Pakaraimas

The Pakaraimas, also known as the Pakaraima Mountains (Pacaraima in some sources), are a rugged highland range in western Guyana, forming part of the Guiana Shield. They run roughly north–south across the interior and lie near the borders with Venezuela and Brazil. The range acts as a major watershed, with streams draining into the Essequibo basin via the Potaro and Mazaruni rivers and contributing to tributaries of the Rupununi region.

Geology and terrain: The Pakaraimas are part of the ancient Precambrian Guiana Shield, built mainly from hard crystalline rocks and featuring upland plateaus and, in places, tepui-like outcrops. Peaks range from a few hundred meters to over a thousand meters, and in the border areas the landscape includes prominent tabletop features such as Mount Roraima, a well-known point on the border with Venezuela and Brazil.

Ecology: The interior supports tropical rainforest with montane forests at higher elevations, hosting diverse flora and fauna. The area remains relatively remote and sparsely populated, but portions have experienced mining and logging, which pose pressures on some habitats.

People and access: Indigenous communities, including the Wapishana and Macushi, live in and around the Pakaraimas. Kaieteur National Park protects part of the region, notably the Potaro River and Kaieteur Falls, highlighting the range’s ecological and cultural significance. The Pakaraimas are a core component of Guyana’s interior biodiversity, culture, and natural resource use.