Guyana Mountains
Guyana is located in the northeast of South America and is described as a paradise for adventurers. Guyana’s mountain ranges form part of the Guiana Shield, a 1.7-billion-year-old geological formation covering 270 million hectares, in total, and home to significant biological and cultural diversity. Referenced as one of the last few truly wild places on Earth, with a rich indigenous culture still prevailing in this part of South America, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) describes the Guiana Shield as being of “regional and global significance.”
There are four main mountain ranges in Guyana: engulfed by lush rainforests and boasting some of the world's largest waterfalls, these ranges promise dramatic landscapes, and a chance to experience unique ecosystems. Travelling to the mountains in Guyana offers the unrivalled opportunity to meet with awe-inducing natural beauty, untouched by the modern world and witness a wilderness that we should all be corroborating to preserve.
Guyana’s mountainous regions remain unspoilt by mass tourism, offering a sense of singularity and adventure that’s becomming increasingly rare for travellers to find. In this feature, we introduce you to the four main mountain ranges in Guyana, their distinctive characteristics, points of interest and what to know about visiting the areas.
The Pakaraima Mountains
The Pakaraima Mountains, located in western Guyana, are home to some of the country’s most iconic landmarks. Here, you will find Mount Roraima - the highest peak in the country, a stunning flat-topped tepui rising 9,200ft/2800m, surrounded by mystical clouds and native flora. Also located in this range is Kaieteur Falls - one of the most jaw-dropping sites in our natural world.
Two of the biggest river basins on Earth lie on either side of the Pakaraima Mountains. Sitting to the north of the mountain range, the Orinoco Valley and to the south, the Amazon’s vast basin. Their unique 800km/500 miles extension serves up spectacular vistas across the three countries they border, forming a marker between Brazil and southeastern Venezuela and between Brazil and west-central Guyana.
The Pakaraima Mountains are a haven for wildlife in Guyana, including jaguars, cock-of-the-rock birds, carnivorous plants and endemic orchids.
What is a Tepui?
These distinctive flat-topped mountains in Guyana, named Tepui’s (pronounced teh-poo-ee) are some of the Earth’s earliest geological formations. Comprised of compressed crystalline sandstone, they have been shaped by millennia of erosion and geological activity. Erosion of the sandstone has resulted in dramatic escarpments, the individual remnants of which are called tepuis.
Mount Roraima in The Pakaraima Mountains
Towering at a height of just over 9200ft, Mount Roraima lies at the tri-junction of Guyana, Venezuela, and Brazil, with the majority of the mountain (85%) in Venezuela. The mountain’s eastern escarpment, however, is within Guyana’s borders. Climbing Mount Roraima from Guyana is dramatically steep though and only recommended for expert climbers. Trekkers of Mount Roraima more typically ascend from the Venezuela side but its magnificent beauty can be observed from all three nations.
One of the mountain’s fascinating features is its caves carved into the quartzite rock by millions of years of erosion. These caves form a network over 15km/9 miles long and contain the largest quartz cave in the world. The water level inside rises and falls dramatically, depending on the precipitation on the surface, interchanging between dried-up waterways and underground rivers.
Waterfalls in and around the Pacaraima Mountains
Kaieteur Falls is the world’s largest single-drop waterfall. With its dramatic 741ft plunge, it’s a must-visit for nature lovers and photographers. Located on the Potaro River in Guyana’s region of the Amazon rainforest, the falls have been measured up to 350ft wide at the top and are the central feature of the Kaieteur National Park, established in 1930.
Not far behind Kaietuer in stature is Uchi Falls (also known as George VI Falls or Oshi Falls), with another impressive drop of 701ft. Although lesser known, this waterfall drops into a stunning amphitheatre-structured rock face and is surrounded by lush rainforest. Accessible only via trekking or river expeditions, it is a hidden gem of unspoiled nature.
Located in the sparsely inhabited land of the Arecuna people, another beautifully remote and impressive waterfall in this mountain range is Kamerang Falls. Its breathtaking cascade has a vertical drop of approximately 476ft. Measuring almost 100ft in width at its pinnacle, a vast water curtain tumbles down a sheer escarpment.
The Kanuku Mountains
Situated in southern Guyana, the Kanuku Mountains are aptly named the “Mountains of Life” for their incredible biodiversity. Over 70% of Guyana’s mammal species live here, including giant anteaters and capybaras. Bird enthusiasts might be excited to learn that the harpy eagle can also be spotted in this mountain range. In 2011, the Kanuku Mountains were declared a protected area.
The range divides the Rupununi savannah, offering contrasting landscapes of rolling grasslands and dense tropical forests. Hidden within the Kanuku Mountains are lesser-known waterfalls like King Edward VIII Falls, perfect for tranquil exploration.
This area is also rich in indigenous culture, with Makushi and Wapishana villages offering opportunities to experience local traditions and cuisine. Trekkers are drawn here for the combination of wildlife spotting and cultural immersion.
