Take a look at where we're going
OUR UNIQUE PROGRAM
Join us on an expedition of a lifetime, trekking to the tallest of the legendary Pacaraima Tepuis. Roraima, a place so ancient that even the winds that stir its mists hold lost tales through time. We have created an expedition like no other; We will see and experience things that few people who have summited this Tepui have ever experienced, we’ll reach photography spots that are not accessible to just anyone, we’ll be at the right place at the right time, and camp at locations no other visitors can. Our team will be comprised of the most experienced and connected locals in the region who know where, when, and how to do this expedition in the best way imaginable.
QUICK DETAILS
ITINERARY
Group Orientation – Boa Vista, Brazil
Our trip officially begins in the city of Boa Vista, Roraima, Brazil. You may find it helpful to read the “Getting There” section of this page, for additional information on how best to get to Boa Vista. As with all of our trips, we encourage our guests to arrive at least a full day prior to Day 1 in the event of any travel delays or unforeseeable circumstances.
Today, our entire group should already be checked in to the Aipana Plaza Hotel, which is conveniently located in the downtown area of Boa Vista. Group members can enjoy a slow and relaxing morning, as we’ll be meeting and kicking off the trip at 10:30AM for our Orientation! During this time, we’ll all meet our fellow adventurers, and get a comprehensive overview of the exciting days ahead!
After our orientation meeting, we’ll head to a nearby grocery store where we’ll be able to pick up any snacks or last minute items we intend to take on the trek. We’ll then have some free time back at the hotel to do a final re-pack of our backpacks to be ready for an early morning shuttle the next day to Venezuela! We’ll finish off the day with a very tasty dinner at a Brazilian Picanha restaurant, and a mouth watering Açai desert on our way back to the hotel!
Meal Included: Dinner
Border Cross – Gran Sabana, Venezuela
Our day starts off with a 7:00AM departure in a private shuttle van that will drive us to Pacaraima, a small town where we will cross the border into Venezuela. Any luggage or belongings that we don’t need on the expedition can remain in secure storage at Hotel Aipana before we depart (we’ll be back at Hotel Aipana when we finish the expedition). The initial drive will take us around 4 hours to Pacaraima. For a more detailed overview of our border cross process, see the “Border Crossing” section further down on this webpage.
After crossing the border, it will take us another 3 hours of driving to reach the small indigenous village where we will spend the night. Here, we’ll enjoy our first distant views of the majestic monte Roraima! The already-high excitement levels will be going through the roof! We’ll get settled into small huts that we’ll be sleeping in tonight. These are huts that are owned and operated by the local village to accommodate backpackers. To wrap up this day, we’ll be treated with a traditional home-cooked meal at the home of the Ayuso family, who will be assisting our group as porters on our expedition.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek to Base Camp – Gran Sabana
We start today off with an early breakfast at 5:30AM as we’ll begin our hike through the Gran Sabana as early as possible. We’ll start by having motorbikes assist us with a strategic drop off along a trail at around the 4km/2.5mi mark. This is where we’ll begin our hike. Our goal for today is to reach Base Camp. From our drop-off point, we’ll trek approximately 14km/8.7mi, featuring two stunning river crossings along the way. The views here are incredible, with views of Roraima and Kukenan Tepui approaching closer and closer. Our total elevation gain today will be 1,000m, with the steeper sections during the final two hours as we ascend the foothills of the Tepui. Our camp views will be absolutely spectacular, with a direct view of the ledge we’ll be scaling the next day! Excitement levels are through the roof!
Meal Included: Breakfast
Summit Roraima Tepui
Our morning at base camp will be easy going, as our primary objective today is to reach Roraima’s summit. Surprisingly, our hiking distance is only 2.8km/1.7mi. Although this distance is short, it will take our group roughly 6 hours to complete it, due to the steep elevation gain and the many photography opportunities we’ll encounter!
As we make our way up towards the wall, we’ll venture through lush tunnel-like sections and thick, humid jungle with creeks. The terrain is steep, but features well established foot and hand-holds throughout the entire route. There’s lots of roots and solid rocks to hold on to as we hike up. We’ll have several water re-fill opportunities as well on our way up, thanks to outflows from residual rainwater flowing through the Tepui! On our way up, there are also several look outs where we’ll be stopping to regrouping and take brakes as needed. The photography opportunities are endless on our way up. These are some of the most scenic landscapes we’ve ever seen! Depending on overnight rain, part of our trail might cross under a waterfall as well.
Once we reach the summit, we’ll take our first look off into the abyss (abismo)! From the summit, we’ll have a flat walk to camp which is about a 25 minute walk away. We’ll be camping close to a series of clear pools where we can swim and enjoy the rest of the day. This campsite is within short walking distance to several mind blowing ledge points, so if at any time we see interesting cloud conditions, we’ll be able to quickly head over and catch the incredible cloud inversions!
Exploration Days on Plateau
The following days on the plateau will feature dynamic plans depending on the weather. Some of the features we will visit include lookout spots, swimming holes, crystal gardens, caves, border intersect between Brazil-Venezuela-Guyana, and more. Although there is a triple border intersect on this mountain, there are special permits required in order to explore sections of the Tepui that don’t belong to Venezuela. Our group however, will be able to explore beyond this limit, and venture into Brazil and Guyana’s sides of the mountain. This is where we’ll access some of the most scenic and beautiful locations that have rarely been photographed.
Our days atop the plateau can consist of walks between 5km/3.7mi and 14km/8.7mi on our longest day. During this week, we’ll see things that will stay in our memories for a lifetime! The terrain has little-to-no elevation change, but includes a wide range of rocky trails with sand, small streams, puddles, and lots of small bushes. We’ll also do the occasional scramble. There will be small waterfalls and crystal gardens, which are very cool to see! It really is a lost world. We’ll also get to explore sandstone caves with underground water systems inside. – See our detailed packing list on this page for specific gear recommendations!
Descent to Rio Tek Camp
Our descent day starts with an easy going morning. We’ll pack up camp, and make our way to the rim of the Tepui, where we’ll say our goodbyes to the plateau, and start making our way down the trail at around 10:00AM. Our progress today will be much faster than our hike up, as the way down is almost entirely steep downhill terrain. We’ll be moving at a comfortable pace, as a group, stopping for scenic photography at the optimal locations. As with our hike up, we’ll have several water re-fill opportunities available. Our first big stop will be at Base Camp, which we’ll reach at around 12:00PM. We’ll take a lunch break here at Base Camp, and then continue on towards Rio Tek Camp. We’ll do the same two river crossing we did on the way up, and reach camp shortly after the second river crossing. Our total hiking distance will be 14km/8.7mi and will take us roughly 6 hours.
Border Cross – Gran Sabana to Boa Vista, Brazil
Today we wake up to our final morning with Roraima in our sights. After breakfast, we’ll hop on motorbikes at 7:00AM and get shuttled back to the Indigenous village where we started from. Here, we’ll do a sign-out process with the village authorities, and then be on our way back to Boa Vista. During our drive we’ll stop for some lunch, and then cross the border back into Brazil. From there it will be a 4 hour drive to Boa Vista, Brazil. We’ll arrive at approximately 4:00PM and check in to Hotel Aipana, where our luggage will be waiting, and get cleaned up for an evening dinner and a well deserved Açai!
