Mountains

The Guiana Shield is formed some two billion years ago during the precambrian period. The shield is covered with 2.5 million km sq of tropical forest.The massive granite craton underlying the Guyana Shield are covered with sandstones, quartzite, shales, conglomerates and boulder beds. The Guyana shield is the world's largest remaining tract of mostly undisturbed and unexplored tropical rainforest and is one of the only four such remaining forest in the world.

Mount Roraima Is the most famous Tepui in the World. Over 1,700 million years old, this ancient formation s one of the most acclaimed sights in South America forming a tripartite border between Guyana, Venezuela and Brazil. For hundreds of years this ancient flat-topped mountain formation inspired travelers - tales and rumors abounded concerning the mysterious, inaccessible summit above the clouds. 

Mount Roraima is the highest point in Guyana with a plateau standing at 2700m. Forming part of the ancient Guiana Shield, Mt. Roraima was once part of Gondwanaland before tectonic activity moved apart the continents of Africa and South America. The lunar-like surface is home to many unique flora speacies which huddles for shelter in pockets on the exposed, windswept plateau. Amazing rock formations have been carved by wind and water, and the ground is uneven and rocky with frequent crystal clear pools of excruciatingly cold water (good for the circulation apparently!) There are crystal beds that contain large, individual crystals in interesting shapes, and stunning views.

Mt. Roraima has made a deep impression on western literature and thought, influencing such men as Charles Darwin and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. After the publication of Darwin's 'Origin of Species' there was great public interest in 'missing links' and 'relic species' preserved by isolation. Roraima's mysterious summit was an excellent possibility for an area at evolutionary standstill and the last place on earth where dinosaurs could exist. Conan Doyle, fascinated by the descriptions of early explorers such as Im Thurm, wrote in 1912 what is considered to be one of the best science fiction novels ever written - "The Lost World."

Kanuku Mountains

The Kanuku Mountains – recognized by Conservation International as being one of the few remaining pristine Amazon habitats - is located in southwestern Guyana. This picturesque mountain range forms a spectacular backdrop to the Rupununi Savannahs with its sculptured crowns peaking just below the clouds.

The range, divided by the Rupununi River, is noted for its high diversity of bird and animal species, with approximately 80% of the known mammal species of Guyana being recorded. With little or no human settlement on the eastern range, the area is still pristine and is perfect for the nature and adventure traveler to experience the diversity of the tropical ecosystems.

A trip down the enchanting Rupununi River provides you with the opportunity to see Black and Spectacled Caiman, Puma, Tapir and Giant River Otters. Explore forest trails that lead into the virgin Kanuku Mountains in search of the Harpy Eagle, the Cock of the Rock, Cotingas, Three-toe Sloth, Tyra and many more exotic animals.

The Pakaraima Mountains

The Pakaraima Mountains are found in central and western Guyana along the Venezuela/Brazil border. This mountain range covers a distance of roughly 500 miles, is part of the Guyana Shield and populated with many tepuis, or flat-topped mountians.