Safety & Before You Go
Gran Sabana — Safety & Before You Go
Dangers & warnings
- Gold-mining illegal camps (mineros) exist in some remote areas — do not stray off main routes alone
- Troncal 10 has dangerous stretches between Tumeremo and Las Claritas — banditry occasional, drive only by daylight
- Yellow fever vaccine required for entry to Bolívar state
- Malaria endemic in lower elevations (below 800m) — talk to doctor about prophylaxis
- Cellular signal exists only in Las Claritas, El Dorado, Santa Elena — long dark zones between
- Fuel stations are limited and have sometimes had shortages — fill up at every opportunity
- Don't drive at night — animals, potholes, occasional security issues
- Mosquitoes intense at dusk near waterfalls and lagoons — repellent essential
- Sun at altitude (1,200-1,400m) burns fast — high SPF needed even in cloudy weather
- Swimming holes have currents — assess before entering
- Drone use restricted in the national park
- Brazilian border crossing requires yellow fever certificate and proper entry stamps
Before you go
- Yellow fever vaccine 10+ days before
- Rent vehicle in Puerto Ordaz — confirm full tank, spare tire, jack
- Pack a paper map — GPS is unreliable beyond Las Claritas
- Cash in USD small bills — for fuel, park entrance fees, waterfall fees, food
- Bring layered clothing — temperatures swing from 28°C midday to 12°C nights
- Water filter or large supply — purification recommended at Pemón community taps
- Headlamp + battery bank — long power-out stretches in posadas
- Insect repellent (DEET 30%+) for dusk hours
- Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, lip balm with SPF
- Phone with Venezuelan SIM (Movistar) for connectivity windows
- Inform someone of your route — Troncal 10 is mostly unattended
- First-aid kit including anti-diarrheal, electrolytes, ibuprofen