Plizio Visual Lab

Auyán-Tepui

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Mountain

Weather…

Auyán-Tepui is one of the largest and most famous table-top mountains in the Canaima National Park of southeastern Venezuela. With a summit plateau covering approximately 650 square kilometers, it constitutes a massive, isolated ecological island. It gained worldwide fame as the source of Angel Falls (Salto Ángel), the world's highest uninterrupted waterfall, with a total height of 979 meters. In the indigenous Pemon language, its name means 'Devil's Mountain,' a reference to the frequent storms and heavy mists that shroud the plateau. Geologically, the mountain is composed of ancient sandstone from the Roraima Group, dating back billions of years. Due to its extreme isolation, the plateau hosts a high number of endemic plant and animal species that evolved independently. Auyán-Tepui was brought to international attention in 1933 by the American aviator Jimmie Angel, who later crash-landed on its summit. It remains a powerful symbol of the Guiana Shield's unique relief and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	22	23	24	24	23	22	22	23	23	23	23	22
Rain mm	50	35	41	104	217	298	224	216	121	97	94	77

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

Access is extremely restricted and usually begins with a flight to the village of Canaima, followed by a long motorized canoe trip upriver. Reaching the summit of the tepui requires a multi-day guided trek through dense jungle and over steep rocky slopes.

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Best season

For those wishing to see Angel Falls at its most powerful, the rainy season from May to November is best, though hiking can be muddier. The dry season from December to April gives clearer skies and easier walking conditions on the plateau.

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Terrain & paths

This is a massive table mountain with sheer vertical cliffs and a vast, rocky plateau on top characterized by unique rock formations. The surface is often uneven, with sandstone labyrinths and occasional swampy areas that require careful navigation.

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What to bring

High-performance trekking boots, durable waterproof clothing, and a warm sleeping bag are essential for the cold nights on the summit. A reliable headlamp, insect repellent for the jungle sections, and a portable water filtration system are also needed.

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Parking

There is no road access to this remote region; therefore, no parking facilities exist near the mountain. Travelers must leave their vehicles in major cities like Ciudad Bolívar before flying into the national park area.

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Safety

A professional local guide is mandatory for all expeditions due to the extreme isolation and complexity of the terrain. Sudden heavy rains can cause flash floods in the canyons and make the rocky paths very slippery and dangerous.

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Time needed

A trip to the base of the falls usually takes 3 days, while a full expedition to the summit of the tepui requires 8 to 12 days. Significant physical preparation is necessary for the strenuous climbs and long days of walking.