Roraima Mountain In Venezuela

In our planet we have seen many strange places like the Salar de Uyuni in Volivia, forest made by stones in China and many more.

Today we will visit one more in the borders of Venezuela,Brazil and Guyana. The Roraima Mountain is the highest of the Pakaraima chain of tepui plateaus in South America. First described by the English explorer Sir Walter Raleigh in 1596, its 31 km2 summit area is bounded on all sides by cliffs rising 400 metres. The highest point of Roraima is 2810 meters, while its clean prominence is 2338 meters.

Described as an island in the sky, one of the most mystical and old rock formations in the world. This mountain is one of the most unique natural rock formations on the Earth not only because of its form but also because of its origin. Tepuis are believed to be the remains of a large sandstone plateau that once was lying between the northern border of the Amazon Basin and Orinoco, between the Atlantic coast and the Rio Negro.

It is almost always raining on the peak of Roraima. The summit of the mountain has unique flora and fauna. Many of the plants existing on the summit are unique and were developed in complete isolation. This is a botanical paradise for scientists. Almost every plant here is unique and many of them are surviving by consuming insects. The cloud forests of the plateau are home to many birds: hummingbirds, tiny parrots, nocturnal oilbirds, etc.

Some interesting facts about Roraima mountain are:

* The plants and animals living on the summit of Roraima are endemic to the mountain.

* A large portion of the plants found here are carnivorous.

* First European expedition to the summit of Roraima was organized in 1884 by Everard F. im Thurn. He was accompanied by Harry Innis Perkins and several locals. Today tourists are reaching the summit by the same mountain trail, used by Thurn.

* Any expedition to Mount Roraima takes at least three days as the jungle is dense.

* Because of the constant rain at the top, there are waterfalls popping up all over the place.

The mysterious and majestic view of the mountain is attracting adventurers from all over the world. The main hiking path to the summit of Roraima is located on Venezuelan side. The starting point for the hikers is the small Venezuelan town Santa Elena, located close to the border with Brazil. Roraima is part of the Canaima National Park, the most visited national park in Venezuela. Its ascent is permitted only with a guide. Self-climbing is not only illegal, but also very risky.

Find more info and pictures in my photo gallery and if you are looking for the best way to visit this unique mountain just answer 5 simple questions in my secret session and get ready to climp to the top.