What’s the highest peak in the Kanuku Mountains?
With an elevation of 3500ft Schomburkg’s Peak is an achievable climb for anyone trekking in Guyana - comparable to Snowdon in Wales, UK or Flattop Mountain in Alaska, USA. From the peak, spectacular views of Guyana and Brazil can be enjoyed, as well as abundant flora and fauna on your ascent.
Conservation of the Kanuku Mountains and Rupununi Region
The Kanuku Mountains are home to the indigenous Macushi and Wapishana peoples, dating back centuries. These communities named the area - Kanuku means “rich forest”. Having a deep and intrinsic connection with the mountains, they rely on their resources for subsistence living. Over 6000sqkm/3700sqmiles of this area is protected, comprising approximately 4% of Guyana’s total forested area with 99% forest and 1% savannah and as such it is an important area for biodiversity.
The Iwokrama Mountains
The word Iwokrama translates as “place of refuge” which is what this mountain range once provided for the Macushi people. Although not impressively high (1000ft at the highest point), the rugged peaks in this range are surrounded by lush rainforests and belong in a protected land zone.
The area is a paradise for eco-travellers, with treks offering a chance to spot jaguars, red howler monkeys, and hundreds of bird species, including harpy eagles and king vultures.
The diverse landscape surrounding the Iwokrama Mountains encompasses lowland tropical forests, rivers, wetlands, and savannas, each contributing to the rainforest's ecological richness.
The Iwokrama Forest Reserve
The Iwokrama Mountains are nestled in the heart of the Iwokrama Forest Reserve, a biodiversity hotspot and a key conservation area. Occupying a relatively small expanse measuring 85km/52 miles at its widest from east to west and 80km/50 miles from north to south, the Forest is one of the four last pristine tropical forests in the world. It is home to several endangered species, such as the giant anteater and the bush dog, along with many plants, fish and reptiles.
A major highlight of visiting the forest is the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway - an almost 100-foot-high bridge system that provides stunning views of the forest and its canopy. The walkway allows visitors to experience the wilderness of the rainforest whilst minimising disruption to the wildlife.
An Unforgettable Hike Up Turtle Mountain
For seasoned hill climbers, Turtle Mountain’s peak may not seem challenging at around 930ft. But achieving great heights is not what this climb is about. The beauty of climbing Turtle Mountain lies in the journey up since it is surrounded by a million hectares of protected, lush, and biodiverse rainforest. The chance of spotting rare wildlife such as red howler and black spider monkeys, jaguars, macaws and countless insects means every moment of your hike is an opportunity for fascination. Reaching the summit offers spectacular views over the entire reserve, the Essequibo River and the Pakaraima Mountains beyond. Experiencing this staggeringly beautiful landscape from this vantage point provides a feeling of connection to our natural world and is indeed a humbling experience for many.
The Acarai Mountains
Guyana’s Acarai Mountains are among the country’s even lesser-explored ranges - an exciting pull for adventurers and nature enthusiasts looking for a truly off-the-beaten-track experience. Located in a remote region, this mountain range features dramatic landscapes, ecological diversity, and cultural significance.
The Acarai Mountains, located in southern Guyana near the border with Brazil, are characterised by lush rainforests, rugged peaks, and winding rivers. The highest peak in this range is estimated to rise around 2,950ft, though much of the region remains uncharted and sparsely populated. This isolation makes it a prime destination for exploration and scientific research.
The Acarai Mountains are the source of the Essequibo River, Guyana’s largest river, which flows northward through the country. The forested landscape here, unaffected by humans and remaining in its original condition, is home to incredible biodiversity, including jaguars, harpy eagles, and numerous endemic plant species. These ranges offer opportunities for trekking, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting. From here, you can visit indigenous villages and gain insights into the cultural heritage of communities that live harmoniously with nature.
The Kanashen Amerindian Protected Area (KAPA)
Kanashen Amerindian Protected Area is Guyana's largest protected area. Spanning over 6,000 sq km and managed by the Wai Wai people - it has been a model for indigenous-led conservation since 2004. This is when the Village of Kanashen was awarded – in what is considered globally, as one of the truest recognitions of traditional rights – absolute title to their ancestral lands.
The region encompasses approximately 3% of the total land mass of Guyana and is home to pristine rainforests, rivers, and parts of the Acarai Mountains. KAPA safeguards cultural heritage and provides opportunities for sustainable eco-tourism, offering visitors a glimpse into traditional Wai Wai life while preserving its unique ecosystems.
Trekking Adventures in the Mountains of Guyana
If you’re looking for an adventure that separates itself from ordinary tourism, Guyana’s Mountains will fill your cup. Guyana offers an authentic experience far removed from crowded trekking hotspots and ecosystems teeming with life, every step is an opportunity to witness something extraordinary. Guyana’s eco-tourism initiatives allow visitors to support conservation efforts and local communities too. Find out more about the trekking adventures in Guyana that we offer here at Kandoo.