff at an elevation of about 2,000 meters, and another night at the summit, taking several days to explore the plateau and two days to descend. The best time to climb Mount Roraima is in the dry season, however, when the sun is very strong and the temperature is high, it can make the road to the mountain difficult.

Mount Roraima is 9 miles (14km) long, and 9222ft (2810m) tall at its highest point, with 1300ft (400m) cliffs on each side of the plateau. At its summit, Roraima is largely sandstone without much vegetation, though a few sparse bushes can be found. The isolated nature of the plateau makes it home to many unique species of flora, such as pitcher plants, bellflower and Rapatea heather.

It is here I should interject that Mount Roraima is known for its’ carnivorous flora and plants.  Also, its’ carnivorous insects and spiders.

Interesting facts about Mount Roraima

Mount Roraima is situated on the border of Venezuela, Guyana and Brazil, with almost 75% of the mountain falling into Venezuelan territory.

Whilst the tepui (table-top mountain) is the highest landform in Guyana, both Brazil and Venezuela have higher landmarks. The summit experiences heavy rainfall all year round, which as a result of its flat surface, leads to random waterfalls popping up at various locations across the plateau.

Angel Falls, the tallest waterfall in the world, is located on a similar table-top mountain approximately 130 miles away, and falls within the same national park. The formation was first described by the English explorer Sir Walter Raleigh in 1596 after his visit to Guyana in search of the legendary golden city of El Dorado, but frustratingly he was unable to climb it as no viable route to the summit was known at the time.

Mt. Roraima was the first major tepui in the world to be climbed in 1884 when Everard Thurn trekked up a forested trail. This trail is the only ‘easy’ way up, following a natural staircase like route on the Venezuelan side. Other routes do exist, though are extremely difficult and require technical rock climbing experience. Everard Thurn later went on to become the Governor of Fiji.

The summit measures 31 sq. km (12 sq. mi), and is usually covered in fog. It features black rocks, gorges, wildflower gardens and a number of pools.

How to get to Mount Roraima

First, you must fly into Santa Elena de Uairén airport. Santa Elena de Uairén airport is not serviced by direct flights from major cities, so it is likely you will need to take a transfer flight. The airport is located in a small town in Brazil, near to the border. From here, you will be able to take a bus or shuttle that will transfer you to the ascending point – the Pemon village of Paraitepui.

Most hikers will hire a Pemon Indian guide from Paraitepui, as although the path to the summit is reasonably well marked, it is not uncommon for hikers to get lost on the top of the mountain due to constant cloud cover and uncanny rock formations which can make visual references problematic.

Remember that when hiking, you should not remove any plants or rocks – Mt. Roraima is part of Canaima National Park, and therefore this is strictly prohibited.

You simply can’t tell me that there is not something much bigger than us. With so much beauty in the world, despite all the ugly man does, beauty abounds. Seeing articles and photos like these, and so many more, confirm every day, 1) ONLY something devine could make something so majestic, beautiful, and amazing, and 2) we are NOT ALONE. Oh, and 3) we are not on the top step of the intelligence ladder. On the last point, I gotta admit, there are many times, frequently, I question if we are actually way down that intelligence ladder. If I’m honestly speaking. Sad, but true.

However…

Whenever, I feel overwhelmed, or anxious, I often look for new things of wonder to learn about. It helps me realize, whatever my issues are, I can, and will get thru it if there is a way. For in those moments, I remember, I am never alone.

During those monents I reflect on the story ‘Footprints in the Sand’, and the beauty in the world.

For your reference here are some prints of what I reflect upon.

I am a big believer in God and Spirituality. As a matter of fact, I just had my birthday October 5th. I am all about God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, all the Angels and Saints, and a firm believer in the saying, “Jesus take the wheel”, as they say. In refence when my life is driving me crazy, Jesus, please take the wheel, I’m driving it off the rails.

I don’t practice formal religion anymore. But I am incredibly spiritual, and spiritually grounded. For that, I feel blessed every day.

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Well now that you have discovered and learned about Mount Roraima and bout me and my coping skills. Thank you for reading my blog piece. As always, feel free to ask questions or leave comments.

I hope this blog piece fills part of your heart and soul with peace, for even just a moment.

Namaste

Leila