The wildlife of Monte Roraima includes numerous endemic species adapted to its unique environments. Notable fauna includes the Roraima bush toad (Oreophrynella quelchii), found only on the summit, and various species of hummingbirds, butterflies, and small lizards. The lower slopes support larger animals such as jaguar, giant anteater, and numerous tropical bird species. The park is also home to several endangered species and serves as an important refuge for regional biodiversity. Many species here have evolved in isolation, leading to unique adaptations.
The park hosts a remarkable variety of plant species, many of which are endemic to the tepui summits. The summit's unique environment supports carnivorous plants like Heliamphora (sun pitchers), rare orchids, and various species of Bromelia. The vegetation varies by elevation, with dense tropical forest at the base transitioning to cloud forest on the slopes, and finally to sparse, specialized plants adapted to the harsh summit conditions. Many species found here, including several varieties of bladderworts and sundews, exist nowhere else on Earth.
Monte Roraima is a tepui - a table-top mountain formed from ancient Precambrian sandstone and quartzite dating back approximately 2 billion years. Rising dramatically to 2,810 meters (9,220 feet), it features near-vertical cliffs up to 400 meters high. The summit plateau covers roughly 31 square kilometers and contains numerous geological formations shaped by erosion, including crystal valleys, rock pools, and striking rock formations. The mountain's distinctive flat-top shape resulted from millions of years of erosion of softer rock layers, leaving behind the more resistant sandstone.
Monte Roraima holds deep cultural significance for the indigenous Pemon people, who consider it sacred and call it 'Mother of All Waters.' The tepui was first described to the outside world by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1596, but the first recorded ascent wasn't until 1884 by British explorer Everard Im Thurn and Harry Perkins. The mountain inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's novel 'The Lost World' (1912) and has since become a symbol of the region's natural heritage. The area was designated as a national park in 1989 to protect its unique ecosystem and geological features.
The park's most striking features include the 'Crystal Valley,' where quartz crystals litter the ground, the 'Triple Point' where Brazil, Venezuela, and Guyana meet, and numerous waterfalls cascading from the plateau. The 'Valley of Crystals' contains pools of water among crystalline formations, while the 'Maverick Rock' offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The 'La Ventana' (The Window) is a natural rock window offering spectacular views, and the 'El Foso' (The Pit) is a deep chasm in the plateau. Numerous caves and rock shelters dot the mountain's surface, many containing prehistoric petroglyphs.
Monte Roraima experiences a tropical highland climate with distinct microclimates due to its elevation. The summit area receives abundant rainfall (2,000-4,000mm annually) and is frequently shrouded in mist and clouds. Temperatures at the top range from 2-20°C (36-68°F), while the base experiences warmer temperatures between 20-30°C (68-86°F). The driest period runs from December to March, making this the most popular time for hiking. Visitors should be prepared for sudden weather changes, frequent rainfall, and high humidity throughout the year.
Brazil
5.1520°, -60.7370°
June 28, 1989
1160
Monte Roraima National Park features the famous tabletop mountain at the triple border of Brazil, Venezuela, and Guyana. The park protects unique tepui ecosystems with many endemic species. Its dramatic landscapes include ancient rock formations, waterfalls, and rare plant species adapted to the harsh mountain environment.