Kukenán

Kukenán is a tepui, a tabletop mountain, located in Venezuela's Canaima National Park. It is the second highest tepui in the park, reaching an elevation of 2,680 meters (8,793 feet). Its summit is approximately 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) long and 2.5 kilometers (1.6 miles) wide. The sheer vertical cliffs surrounding Kukenán are characteristic of all tepuis, making them incredibly isolated ecosystems.

The tepui is named after the Kukenán River, which originates on its summit and cascades down its sheer walls as the Kukenán Falls, one of the world's highest waterfalls. This waterfall is also known as the Maiden's Tears waterfall. The summit of Kukenán, like other tepuis, is believed to be largely unexplored due to its inaccessibility. It is home to a unique array of endemic flora and fauna, adapted to the nutrient-poor soil and constant moisture.

Kukenán is part of the Guiana Highlands, a region known for its ancient geological formations. The tepuis themselves are Precambrian sandstone formations that have been eroded over millions of years. The isolation of these plateaus has led to the evolution of distinct species found nowhere else on Earth. The indigenous Pemón people have a deep cultural connection to Kukenán and the other tepuis, viewing them as sacred sites. Climbing Kukenán is a challenging endeavor, typically undertaken by experienced mountaineers and requiring significant logistical planning.