Tepuis

Tepuis are tabletop mountains of the Guiana Highlands, spanning parts of Venezuela, Guyana, and Brazil. They are among the region’s most distinctive landforms, characterized by sheer cliffs and flat, forested summits that rise abruptly from the surrounding lowlands. The highest tepuis reach several hundred meters above their bases, with some peaks exceeding 2,000 meters in elevation.

Tepuis consist mainly of ancient quartz-sandstone rocks of the Precambrian Guiana Shield. They were uplifted long ago and subsequently shaped by extensive erosion, producing their characteristic flat tops and vertical walls. The summits host isolated, often nutrient-poor soils, and a cool, misty microclimate that supports specialized plant and animal communities.

Ecology: The isolation of tepui summits has given rise to high levels of endemism. Summit ecosystems support carnivorous plants of the genus Heliamphora and other taxa adapted to nutrient-poor soils, as well as unique amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates. The surrounding forested slopes host a mix of tropical and subtropical species.

Human history and protection: Tepuis lie largely within protected areas such as Canaima National Park in Venezuela, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Indigenous groups, including the Pemon, have long inhabited the region. Many tepuis are accessible to visitors by river or air, attracting ecotourism and scientific research.

Notable tepuis: Mount Roraima, Auyán-tepui (source of Angel Falls), Kukenan-tepui, and Pico da Neblina are among the best known examples, illustrating the diversity of the Guiana Highlands.