Meals included: Lunch & Dinner
End of Trip – Boa Vista, Brazil
All good things must come to an end. We’re confident that at this point, you have made memories of a lifetime, and new friends and connections with whom you can explore and adventure with for future travels! Depending on your travel arrangements, we’ll arrange transportation for you to the airport in time for your flight. If you’re travelling at a later date, we’ll arrange for you to be picked up at your hotel on your departure date. If you plan to continue exploring the region, consult with trip leaders who will be happy to provide recommendations!
**Earliest flights out are in the early AM** — Although possible, we don’t recommend scheduling to fly out of Boa Vista on the AM flights unless necessary. In the event of any unforeseeable circumstances or delays during our travels back to Boa Vista on the day prior, it would be wise to schedule a flight in the afternoon (only one flight), or on the following day, Saturday.
If you must depart Boa Vista in the morning on this day, there are the three flights programmed in the early AM: 12:35AM to Brasilia (LATAM), 12:45AM to Manaus (Azul), and 1:35AM to Brasilia (GOL). Note: By departing on an AM flight, you will effectively not spend a full night in Boa Vista for Day 11 (You will have a very long Day 11).
The only other flight out of Boa Vista on this day is at 1:25PM to Brasilia (LATAM). It is recommended to book this flight well in advance, as spots book up quickly, and prices for these flights are known to spike as the date approaches.
Our recommendation—if your schedule allows, is to fly out on the following day (Saturday), or Sunday, as this gives you the most flexibility when choosing flights for your travels home. Today can be a great day to decompress before long travels back home, do a footage and media swap with group members, and have some great Brazilian food. For those using Sao Paulo as a stopover destination, the weekly direct flight from Boa Vista to Saõ Paulo Viracopos (VCP) is scheduled on Sunday at 1:45AM.
Our team will be staying in Boa Vista beyond these days, so if you have spare hours in between hotel check-out time and your departure flight, you are very welcome to store your luggage at our Airbnb.
Safe travels and we’ll see you on the next one!
SKILL PREREQUISITES
INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
Included
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Guide Services
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Hotel Accommodations in Boa Vista
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Meals as indicated in the Itinerary
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Expedited Border Crossing into Venezuela
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Personalized 1-1 Planning Calls with Expedition Leaders
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Private Shuttles to Venezuelan Border
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4x4 Vehicle Transports in Venezuela
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Motorbike Transports on the Gran Sabana
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Porter Services
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Indigenous Community Permits
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Accommodation in Village Huts
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Access to Exclusive Locations on Plateau
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Parque Nacional Canaima Entrance Fee
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Ultralight Cookstoves, Fuel and Pots for Boiling Water
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Home Dinner with Local Taurepang Family
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Luggage Storage during the Expedition
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Waste Management Crew
Not Included
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Airfare to and from Destination
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Trip Cancellation Insurance or any other Travel Insurance
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Personal Gear (see Personal Packing List below)
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Dehydrated Meals (Food Items on Trek)
PERSONAL PACKING LIST
We recommend bringing a pack above 55L in volume capacity for this expedition. Each participant is responsible for carrying their own gear, so the exact backpack size that you will need depends on how much volume all of your equipment takes up. If you’re an ultralight packer, you might be able to manage under 55L, however most guests’ packs range from 55L to 75L.
We will have three to four porters accompany our group on the expedition to assist with specific communal equipment such as kitchen supplies, tarps, the portable bathroom, and waste management. These porters are not intended to be personal porters, so please keep in mind, anything that does not fit in your backpack will need to be strapped to the outside of your pack.
*Important: Bring a Rain Cover for your backpack – The weather on the top of the Tepui and its surroundings can change at a moments notice.
Our drinking water will be coming from clean, flowing streams both atop the Tepui and on the Gran Sabana. This water is almost entirely rainwater runoff. Although the water is clean enough to drink—and guests have done this trip without a filter—, we always recommend filtering water before drinking. There are an array of filtration systems on the market, and because the water is already very clean, most any filtration system will be suitable for this trip.
Grayl, LifeStraw, and MSR make great filtration devices that we use on all of our trips. The Grayl Press bottles and the LifeStraw Go Series bottles are a filters that double as bottles, which make for a great two-in-one solution.
Tents branded as Lightweight or Ultralight are best for this trip. Brands such as Big Agnes and MSR have ultralight tents that weigh as little as 1kg / 2lb.
We recommend bringing a “footprint” (tarp / material that goes underneath) to add an extra layer of protection against abrasive rocks and puddle sections which can cause water to seep through. If you have a tent that is a little bit older or well used, it’s a good idea to freshen up the waterproofing with Nikwax Water Proof Spray.
You and someone in your group could decide to share a tent. In this scenario, you’ll benefit from having less weight to carry, and more space amongst you in your packs. — Once group members have been finalized, we’ll set up a group chat where you can explore this option.
Tents can also be strapped to the outside of your backpack. Be sure your backpack has straps long enough for a secure fasten. “Accessory Straps” can be purchased at outdoor stores or online.
A tent rental option is available through a local provider for $80 USD. The tents they provide are Hilleberg 1-2 person size tents. These are excellently built tents, weighing around 3kg / 6lbs. Please consult for latest availability well in advance.
Small, inflatable, compact and lightweight pads are best. Nemo and Therm-a-Rest are two brands we recommend.
You might also consider bringing a lightweight inflatable camp pillow. An optional item. Our guides use Sea to Summit inflatable pillows as they pack down small.
For this trip, we recommend bringing a sleeping bag that is warm enough for temperatures down to 6°C / 42°F and also lightweight and compact enough to avoid taking up too much room in your pack. Sleeping bags in this category are typically premium but well worth it for multi day hiking expeditions like this. If you own a sleeping bag that is on the larger side, we recommend carrying it inside of a dry-sack such as the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Sacks, and attaching it to the outside of your backpack during the hike. Be sure to have gear straps or long strap buckles for this option to work.
Regular Clothes for in town:
- Most People will be leaving a bag or suitcase in secure storage in Boa Vista while we complete the expedition. We find it’s nice to have some clean clothes to come back to once we get back to civilization.
Clothing Items for the Trek:
- Each person has their own personal preferences when it comes to hiking apparel, but a good approach we like to follow is packing:
- 1 X Long Top for hiking
- 1 X Long Top for camp
- 1 X Short Top for hiking
- 1 X Long Bottoms for hiking
- 1 X Thermal Leggings for camp
- 1 X Short Bottoms for hiking and or swimming
- 1-3 X Merino Wool Socks for hiking
- 1-2 X Merino Wool Socks for camp
- Thin Wool Gloves
- Beanie / Toque
- We recommend planning to hike in long sleeve clothing, especially through the Gran Sabana, as longer garments will help protect you from sun exposure, and insects.
