Trekking

Mt. Roraima is a table mountain (so-called tepuis or tepuy) and the highest in Venezuela (2810 m). This flat-top mountain with free-dropping edges is an amazing trek into another world. The top has been cut off from the rest of the world for millions of years, which means plant and animal life has developed independently. It is a strenuous multi-days trek up to a lost world of strange rock formations surrounded by clouds. A walk to the edge offers spectacular views to other table mountains like neighbouring Kukenan. A brave peek over the edges will get anyone dizzy for the drop is more than 400 meters. Some locals believe that Roraima and Kukenan have supernatural powers and that they are centres for metaphysical phenomena like crystal energy and UFO activities, which just adds to the mystery of the place. This is truly a unique experience, which should not be missed.

Sapa town is beautiful nested at around 1500 m at the top of a valley. Not only does it boast of magnificent views of Mt Fansipan, 3143 m, (well, when the weather is clear) but Sapa Valley is also one of the most ethnological diverse places. On a day's trek through the valley you can meet up to six different minorities (Black H'mong, Blue H'mong, Red Dao, Giay, Tay and Xa Pho), and then we haven't even counted the visiting minorities that come in for Sapa's weekend market. The colourful minority ladies are keen on selling their souvenirs and they don't take no for an answer. Many visitors might find Sapa too touristy, but keep in mind that Sapa was original build as holiday retreat for the colonial French more than a hundred years ago. So tourists are not a new thing for Sapa. Though Sapa town can have its moments on market days, the real reason to come here is the valley and beyond; rice terraces covering whole mountain sides, primitive minorities villages with homestays and off-the-beaten-track trekking along Hoang Lien Son mountain range.