The Tepuys: Mysterious mountains of Venezuela
In the heart of South America majestically stand the tepuys, emblematic mountain formations of Venezuela. These gigantic rock structures, often shrouded in clouds, have captured the imagination of explorers and scientists for centuries. The tepuys, the “houses of the gods” according to the definition of the indigenous people of the Gran Sabana region, are famous for their unique appearance and their remarkable biodiversity. Perched above the rainforest canopy, these flat, steep mountains are home to many endemic plant and animal species, some of which are still unknown to scientists.
The discovery of the tepuys dates back to the 16th century when Europeans began exploring the unknown regions of South America. One of the first mentions of the tepuys in European accounts dates back to the Spanish explorer Diego de Ordaz in 1531. However, official recognition of these remarkable formations did not occur until later.
One of the most famous figures associated with the discovery of the tepuys is the British explorer Sir Walter Raleigh. In 1595, while searching for the legendary golden city of El Dorado, Raleigh and his crew sailed the Orinoco River in Venezuela. During this expedition, they were the first Europeans to see the imposing, steep, flat mountains that loomed in the distance. Raleigh was immediately captivated by these strange formations, which he described as mountains "as high as the clouds" in his stories. Although he did not climb the tepuys himself, his observations and descriptions brought the world's attention to this mysterious region and inspired other explorers to come and study them more closely. Subsequently, other explorers, naturalists and scientists undertook expeditions to the region to map, study and understand the unique geology and extraordinary biodiversity of the tepuys.
And how can we talk about tepuys without mentioning Salto Angel? Located in Canaima National Park, Salto Angel is the highest waterfall in the world, with an impressive height of 979 meters and a free fall of 807 meters. This spectacular waterfall takes its name from American aviator Jimmy Angel, who rediscovered it in 1933 during an aerial expedition to the region. The story goes that Jimmy Angel and his crew landed on the summit of Tepuy Auyantepuy near the waterfall, but then had to walk for eleven days through dense jungle to reach civilization. Since then, the waterfall has been named in his honor.
The view from Salto Angel is breathtaking, with torrents of water spraying into a fine mist as they fall into a deep chasm surrounded by sandstone walls. The strength and majesty of this waterfall is truly awe-inspiring, creating a breathtaking natural spectacle for those lucky enough to admire it in person. Visitors to Canaima National Park can admire Salto Angel from different vantage points, whether from the ground, during hikes through the jungle, or from the air, during scenic plane or helicopter flights. Whatever the perspective, the experience of seeing this giant waterfall is unforgettable.
In addition to its natural beauty, Salto Angel is also surrounded by mysteries and legends. Indigenous peoples of the region, such as the Pemon, consider this waterfall sacred and attribute mythical powers to it. To them, the Salto Angel is the residence of spirits and supernatural beings, adding an aura of mystery and spirituality to this natural wonder.
In conclusion, the tepuys are much more than mountains; they are symbols of natural wealth and human fascination with the unknown. Today, these fascinating mountains continue to inspire awe and wonder among travelers around the world, continuing the legacy of their discovery and exploration. A must-see destination for intrepid travelers and dreamers in search of wonders hidden in the remote corners of our planet.