- There is the possibility of washing clothing items throughout the trip, including on the plateau; for this you must bring a Biodegradable or Reef Safe (or similarly labeled) soap.
For this trip we highly recommend bringing a lightweight rain shell, as the weather atop the Tepui is volatile and can change at a moments notice, the mountain makes it’s own weather! One minute we might have clear skies, and the next, a torrential downpour. It’s a great idea to carry a garment known as a “shell”, which means it typically has no insulation or excess material to weigh it down like a typical jacket. Shells are lighter weight and can roll or be folded down into a small form factor. We carry ours in the outer pockets of our backpack, which give us quick access when the weather turns.
Although not as crucial for this trip, we would recommend bringing something like the NRS Endurance Splash Pants. This is a garment that, like we mentioned above, can be easily packed and accessed when it starts raining during a hike. The rain on the plateau, along with strong winds can take very little time to completely soak a hiker. We have had guests complete this trip without a pair of rain pants, but you may find yourself having wet bottoms more frequently without them.
Expect temperatures on the plateau to be cooler, and more varied than the Gran Sabana and lowlands. We recommend bringing something lightweight and compressible.
We’ll be hiking roughly 80km / 50mi throughout the entirety of the expedition, so we of course recommend choosing footwear that you find comfortable for extended hiking periods. We typically choose waterproof footwear so we don’t need to be as cautious when treading around water, but if you prefer breathability, then choose what is best for you.
When we’re not on our long hikes you might opt to walk around camp in breathable sandals to allow a rest for your feet. We’ll also be doing several river crossings on this expedition, so choosing a pair of sandals that you’re also able to hike in can be a great idea.
The best meal solution for these trips are Backpacking Meal pouches. These are pre-made, freeze-dried and dehydrated meals that are prepared simply by adding water. Popular brands include Mountain House, Peak Refuel, and Backpackers Pantry. We will be boiling water for meals two times per day, for breakfast and dinner. For this expedition, you will need 16 backpacking meal pouches. We’ll also be going to a grocery store in Boa Vista on Day 1, to pick up any complimentary food or snack items you may want to bring. If there are particular snack products you enjoy from home, you may want to bring those with you, as the supermarkets in Boa Vista have limited selection. This trip to the supermarket on Day 1 is also our last chance to pick up any other last minute items you might need on the trip.
We recommend bringing a long spoon or a long spork such as the Sea to Summit Alpha Spork. This is a great utensil and is long enough to comfortably eat out of backpacking meal pouches! Depending on the food you plan on bringing into the canyon, you might also consider bringing a foldable knife (if you do bring a knife be sure to use some tape to prevent it from accidentally opening while inside your pack).
Our guides enjoy using the Black Diamond and Petzl rechargeable headlamps, however there are lots of brands out there that get the job done. We’ll be exploring a cave during our time on the plateau, so be sure to bring something with enough battery to last a few nights of prior use. If your headlamp is battery operated, consider packing a few extra batteries just in case.
To comply with Venezuelan entry requirements, visitors—especially those entering via Brazil—must show an official Yellow Fever vaccination certificate, which must be administered at least 10 days before arrival. Another reason it is a good idea to have this certificate, is because when flying out of Brazil, some countries require to see proof of vaccination before allowing you to board your flight.
Although there are virtually no bugs on the plateau of the Tepui, as we hike through the Gran Sabana we will encounter both sand flies and mosquitos. They have never been a huge issue for our group, as we use repellant bug spray with higher Deet content. In supermarkets and pharmacies in Brazil we have not been able to find high concentrate repellants, so we recommend packing one from your home country if possible.
A non-essential item, but certainly worth bringing if you have an ultralight one. We’ll almost always be camping on flat rocks, so its nice to be able to sit in a comfortable chair, especially if the ground is wet. We recommend the Helinox Chair Zero as the best ultralight camping chair. The REI Flexlite Air Chair, although not as durable, is a good second option.
DETAILED LOGISTICS
For this expedition, we recommend bringing 16 Backpacking Meal Pouches. Although it is possible to have porters carry and prepare food for our group, we’ve opted for group members to bring their own foods, as food options in this remote part of Venezuela are very, very limited.
Before we set off on our expedition, we’ll head to a grocery store in Boa Vista to pick up any additional snacks and last minute items we might need for the trek. This is a good place to get things like fruits, ramen, candy, nuts, etc. that will be consumed as snack-lunches on the expedition. If there are specific products from your home country that you enjoy, we would recommend packing those with you to Brazil, as the selection in supermarkets won’t be as plentiful as what you might be accustomed to back home.
Guides will be boiling water for meals twice a day, every day, for breakfast and dinner. As there isn’t any firewood available on this expedition, we’ll be cooking entirely over our MSR Whisperlite Universal camping stoves. We’ll also be carrying a lightweight Sea to Summit Alpha Pot for communal use if guests need to cook foods such as pastas or ramen, etc. Trip leaders will be happy to get these stoves fired up should guests need to do any cooking.
If you’re unfamiliar with “Backpacking Meals Pouches”, check out our article about what backpacking meals are, here. We also have an informative article on why we recommend guests source their own selection of backpacking meals for our expeditions, here. Within the Itinerary, you can see specifically what meals are included throughout the trip!
The weather on the Roraima Tepui is highly variable and can change rapidly due to its location within the Gran Sabana region and its elevation. Expect warm temperatures at the base of the mountain, typically ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) during the day. As we ascend, temperatures will drop significantly, especially in the evenings and overnight hours, with nighttime temperatures often dropping to around 10°C (50°F) or lower. The mountain is also known for its unpredictable weather, with rain showers possible year-round. Humidity is generally high, with the plateau having strong winds and fast moving cloud cover at times. We’ll be exploring during the dry season, so we’ll maximize our chance of having warm, sunny days, but it’s essential to be prepared for both warm and cold conditions and to expect occasional rain.
See the Personal Packing List above for recommended items to bring on this expedition.
This expedition will be moderate to strenuous in terms of difficulty. Guests should be physically fit and prepared for multiple hours of activity each day. Our first two days on the trail will be the longest as we trek up to the summit. Please see the detailed Itinerary for a breakdown of what distances to expect throughout the expedition. Hikes will be on moderate to steep grades, with plateau days offering shorter options based on group preference. There will be times where we will venture off-trail across muddy or rocky terrain.
GETTING THERE
Your final destination airport is Aeroporto Internacional de Boa Vista - Atlas Brasil Cantanhede (BVB). Most international travellers will need a connecting flight via São Paulo (Viracopos International Airport, VCP), Brasília (BSB), or Manaus (MAO). São Paulo offers a direct weekly flight to Boa Vista, while Brasília and Manaus provide multiple daily options. São Paulo’s Viracopos Airport has a Saturday night flight, arriving early Sunday, which works well for arriving the day before your Akawayo Expedition. Brasília is a common transit point and works well for long stopovers or connecting flights, though last-minute flights can be expensive. Manaus offers the option of a 12.5-hour bus ride to Boa Vista, ideal for those also interested in exploring the Amazon region.
