Overview:

Cerro Autana is a tepui or flat-topped mountain located in the Amazonas state of Venezuela. It stands nearly 3,000 metres (9,800 feet) tall and is the highest peak of the Guiana Shield, a massive geological formation stretching all the way to Guyana and Brazil. The tepui is an important archaeological site, where numerous vestiges of pre-Columbian civilizations have been found. The mountain has a number of unique environments, ranging from cloud forests to savannahs and is home to some of South America’s rarest species of plants and animals. The site has also been declared as an UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Venezuela
Prominent Features:

1. Iconic naturally-occurring structure: Cerro Autana is a natural sandstone structure made up of three separate towers that rise sharply from the surrounding Amazon rainforest. The towers are believed to be millions of years old and they form a large dome-shaped structure which can be seen for many kilometers away. 2. Listed in UNESCO World Heritage sites: Located in Amazonas state in Venezuela, Cerro Autana is one of the few world heritage sites in Venezuela. UNESCO listed the site in 1994, due to its importance in preserving the cultural heritage of the local indigenous population, and its striking and unique form. 3. Significant spiritual site: The towers of Cerro Autana are considered to be sacred by the indigenous communities of the nearby Orinoco basin. Many spiritual ceremonies and rituals are performed at the site, and it is believed to have supernatural powers. 4. Indigenous settlement site: Cerro Autana is also home to several indigenous settlements which were established around the towers. Many of these indigenous settlements date back centuries and are still inhabited today. The indigenous community of San Miguel de Autana is one of the most well-known of these settlements. 5. Iconic in Venezuelan culture: Cerro Autana has come to symbolise the Amazon rainforest region of Venezuela, and is considered to be an icon of the country's indigenous culture. Images of Cerro Autana often feature on Venezuelan stamps, coins and postcards. This national monument of Venezuela portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Located in Southern Venezuela's Amazonas State, Cerro Autana is an iconic mountaintop peak and sacred site shrouded in mystery. A prominent landmark amidst the vast Amazon rainforest, the mountain is shrouded in the mythology of the indigenous Warao and Yekuana people, considered by these cultures to be the home of their gods. In recent years, the mountaintop’s mysterious features, believed to contain concealed archaeological sites and rock carvings, have drawn national and international interest and attention. On April 1, 1998, Cerro Autana was declared an Archaeological-Ethno-Botanic National Park, making it part of Venezuela’s protected land. The history and origins of Cerro Autana remain largely unknown, though some speculate that these could date back to the Amazonian societies of pre-Columbian times. According to local Warao and Yekuana traditions, the mountain, along with nearby Cerro La Pena, is the site of the origins of the indigenous peoples. These myths describe a redoubtable mountain deity descending from the heavens, setting the laws of the local people reigned over the tribes alternatingly from these two mountains. The site, which contains caves with evidence of tools, an enigmatic stone spiral staircase, alters, petroglyphs and paintings, suggest an impressive old-world sophistication and history. These ancient symbols of cultural significance and local mythology demonstrate the symbolic importance the local people have attributed to this special mountaintop location, as well as the strong cultural presence of the Warao and Yekuana peoples. Today, Cerro Autana receives a steady stream of visitors who come to explore, admire and pay homage to the sacred site. Its impenetrable mystery and otherworldly features makes the mountain a source of inspiration and wonder, beckoning Venezuelans and visitors alike. You must visit one of these historical places in Venezuela on your Venezuela tour

Interesting facts:

1. Cerro Autana is a huge limestone mesa located in Amazonas State in Venezuela. It rises 4,326 feet above sea level and provides spectacular views of its surroundings. 2. The autana's flat top rises steeply above the jungle and serves as a natural lookout point. 3. It was declared a national park and protected area in 1972. 4. The Autana region is home to a unique species of wildlife, including giant armadillos, river dolphins, cats, monkeys and red macaws. 5. The Autana’s native tribes – the Ye'kuana and the Sanema – have inhabited the area for centuries. 6. The Autana's caves are believed to have housed the largest population in pre-Colombian Latin America – as many as 15,000 people! 7. One of the most spectacular features of Cerro Autana are the huge rock formations atop the mesa, which are said to resemble the shapes of snakes, dogs and cats. 8. Rock climbing is a popular activity in Cerro Autana and routes are available for all skill levels. Visit one of the famous monuments of Venezuela with your friends and family.