Monte Roraima — Safety & Before You Go

Hypothermia is the #1 risk on summit — temperatures drop below freezing at night even in dry season
Slip-and-fall on wet quartzite is the #2 risk — multiple ankle injuries each season
River crossings of Río Tëk and Río Kukenán can become impassable in heavy rain — guides decide to turn back, respect this
Altitude up to 2,810m — mild altitude effects possible but rarely serious
Lightning storms on the summit are genuine — get off exposed rock immediately when storms approach
No evacuation possible from summit except by helicopter ($3,000-8,000) — twisted ankles mean you walk down injured
Yellow fever vaccine required (10+ days before)
Sun at altitude burns extremely fast — high SPF, lip protection, sunglasses essential
Leeches in the wet-season forest sections
Do not remove anything from the summit — quartz crystals, plants, water bottles — Pemón consider this sacrilege and park rangers check packs on descent

Train physically — minimum 3 months of 5-10 km hikes with a loaded pack before attempting
Yellow fever vaccine 10+ days before — non-negotiable
Pack a 4-season sleeping bag (rated to 0°C / 32°F) — summer bags will fail at the summit
Quality rain jacket and rain pants — not poncho — you will be hiking in rain regardless of season
Two pairs of boots: trekking boots (broken in!) + lightweight camp shoes for evenings
Synthetic or wool base layers, no cotton — cotton kills in the wet cold
Trekking poles — descent is brutal on knees over 6 days
Headlamp + spare batteries — cave shelters have no electricity
Water purification — Pemón guides use stream water on the summit; pack tablets or a UV pen
Pack as light as possible — porters cost extra but save your back if you can't carry 12-15 kg
Bring USD cash for guide tips ($50-100/trekker is generous and expected)
Buy a Venezuelan SIM in Caracas — Santa Elena has reliable signal, the trek does not