We have written a more in-depth article on Getting to Boa Vista, which we recommend reading before booking your flights.
Aeroporto Internacional de Boa Vista - Atlas Brasil Cantanhede (BVB) is a short 8 minute drive to downtown Boa Vista, where we’ll be staying at the Hotel Aipana. This is where we will rendezvous and meet on Day 1! We’ll arrange an easy airport pickup for you when you land.
We highly recommend landing at least a full day or more prior to the start date of the expedition in case of any travel delays or unforeseeable circumstances. We can recommend staying at the comfortable Aipana Plaza Hotel in downtown Boa Vista. It’s well situated and will be the hotel we will meet and commence our trip at, so you wouldn’t need to transfer hotels on Day 1. Trip leaders will be happy to coordinate with hotel staff and inform them that you are part of the Nahua Expeditions group, so you ideally won’t need to switch rooms on Day 1 either. Restaurant and transportation recommendations will be included in our Akawayo Expedition Guide PDF which you will receive upon joining the group!
Visa requirements for entry into Venezuela depend on your nationality. Citizens of certain countries are allowed to enter Venezuela visa-free for stays typically up to 90 days. If you are from one of these countries, you simply need a valid passport for entry. However, travelers from other countries will need to obtain a visa prior to arrival. Visa applications can be submitted through the Venezuelan consulate or embassy in your home country. Processing times and specific requirements can vary, so it’s important to plan ahead and allow enough time for visa approval. This applies for entry to Brazil as well. To check whether you need a visa, and for current visa policies, we recommend visiting the following resources:
The wellbeing of our group is by far our number one priority, on any expedition we run. This trip is no different.
We have taken every measure possible to ensure the safety of our group during the entirety of this trip, from the moment guests land, to the moment they depart. While Venezuela currently sparks questions in regards to safety, most of what we hear in the media comes primarily from a migration of Venezuelans across the Colombia-Venezuela border, and from political protests in the capital city of Caracas. Whilst these areas are unrecommended for travel, we’ll be visiting the Canaima region which is situated on the opposite side of the country.
Canaima is located in a remote south-eastern corner of Venezuela, along the border with Brazil. This specific region of Venezuela that we’ll be visiting is very much isolated from the rest of the country, it’s population, its economy, and its politics. The land is entirely indigenous land, inhabited by the local Pemon peoples. These indigenous people make an income almost entirely through tourism, so their interests are to keep the region safe, friendly, and welcoming to tourists. A quote from one of the locals on our most recent trip, “Canaima is not representative of either Venezuela, nor Brazil. It’s like its own country. It has no influence from the rest of the country”.
While this is great for tourism of the region, Nahua Expeditions has still set up extensive safeguards for our groups; During our time in both Brazil and Venezuela, we will at all times be accompanied by our partners who are experienced, well known local guides. They are reputable tourism license holders in both Brazil and Venezuela, and are very accustomed to the norms, regulations, and how the wheels in this region work. These individuals are regarded as the most experienced and well respected guides that the region has to offer, with professional careers in both the Tourism and Search & Rescue industries for nearly 35 years.
Our efforts extend beyond just personnel; All vehicle travel will be done through reputable transportation partners, with drivers who have been instructed to drive at safe speeds with our groups at all times. The roads we’ll be taking are well established, major roads or highways. Hotel stays and accommodations will be with well-established and reputable businesses or properties. Restaurants that our groups eat at will be at places with high-cleanliness standards and practices—which have afforded our guests no prior sicknesses.
Our trip leaders will also be carrying multiple satellite communications devices which can be used to contact local support, an external support team, or Search and Rescue personnel if needed. An external support team are individuals in different parts of the world that are in constant comms with our trip leaders via satellite, they are aware of our location at all times, our routes and itinerary, and our schedule. They are our first point of contact in the event of an emergency to help coordinate necessary protocols. Our Team is also well connected with the private helicopter and air taxi services in both Santa Elena de Uairen, Venezuela, and Boa Vista, Brazil, should the need arise.
These safety measures separate Nahua Expeditions from the norm. Our high safety standards translate from the other technical and challenging regions where we run expeditions. On this Akawayo Expedition, we bring those same practices and high standards, and apply them on this trip.
Nahua Expeditions has partnered with Global Rescue, the industry leaders in Travel and Rescue Insurance providers. We always encourage our guests to travel with rescue insurance coverage, especially when embarking on wilderness expeditions such as these. We firmly stand behind Global Rescue as the best providers in the industry, and recommend checking out our resource page on Travel and Rescue Insurance.
On our trip, we’ll be crossing the Brazil-Venezuela border twice. Once each way. During this process our group will be accompanied by employees of the transport company we have partnered with, with a local logistics guide who specializes in this region, and our local Venezuelan guide who will be accompanying us on the trek. These individuals are all reputable tourism licence holders who are in charge of the necessary permits and paperwork to ensure our group crosses smoothly. They are specialists in this border crossing, and are incredibly well connected with both Brazilian and Venezuelan authorities.
Coming from Brazil, our first step will be to get our exit stamps from Brazilian Immigration. Here, our group will be given priority access and head straight to the processing desk, skipping past the long lineups. The process for our entire group will take around 10 minutes.
Once we receive our Brazilian exit stamps, we’ll be driven to the Venezuelan Immigration Office. Here, we’ll also have a smooth entry process with all the required paperwork already handled by our team. The only thing group members need to remember is to have their Passports and Visa (if applicable). The entry process for our group into Venezuela will be smooth and without questions. We will be able to drive right past baggage searches and ID checkpoints without stopping. This is accomplished thanks to our local team taking steps to ensure our group encounters zero friction while in Venezuela.
On our way out of Venezuela, we’ll repeat the same process but in reverse order. Our local team will be accompanying us at all times and will ensure that we have a smooth and easy crossing process.
THE MOST EXPERIENCED LOCAL GUIDES IN THE REGION
Balbina Lambos
Balbina is an indigenous Kamarakoto guide from Canaima, and a Venezuelan tourism legend. Now an inspiration to many, Balbina has been a pioneer for indigenous guides in Venezuela. After teaching herself Spanish as a young adult, she pursued a career as an adventure tour guide, which afforded her professional opportunities around the world. Now with over 35 years in the field, she has become a speaker, advocate for indigenous rights, and consultant for government bodies. She now speaks Spanish, English, and German, in addition to several indigenous dialects. Her passion for the Canaima region and indigenous culture is contagious, and she is excited to share her wealth of knowledge about Roraima, the Gran Sabana, and its deep indigenous history.“I am incredibly honoured and excited to be a part of the Nahua Expeditions team — our values and passions for exploration and outdoor leadership share deep similarities. I can’t wait to share this unique experience with all of you.”
OUR COMMUNITY
When we founded Nahua Expeditions, our goal was about more than simply sharing the spectacular places we know. We set out to create a vibrant community of passionate adventurers; individuals who are seeking authentic exploration, new friends and community in the adventure travel space, and are driven to push their limits while discovering locations that few people in the world get to see.
