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Tepuys.jpg)
"Tepuy" is the indigenous name given to the fascinating geologic
formations that are unique to South-eastern Venezuela, enormous
sandstone fortresses that rise from the tropical forest and loom over
the savannah. There are about a hundred of these tepuys
scattered across the Gran Sabana, spanning the states of Bolivar and Amazonas. Only a few are accessible on foot, some are still
unexplored, all are protected as National Monuments under Venezuelan
Law.
Tepuys are the remnants of sandstone deposits which were formed
underwater about 1.8 billion years ago, when South America and
Africa were still linked as part of the super continent Gondwana. 200
million years ago warping of the continental plates created
fissures and fractures in the sandstone plateau, and then erosion by
rain and rivers for millions of years produced the striking mountain
forms that remain today.
More on Treks and Tours
La Gran Sabana
Photos
Mount Roraima
Mount Roraima is the highest of the tepuys, at 2810 meters
(9,094 ft). Its indigenous name "Roraima-tepuy" meaning "Mother of all
Waters", is fitting, because of the number of rivers that start at its
top, the Kamaiwa River feeds the Orinoco in
Venezuela, the Cotingo feeds the Amazon in Brazil and the Kako feeds
the Esequibo in Guyana.
.JPG) An excerpt from a description of the top of Mount Roraima by Uwe
George, a National Geographic journalist (May 1989 issue):
"It is easy to imagine the pinnacles and towers of rock around us as
the ruins of temples from strange, long-ago cultures. My mind
conjures up colossal Egyptian statues, Greek deities, Siamese
pagodas, Roman gods, dwarf elephants, and giant camels - all grown
stiff for eternity...."
As a result of such inhospitable conditions, only a few living
species have adapted to that environment, like the little frogs
(Oreophrynella), common on Mount Roraima, that roll instead of
jumping.
Other curious species, also frequently seen on the top of the tepuys are the
Stegolepis plants whose base is enveloped in a gelatinous substance
whose purpose remains unknown, and the heliamphora, a carnivorous
plant.
Auyantepuy.JPG)
The first descriptions that we encounter about Auyantepuy are
from the Catalan explorer Felix Cardona Puig, who in May 1927, was
the first European to see what we know today as Angel Falls, the
world's highest waterfall. He was also the first to ascend that tepuy and
describe its surface.
Contrary to the Tepuys of the Eastern Range (Roraima, Kukenan,
Ilu, etc.) which have a rocky, barren surface, Auyantepuy is divided
by cliffs, rivers, cracks and crevices. It is the largest tepuy of
Bolivar State with an area of 700 square kilometers and a height of
2,450 meters (8,000 ft).
On all tepuys, the botanic enthusiast will enjoy observing the
Brocchinia Tatei hidden in a crack and the Orectante Sceptrum, as
strange as they look, they are actually from the grass family (Xyridaceae).
The Treks
The Government of Venezuela created the Canaima National Park to
protect the fragile environment of the savanna and the top of the
tepuys. However the impact of more and more hikers (about three
thousand a year ascending Mount Roraima) is serious on the
environment.
The ascent of all tepuys is a physical activity which requires
reasonable fitness. Although Roraima is accessible to anybody with
the will to do it, Auyantepuy is a lot more strenuous and should be
reserved to experienced hikers. Although no technical rock climbing
skills are required, ropes are needed to climb over a few boulders
and crevices.
The trek to the summit of Roraima is a very popular 6 day tour,
and the reason that many travelers come to Santa Elena.
Santa Elena Photos
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