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Journey on the Rio Carrao: Gateway to Auyán-Tepui

Travel upstream from the Laguna de Canaima on the Rio Carrao, through pristine jungles and rocky riverbanks, to the towering walls of Auyán-tepui, the largest tepui in the Guiana Highlands. This journey explores one of the most remote and biodiverse parts of Canaima National Park, revealing the interplay of rivers, tepuis, and forests.

Starting in the savannah near the Laguna de Canaima, this journey follows the Rio Carrao upstream through some of the most untouched regions of Canaima National Park. Stops along the rocky riverbanks and sandy beaches showcase the river’s connection to the tepuis, ending with a glimpse of the forest along its banks.

The Virtual Tour: Journey Along the Rio Carrao

This virtual tour, consisting of eight panoramas, takes you on a journey upstream from the Laguna de Canaima, along the Rio Carrao, toward the northern edge of Auyán-tepui. The tour highlights the changing landscapes and ecosystems of this iconic region in Canaima National Park.

  • Starting Point: A few kilometers upstream from the Laguna de Canaima, the tour begins in a savannah landscape, featuring open grasslands interspersed with Moriche palms (Mauritia flexuosa), which thrive in the wetter soils near the river.
  • Stops Along the Way: As the boat moves upriver, it stops at several points along the rocky banks and a sandy beach, showcasing the dynamic interaction between the river and its surroundings. These spots are ideal for observing the natural beauty of the river and its connection to the tepuis.
  • Approaching Auyán-tepui: Further upstream, the river flows alongside the northern edge of Auyán-tepui, revealing the impressive wavy walls of this colossal formation. These sandstone cliffs rise dramatically above the forest, showcasing the geological grandeur of the tepui.
  • The Final Stop: The tour concludes with a short trail into the rainforest near the junction of the Rio Carrao and Rio Churún. This panorama reveals a lush forest floor covered in bromeliads and dense vegetation, offering a glimpse of the vibrant ecosystems that thrive in the shadow of the tepuis.

This journey captures the gradual transition from savannah to river, tepui cliffs, and finally rainforest, providing a comprehensive view of the region’s landscapes and ecosystems.

The Rio Carrao: A Lifeline in Canaima National Park

The Rio Carrao (Carrao River) is a vital artery in the intricate river network of southeastern Venezuela, connecting the tepuis, lagoons, and forests to larger waterways and beyond.

  • Part of a Larger Network:
    • The Rio Carrao is a tributary of the Rio Caroní, one of the major rivers of Canaima National Park.
    • Water from the Angel Falls—cascading down Auyán-tepui—feeds into the Rio Churún, which merges with the Rio Carrao.
    • The Rio Carrao flows through the Laguna de Canaima, eventually joining the Rio Caroní.
  • From Tepuis to the Ocean:
    • Downstream, the Rio Caroní flows into the Guri Reservoir, the largest reservoir in Venezuela and a crucial source of hydroelectric power.
    • From there, it empties into the Orinoco River, one of South America’s largest waterways, which ultimately reaches the Atlantic Ocean.

This vast hydrological system links the ancient tepuis to the modern world, carrying water and sediment across hundreds of kilometers.

Aquatic Life: The Riches of the Rio Carrao

The Rio Carrao, as part of the greater Rio Caroní basin, supports a diverse array of fish species adapted to the region’s fast-moving, clear waters and rich aquatic ecosystems. Many of these species are endemic to the Guiana Shield, showcasing the unique biodiversity of this ancient landscape.

Examples of Fish in the Rio Carrao and Rio Caroní Basin

  1. Characiformes (Characins):
    • Serrasalmus rhombeus (Black Piranha): A well-known predator in South American rivers, the black piranha is both feared and respected for its sharp teeth and strong bite. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem by scavenging and controlling fish populations.
    • Moenkhausia collettii: A small characin that thrives in the clear, fast-moving waters of the Rio Carrao. It is part of the region’s food web, often preyed upon by larger fish and birds.
  2. Loricariidae (Armored Catfish):
    • Hypostomus plecostomus (Common Pleco): Found clinging to submerged rocks and feeding on algae, this species helps maintain water quality by preventing algal overgrowth. It is recognizable by its bony plates and ventral mouth adapted for suction.
  3. Cichlidae (Cichlids):
    • Cichla temensis (Peacock Bass): A strikingly patterned predator known for its importance to local fisheries. It prefers clear waters with submerged vegetation and is a top predator in the aquatic food chain.
  4. Anostomidae (Headstanders):
    • Anostomus ternetzi (Ternetzi Headstander): Known for its peculiar swimming posture, often seen with its head angled downward as it grazes on algae and organic material.
  5. Lebiasinidae (Pencilfish):
    • Copella arnoldi (Splash Tetra): This small, surface-dwelling fish is famous for its unique reproductive behavior, laying eggs on overhanging vegetation above the water. Its presence highlights the intricate adaptations of Rio Carrao’s aquatic species.
  6. Heptapteridae (Three-Barbel Catfish):
    • Cetopsorhamdia boquillae: A nocturnal species that inhabits the river’s deeper areas, feeding on insects and small fish.
  7. Trichomycteridae (Pencil Catfish):
    • Trichomycterus guianensis: A small, bottom-dwelling catfish found in the Guiana Shield rivers. It is known for its ability to cling to rocks in fast currents.
  8. Lebiasinidae (Freshwater Sardines):
    • Triportheus angulatus: Common in calm stretches of the river, this species feeds on plankton and small insects, forming an important part of the food chain.

Key Features of the Aquatic Ecosystem

  • Endemic Species: Several fish in the Rio Caroní basin, such as Cetopsorhamdia boquillae and Trichomycterus guianensis, are endemic to the Guiana Shield, highlighting the unique evolutionary history of the region.
  • Adaptations to Fast Currents: Fish like armored catfish and pencilfish exhibit specialized adaptations, such as suction mouths and streamlined bodies, to thrive in the fast-moving waters of the Rio Carrao.
  • Biodiversity Hotspot: The river supports a wide variety of trophic levels, from algae-grazing plecos to top predators like peacock bass and piranhas, creating a balanced and interconnected ecosystem.

Auyán-tepui: A Colossus of Stone

As the journey progresses, the walls of Auyán-tepui—known as the “Devil’s Mountain”—dominate the horizon, revealing the sheer scale and majesty of this geological giant.

  • Auyán-tepui is one of the largest tepuis in the Guiana Highlands, covering an area of over 700 square kilometers (270 square miles).
  • The tepui’s walls visible in the virtual tour already look huge, but they form just a small portion of its northern tip!
  • Like all tepuis, Auyán-tepui is composed of ancient quartz sandstone, part of the Guiana Shield, one of Earth’s oldest geological formations.
  • Erosion has shaped its cliffs and plateaus, creating an isolated summit that fosters unique ecosystems.
  • In the Pemon language, Auyán-tepui means “Devil’s Mountain”, reflecting its dramatic appearance and the mythology surrounding it.
  • It is also the source of Angel Falls, the world’s tallest waterfall, cascading nearly 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) from its summit.