On our expeditions, you’ll have the opportunity to meet interesting people from all around the world. People who often bring different talents and expertise from a wide range of backgrounds. If this is your first time joining us on a trip, you will feel that one of the lasting takeaways from the expeditions we organize, are the friendships and connections made during the journey. Whether you’re an experienced mountaineer, or new to the outdoors, you’ll find a strong community here.
Take a look at where we'll be going
OUR UNIQUE PROGRAM
Join us on an expedition of a lifetime, trekking to the tallest of the legendary Pacaraima Tepuis. Roraima, a place so ancient that even the winds that stir its mists hold lost tales through time. We have created an expedition like no other; We will see and experience things that few people who have summited this Tepui have ever experienced, we’ll reach photography spots that are not accessible to just anyone, we’ll be at the right place at the right time, and camp at locations no other visitors can. Our team will be comprised of the most experienced and connected locals in the region who know where, when, and how to do this expedition in the best way imaginable.
QUICK DETAILS
ITINERARY
Group Orientation – Boa Vista, Brazil
Our trip officially begins in the city of Boa Vista, Roraima, Brazil. You may find it helpful to read the “Getting There” section of this page, for additional information on how best to get to Boa Vista. As with all of our trips, we encourage our guests to arrive at least a full day prior to Day 1 in the event of any travel delays or unforeseeable circumstances.
Today, our entire group should already be checked in to the Aipana Plaza Hotel, which is conveniently located in the downtown area of Boa Vista. Group members can enjoy a slow and relaxing morning, as we’ll be meeting and kicking off the trip at 10:30AM for our Orientation! During this time, we’ll all meet our fellow adventurers, and get a comprehensive overview of the exciting days ahead!
After our orientation meeting, we’ll head to a nearby grocery store where we’ll be able to pick up any snacks or last minute items we intend to take on the trek. We’ll then have some free time back at the hotel to do a final re-pack of our backpacks to be ready for an early morning shuttle the next day to Venezuela! We’ll finish off the day with a very tasty dinner at a Brazilian Picanha restaurant, and a mouth watering Açai desert on our way back to the hotel!
Meal Included: Dinner
Border Cross – Gran Sabana, Venezuela
Our day starts off with a 7:00AM departure in a private shuttle van that will drive us to Pacaraima, a small town where we will cross the border into Venezuela. Any luggage or belongings that we don’t need on the expedition can remain in secure storage at Hotel Aipana before we depart (we’ll be back at Hotel Aipana when we finish the expedition). The initial drive will take us around 4 hours to Pacaraima. For a more detailed overview of our border cross process, see the “Border Crossing” section further down on this webpage.
After crossing the border, it will take us another 3 hours of driving to reach the small indigenous village where we will spend the night. Here, we’ll enjoy our first distant views of the majestic monte Roraima! The already-high excitement levels will be going through the roof! We’ll get settled into small huts that we’ll be sleeping in tonight. These are huts that are owned and operated by the local village to accommodate backpackers. To wrap up this day, we’ll be treated with a traditional home-cooked meal at the home of the Ayuso family, who will be assisting our group as porters on our expedition.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek to Base Camp – Gran Sabana
We start today off with an early breakfast at 5:30AM as we’ll begin our hike through the Gran Sabana as early as possible. We’ll start by having motorbikes assist us with a strategic drop off along a trail at around the 4km/2.5mi mark. This is where we’ll begin our hike. Our goal for today is to reach Base Camp. From our drop-off point, we’ll trek approximately 14km/8.7mi, featuring two stunning river crossings along the way. The views here are incredible, with views of Roraima and Kukenan Tepui approaching closer and closer. Our total elevation gain today will be 1,000m, with the steeper sections during the final two hours as we ascend the foothills of the Tepui. Our camp views will be absolutely spectacular, with a direct view of the ledge we’ll be scaling the next day! Excitement levels are through the roof!
Meal Included: Breakfast
Summit Roraima Tepui
Our morning at base camp will be easy going, as our primary objective today is to reach Roraima’s summit. Surprisingly, our hiking distance is only 2.8km/1.7mi. Although this distance is short, it will take our group roughly 6 hours to complete it, due to the steep elevation gain and the many photography opportunities we’ll encounter!
As we make our way up towards the wall, we’ll venture through lush tunnel-like sections and thick, humid jungle with creeks. The terrain is steep, but features well established foot and hand-holds throughout the entire route. There’s lots of roots and solid rocks to hold on to as we hike up. We’ll have several water re-fill opportunities as well on our way up, thanks to outflows from residual rainwater flowing through the Tepui! On our way up, there are also several look outs where we’ll be stopping to regrouping and take brakes as needed. The photography opportunities are endless on our way up. These are some of the most scenic landscapes we’ve ever seen! Depending on overnight rain, part of our trail might cross under a waterfall as well.
Once we reach the summit, we’ll take our first look off into the abyss (abismo)! From the summit, we’ll have a flat walk to camp which is about a 25 minute walk away. We’ll be camping close to a series of clear pools where we can swim and enjoy the rest of the day. This campsite is within short walking distance to several mind blowing ledge points, so if at any time we see interesting cloud conditions, we’ll be able to quickly head over and catch the incredible cloud inversions!
Exploration Days on Plateau
The following days on the plateau will feature dynamic plans depending on the weather. Some of the features we will visit include lookout spots, swimming holes, crystal gardens, caves, border intersect between Brazil-Venezuela-Guyana, and more. Although there is a triple border intersect on this mountain, there are special permits required in order to explore sections of the Tepui that don’t belong to Venezuela. Our group however, will be able to explore beyond this limit, and venture into Brazil and Guyana’s sides of the mountain. This is where we’ll access some of the most scenic and beautiful locations that have rarely been photographed.
Our days atop the plateau can consist of walks between 5km/3.7mi and 14km/8.7mi on our longest day. During this week, we’ll see things that will stay in our memories for a lifetime! The terrain has little-to-no elevation change, but includes a wide range of rocky trails with sand, small streams, puddles, and lots of small bushes. We’ll also do the occasional scramble. There will be small waterfalls and crystal gardens, which are very cool to see! It really is a lost world. We’ll also get to explore sandstone caves with underground water systems inside. – See our detailed packing list on this page for specific gear recommendations!
Descent to Rio Tek Camp
Our descent day starts with an easy going morning. We’ll pack up camp, and make our way to the rim of the Tepui, where we’ll say our goodbyes to the plateau, and start making our way down the trail at around 10:00AM. Our progress today will be much faster than our hike up, as the way down is almost entirely steep downhill terrain. We’ll be moving at a comfortable pace, as a group, stopping for scenic photography at the optimal locations. As with our hike up, we’ll have several water re-fill opportunities available. Our first big stop will be at Base Camp, which we’ll reach at around 12:00PM. We’ll take a lunch break here at Base Camp, and then continue on towards Rio Tek Camp. We’ll do the same two river crossing we did on the way up, and reach camp shortly after the second river crossing. Our total hiking distance will be 14km/8.7mi and will take us roughly 6 hours.
Border Cross – Gran Sabana to Boa Vista, Brazil
Today we wake up to our final morning with Roraima in our sights. After breakfast, we’ll hop on motorbikes at 7:00AM and get shuttled back to the Indigenous village where we started from. Here, we’ll do a sign-out process with the village authorities, and then be on our way back to Boa Vista. During our drive we’ll stop for some lunch, and then cross the border back into Brazil. From there it will be a 4 hour drive to Boa Vista, Brazil. We’ll arrive at approximately 4:00PM and check in to Hotel Aipana, where our luggage will be waiting, and get cleaned up for an evening dinner and a well deserved Açai!
Meals included: Lunch & Dinner
End of Trip – Boa Vista, Brazil
All good things must come to an end. We’re confident that at this point, you have made memories of a lifetime, and new friends and connections with whom you can explore and adventure with for future travels! Depending on your travel arrangements, we’ll arrange transportation for you to the airport in time for your flight. If you’re travelling at a later date, we’ll arrange for you to be picked up at your hotel on your departure date. If you plan to continue exploring the region, consult with trip leaders who will be happy to provide recommendations!
**Earliest flights out are in the early AM** — Although possible, we don’t recommend scheduling to fly out of Boa Vista on the AM flights unless necessary. In the event of any unforeseeable circumstances or delays during our travels back to Boa Vista on the day prior, it would be wise to schedule a flight in the afternoon (only one flight), or on the following day, Saturday.
If you must depart Boa Vista in the morning on this day, there are the three flights programmed in the early AM: 12:35AM to Brasilia (LATAM), 12:45AM to Manaus (Azul), and 1:35AM to Brasilia (GOL). Note: By departing on an AM flight, you will effectively not spend a full night in Boa Vista for Day 11 (You will have a very long Day 11).
The only other flight out of Boa Vista on this day is at 1:25PM to Brasilia (LATAM). It is recommended to book this flight well in advance, as spots book up quickly, and prices for these flights are known to spike as the date approaches.
Our recommendation—if your schedule allows, is to fly out on the following day (Saturday), or Sunday, as this gives you the most flexibility when choosing flights for your travels home. Today can be a great day to decompress before long travels back home, do a footage and media swap with group members, and have some great Brazilian food. For those using Sao Paulo as a stopover destination, the weekly direct flight from Boa Vista to Saõ Paulo Viracopos (VCP) is scheduled on Sunday at 1:45AM.
Our team will be staying in Boa Vista beyond these days, so if you have spare hours in between hotel check-out time and your departure flight, you are very welcome to store your luggage at our Airbnb.
Safe travels and we’ll see you on the next one!
SKILL PREREQUISITES
GALLERY
INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
Included
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Guide Services
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Hotel Accommodations in Boa Vista
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Meals as indicated in the Itinerary
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Expedited Border Crossing into Venezuela
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Personalized 1-1 Planning Calls with Expedition Leaders
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Private Shuttles to Venezuelan Border
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4x4 Vehicle Transports in Venezuela
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Motorbike Transports on the Gran Sabana
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Porter Services
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Indigenous Community Permits
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Accommodation in Village Huts
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Access to Exclusive Locations on Plateau
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Parque Nacional Canaima Entrance Fee
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Ultralight Cookstoves, Fuel and Pots for Boiling Water
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Home Dinner with Local Taurepang Family
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Luggage Storage during the Expedition
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Waste Management Crew
Not Included
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Airfare to and from Destination
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Trip Cancellation Insurance or any other Travel Insurance
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Personal Gear (see Personal Packing List below)
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Dehydrated Meals (Food Items on Trek)
PERSONAL PACKING LIST
We recommend bringing a pack above 55L in volume capacity for this expedition. Each participant is responsible for carrying their own gear, so the exact backpack size that you will need depends on how much volume all of your equipment takes up. If you’re an ultralight packer, you might be able to manage under 55L, however most guests’ packs range from 55L to 75L.
We will have three to four porters accompany our group on the expedition to assist with specific communal equipment such as kitchen supplies, tarps, the portable bathroom, and waste management. These porters are not intended to be personal porters, so please keep in mind, anything that does not fit in your backpack will need to be strapped to the outside of your pack.
*Important: Bring a Rain Cover for your backpack – The weather on the top of the Tepui and its surroundings can change at a moments notice.
Our drinking water will be coming from clean flowing streams both atop the Tepui and in the Gran Sabana. This water is almost entirely rainwater runoff. Although the water is clean enough to drink—and guests have done this trip without a filter—, we always recommend filtering water before drinking. There are an array of filtration systems on the market, and because the water is already very clean, most any filtration system will be suitable for this trip.
Grayl, LifeStraw, and MSR make great filtration devices that we use on all of our trips. The Grayl Press bottles and the LifeStraw Go Series bottles are a filters that double as bottles, which make for a great two-in-one solution.
Tents branded as Lightweight or Ultralight are best for this trip. Brands such as Big Agnes and MSR have ultralight tents that weigh as little as 1kg / 2lb.
We recommend bringing a “footprint” (tarp / material that goes underneath) to add an extra layer of protection against abrasive rocks and puddle sections which can cause water to seep through. If you have a tent that is a little bit older or well used, it’s a good idea to freshen up the waterproofing with Nikwax Water Proof Spray.
You and someone in your group could decide to share a tent. In this scenario, you’ll benefit from having less weight to carry, and more space amongst you in your packs. — Once group members have been finalized, we’ll set up a group chat where you can explore this option.
Tents can also be strapped to the outside of your backpack. Be sure your backpack has straps long enough for a secure fasten. “Accessory Straps” can be purchased at outdoor stores or online.
A tent rental option is available through a local provider for $80 USD. The tents they provide are Hilleberg 1-2 person size tents. These are excellently built tents, weighing around 3kg / 6lbs. Please consult for latest availability well in advance.
Small, inflatable, compact and lightweight pads are best. Nemo and Therm-a-Rest are two brands we recommend.
You might also consider bringing a lightweight inflatable camp pillow. An optional item. Our guides use Sea to Summit inflatable pillows as they pack down small.
For this trip, we recommend bringing a sleeping bag that is warm enough for temperatures down to 6°C / 42°F, and also lightweight and compact enough to avoid taking up too much room in your pack. Sleeping bags in this category are typically premium but well worth it for multi day hiking expeditions like this. If you own a sleeping bag that is on the larger side, we recommend carrying it inside of a dry-sack such as the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Sacks, and attaching it to the outside of your backpack during the hike. Be sure to have gear straps or long strap buckles for this option to work.
Regular Clothes for in town:
- Most People will be leaving a bag or suitcase in secure storage in Boa Vista while we complete the expedition. We find it’s nice to have some clean clothes to come back to once we get back to civilization.
Clothing Items for the Trek:
- Each person has their own personal preferences when it comes to hiking apparel, but a good approach we like to follow is packing:
- 1 X Long Top for hiking
- 1 X Long Top for camp
- 1 X Short Top for hiking
- 1 X Long Bottoms for hiking
- 1 X Thermal Leggings for camp
- 1 X Short Bottoms for hiking and or swimming
- 1-3 X Merino Wool Socks for hiking
- 1-2 X Merino Wool Socks for camp
- Thin Wool Gloves
- Beanie / Toque
- We recommend planning to hike in long sleeve clothing, especially through the Gran Sabana, as longer garments will help protect you from sun exposure, and insects.
- There is the possibility of washing clothing items throughout the trip, including on the plateau; for this you must bring a Biodegradable or Reef Safe (or similarly labeled) soap.
For this trip we highly recommend bringing a lightweight rain shell, as the weather atop the Tepui is volatile and can change at a moments notice, the mountain makes it’s own weather! One minute we might have clear skies, and the next, a torrential downpour. It’s a great idea to carry a garment known as a “shell”, which means it typically has no insulation or excess material to weigh it down like a typical jacket. Shells are lighter weight and can roll or be folded down into a small form factor. We carry ours in the outer pockets of our backpack, which give us quick access when the weather turns.
Although not as crucial for this trip, we would recommend bringing something like the NRS Endurance Splash Pants. This is a garment that, like we mentioned above, can be easily packed and accessed when it starts raining during a hike. The rain on the plateau, along with strong winds can take very little time to completely soak a hiker. We have had guests complete this trip without a pair of rain pants, but you may find yourself having wet bottoms more frequently without them.
Expect temperatures on the plateau to be cooler, and more varied than the Gran Sabana and lowlands. We recommend bringing something lightweight and compressible.
We’ll be hiking roughly 80km / 50mi throughout the entirety of the expedition, so we of course recommend choosing footwear that you find comfortable for extended hiking periods. We typically choose waterproof footwear so we don’t need to be as cautious when treading around water, but if you prefer breathability, then choose what is best for you.
When we’re not on our long hikes you might opt to walk around camp in breathable sandals to allow a rest for your feet. We’ll also be doing several river crossings on this expedition, so choosing a pair of sandals that you’re also able to hike in can be a great idea.
The best meal solution for these trips are Backpacking Meal pouches. These are pre-made, freeze-dried and dehydrated meals that are prepared simply by adding water. Popular brands include Mountain House, Peak Refuel, and Backpackers Pantry. We will be boiling water for meals two times per day, for breakfast and dinner. For this expedition, you will need 16 backpacking meal pouches. We’ll also be going to a grocery store in Boa Vista on Day 1, to pick up any complimentary food or snack items you may want to bring. If there are particular snack products you enjoy from home, you may want to bring those with you, as the supermarkets in Boa Vista have limited selection. This trip to the supermarket on Day 1 is also our last chance to pick up any other last minute items you might need on the trip.
Our guides enjoy using the Black Diamond and Petzl rechargeable headlamps, however there are lots of brands out there that get the job done. We’ll be exploring a cave during our time on the plateau, so be sure to bring something with enough battery to last a few nights of prior use. If your headlamp is battery operated, consider packing a few extra batteries just in case.
To comply with Venezuelan entry requirements, visitors—especially those entering via Brazil—must show an official Yellow Fever vaccination certificate, which must be administered at least 10 days before arrival. Another reason it is a good idea to have this certificate, is because when flying out of Brazil, some countries require to see proof of vaccination before allowing you to board your flight.
Although there are virtually no bugs on the plateau of the Tepui, as we hike through the Gran Sabana we will encounter both sand flies and mosquitos. They have never been a huge issue for our group, as we use repellant bug spray with higher Deet content. In supermarkets and pharmacies in Brazil we have not been able to find high concentrate repellants, so we recommend packing one from your home country if possible.
A non-essential item, but certainly worth bringing if you have an ultralight one. We’ll almost always be camping on flat rocks, so its nice to be able to sit in a comfortable chair, especially if the ground is wet. We recommend the Helinox Chair Zero as the best ultralight camping chair. The REI Flexlite Air Chair, although not as durable, is a good second option.
DETAILED LOGISTICS
For this expedition, we recommend bringing 16 Backpacking Meal Pouches. Although it is possible to have porters carry and prepare food for our group, we’ve opted for group members to bring their own foods, as food options in this remote part of Venezuela are very, very limited.
Before we set off on our expedition, we’ll head to a grocery store in Boa Vista to pick up any additional snacks and last minute items we might need for the trek. This is a good place to get things like fruits, ramen, candy, nuts, etc. that will be consumed as snack-lunches on the expedition. If there are specific products from your home country that you enjoy, we would recommend packing those with you to Brazil, as the selection in supermarkets won’t be as plentiful as what you might be accustomed to back home.
Guides will be boiling water for meals twice a day, every day, for breakfast and dinner. As there isn’t any firewood available on this expedition, we’ll be cooking entirely over our MSR Whisperlite Universal camping stoves. We’ll also be carrying a lightweight Sea to Summit Alpha Pot for communal use if guests need to cook foods such as pastas or ramen, etc. Trip leaders will be happy to get these stoves fired up should guests need to do any cooking.
If you’re unfamiliar with “Backpacking Meals Pouches”, check out our article about what backpacking meals are, here. We also have an informative article on why we recommend guests source their own selection of backpacking meals for our expeditions, here. Within the Itinerary, you can see specifically what meals are included throughout the trip!
The weather on the Roraima Tepui is highly variable and can change rapidly due to its location within the Gran Sabana region and its elevation. Expect warm temperatures at the base of the mountain, typically ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) during the day. As we ascend, temperatures will drop significantly, especially in the evenings and overnight hours, with nighttime temperatures often dropping to around 10°C (50°F) or lower. The mountain is also known for its unpredictable weather, with rain showers possible year-round. Humidity is generally high, with the plateau having strong winds and fast moving cloud cover at times. We’ll be exploring during the dry season, so we’ll maximize our chance of having warm, sunny days, but it’s essential to be prepared for both warm and cold conditions and to expect occasional rain.
See the Personal Packing List above for recommended items to bring on this expedition.
This expedition will be moderate to strenuous in terms of difficulty. Guests should be physically fit and prepared for multiple hours of activity each day. Our first two days on the trail will be the longest as we trek up to the summit. Please see the detailed Itinerary for a breakdown of what distances to expect throughout the expedition. Hikes will be on moderate to steep grades, with plateau days offering shorter options based on group preference. There will be times where we will venture off-trail across muddy or rocky terrain.
GETTING THERE
Your final destination airport is Aeroporto Internacional de Boa Vista - Atlas Brasil Cantanhede (BVB). Most international travellers will need a connecting flight via São Paulo (Viracopos International Airport, VCP), Brasília (BSB), or Manaus (MAO). São Paulo offers a direct weekly flight to Boa Vista, while Brasília and Manaus provide multiple daily options.
We have written a more in-depth article on our Blog, Getting to Boa Vista, which we recommend reading before booking your flights.
Aeroporto Internacional de Boa Vista - Atlas Brasil Cantanhede (BVB) is a short 8 minute drive to downtown Boa Vista, where we’ll be staying at the Hotel Aipana. This is where we will rendezvous and meet on Day 1! We’ll arrange an easy airport pickup for you when you land.
We highly recommend landing at least a full day or more prior to the start date of the expedition in case of any travel delays or unforeseeable circumstances. We can recommend staying at the comfortable Aipana Plaza Hotel in downtown Boa Vista. Trip leaders will be happy to coordinate with hotel staff and inform them that you are part of the Nahua Expeditions group, so you ideally won’t need to switch rooms on Day 1 either. Restaurant and transportation recommendations will be included in our Akawayo Expedition Guide PDF which you will receive upon joining the group!
Visa requirements for entry into Venezuela depend on your nationality. Citizens of certain countries are allowed to enter Venezuela visa-free for stays typically up to 90 days. If you are from one of these countries, you simply need a valid passport for entry. However, travelers from other countries will need to obtain a visa prior to arrival. Visa applications can be submitted through the Venezuelan consulate or embassy in your home country. Processing times and specific requirements can vary, so it’s important to plan ahead and allow enough time for visa approval. This applies for entry to Brazil as well. To check whether you need a visa, and for current visa policies, we recommend visiting the following resources:
The wellbeing of our group is by far our number one priority, on any expedition we run. This trip is no different.
We have taken every measure possible to ensure the safety of our group during the entirety of this trip, from the moment guests land, to the moment they depart. While Venezuela currently sparks questions in regards to safety, most of what we hear in the media comes primarily from a migration of Venezuelans across the Colombia-Venezuela border, and from political protests in the capital city of Caracas. Whilst these areas are unrecommended for travel, we’ll be visiting the Canaima region which is situated on the opposite side of the country.
Canaima is located in a remote south-eastern corner of Venezuela, along the border with Brazil. This specific region of Venezuela that we’ll be visiting is very much isolated from the rest of the country, it’s population, its economy, and its politics. The land is entirely indigenous land, inhabited by the local Pemon peoples. These indigenous people make an income almost entirely through tourism, so their interests are to keep the region safe, friendly, and welcoming to tourists. A quote from one of the locals on our most recent trip, “Canaima is not representative of either Venezuela, nor Brazil. It’s like its own country. It has no influence from the rest of the country”.
While this is great for tourism, Nahua Expeditions has still set up extensive safeguards for our groups; During our time in both Brazil and Venezuela, we will at all times be accompanied by our partners who are experienced, well known local guides. They are reputable tourism license holders in both Brazil and Venezuela, and are very accustomed to the norms, regulations, and how the wheels in this region work. These individuals are regarded as the most experienced and well respected guides that the region has to offer, with professional careers in both the Tourism and Search & Rescue industries for nearly 35 years.
Our efforts extend beyond just personnel; All vehicle travel will be done through reputable transportation partners, with drivers who have been instructed to drive at safe speeds with our groups. The roads we’ll be taking are well established, major roads or highways. Hotel stays and accommodations will be with well-established and reputable businesses or properties. Restaurants that our groups eat at will be at places with high-cleanliness standards and practices—which have afforded our guests no prior sicknesses.
Our trip leaders will also be carrying multiple satellite communications devices which can be used to contact local support, an external support team, or Search and Rescue personnel if needed. An external support team are individuals in different parts of the world that are in constant comms with our trip leaders via satellite, they are aware of our location at all times, our routes and itinerary, and our schedule. They are our first point of contact in the event of an emergency to help coordinate necessary protocols. Our Team is also well connected with the private helicopter and air taxi services in both Santa Elena de Uairen, Venezuela, and Boa Vista, Brazil, should the need arise.
These safety measures separate Nahua Expeditions from the norm. Our high safety standards translate from the other technical and challenging regions where we run expeditions. On this Akawayo Expedition, we bring those same practices and high standards, and apply them on this trip.
Nahua Expeditions has partnered with Global Rescue, the industry leaders in Travel and Rescue Insurance providers. We always encourage our guests to travel with rescue insurance coverage, especially when embarking on wilderness expeditions such as these. We firmly stand behind Global Rescue as the best providers in the industry, and recommend checking out our resource page on Travel and Rescue Insurance.
On our trip, we’ll be crossing the Brazil-Venezuela border twice. Once each way. During this process our group will be accompanied by employees of the transport company we have partnered with, with a local logistics guide who specializes in this region, and our local Venezuelan guide who will be accompanying us on the trek. These individuals are all reputable tourism licence holders who are in charge of the necessary permits and paperwork to ensure our group crosses smoothly. They are specialists in this border crossing, and are incredibly well connected with both Brazilian and Venezuelan authorities.
Coming from Brazil, our first step will be to get our exit stamps from Brazilian Immigration. Here, our group will be given priority access and head straight to the processing desk, skipping past the long lineups. The process for our entire group will take around 10 minutes.
Once we receive our Brazilian exit stamps, we’ll be driven to the Venezuelan Immigration Office. Here, we’ll also have a smooth entry process with all the required paperwork already handled by our team. The only thing group members need to remember is to have their Passports and Visa (if applicable). The entry process for our group into Venezuela will be smooth and without questions. We will be able to drive right past baggage searches and ID checkpoints without stopping. This is accomplished thanks to our local team taking steps to ensure our group encounters zero friction while in Venezuela.
On our way out of Venezuela, we’ll repeat the same process but in reverse order. Our local team will be accompanying us at all times and will ensure that we have a smooth and easy crossing process.
THE MOST EXPERIENCED LOCAL GUIDES IN THE REGION
Balbina Lambos
Balbina is an indigenous Kamarakoto guide from Canaima, and a Venezuelan tourism legend. Now an inspiration to many, Balbina has been a pioneer for indigenous guides in Venezuela. After teaching herself Spanish as a young adult, she pursued a career as an adventure tour guide, which afforded her professional opportunities around the world. Now with over 35 years in the field, she has become a speaker, advocate for indigenous rights, and consultant for government bodies. She now speaks Spanish, English, and German, in addition to several indigenous dialects. Her passion for the Canaima region and indigenous culture is contagious, and she is excited to share her wealth of knowledge about Roraima, the Gran Sabana, and its deep indigenous history.
“I am incredibly honoured and excited to be a part of the Nahua Expeditions team — our values and passions for exploration and outdoor leadership share deep similarities. I can’t wait to share this unique experience with all of you.”
OUR COMMUNITY
When we founded Nahua Expeditions, our goal was about more than simply sharing the spectacular places we know. We set out to create a vibrant community of passionate adventurers; individuals who are seeking authentic exploration, new friends and community in the adventure travel space, and are driven to push their limits while discovering locations that few people in the world get to see.
On our expeditions, you’ll have the opportunity to meet interesting people from all around the world. People who often bring different talents and expertise from a wide range of backgrounds. If this is your first time joining us on a trip, you will feel that one of the lasting takeaways from the expeditions we organize, are the friendships and connections made during the journey. Whether you’re an experienced mountaineer, or new to the outdoors, you’ll find a strong community here.