Location and surroundings
The mountain sits within the Cerbatana Mountains, which are part of the Northwestern Guyana Highlands, the Guiana Highlands, and ultimately the Guiana Shield. Located in Bolivar State, Venezuela, specifically in the municipality of Parroquia Caicara and the district of Municipio Cedeño, Cerro Kitonaka holds the distinction of being the highest of the 100 named peaks in the Cerbatana Mountains. The surrounding landscape is characterised by rugged terrain and remote tropical wilderness typical of the region's highlands.
Neighbouring peaks
Cerro Kitonaka is surrounded by several nearby peaks and passes within the range. The closest points of interest include:
- Piedra la Chachara (peak, 1,730 m) - 2.4 km NW
- Cerro Waburemi (peak, 1,800 m) - 5.0 km N
- Cerro Cerbatana (peak, 1,690 m) - 5.2 km W
- Cerro Kusaweri (peak, 1,500 m) - 8.8 km W
- Cerro Wokanine (peak, 1,300 m) - 10.6 km NW
- Cerro Tobarine (peak, 1,610 m) - 10.7 km N
- Cerro Yosamure (peak, 1,610 m) - 11.9 km SW
- Piedra el Tubiro (peak, 1,370 m) - 12.6 km SW
Standing at 2,070 metres, Cerro Kitonaka surpasses all of these immediate neighbours in elevation, making it the dominant summit in the immediate vicinity.
The view from the summit
From the high point of Cerro Kitonaka, climbers and observers can look out across the wider landscape. The highest peaks located within a 25-kilometre radius include Cerro Maniapure (1,570 m, 15.9 km N), Cerro Mebutake (1,390 m, 16.0 km SE), Piedra Kunkital (1,320 m, 15.1 km W), Cerro Tuwasi (1,310 m, 15.9 km S), Cerro Chaviripa (1,220 m, 23.4 km N), and Cerro Tenurim (1,170 m, 7.5 km SW). These surrounding summits remain visible across the expansive highlands on clear days.
The range
Cerro Kitonaka belongs to the Cerbatana Mountains, which form part of the Northwestern Guyana Highlands, the Guiana Highlands, and the Guiana Shield. The Cerbatana Mountains contain 100 named peaks, among which Cerro Kitonaka ranks as the highest. As the high point of the range, it sits at the absolute pinnacle of this specific mountainous formation in Venezuela.
Climate and weather
Climate data for Cerro Kitonaka, based on estimates from NASA POWER climate data covering the period from 2001 to 2006, indicates that temperatures at the summit remain above freezing throughout every month of the year. The warmest month at the summit is March, with a mean temperature of about 18 °C, while June is the coldest month, with a mean of about 15 °C. In the surrounding area, total annual precipitation reaches about 1,800 mm, with June being the wettest month (bringing about 355 mm of rain) and January the driest (about 10 mm). Typical weather hazards in this tropical highland environment include sudden heavy downpours, strong winds on exposed ridges, and reduced visibility during cloud cover.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Cerro Kitonaka aligns with the drier months of the year, particularly around January, when precipitation drops significantly compared to the rest of the year. Mean temperatures at the summit remain well above freezing across all twelve months, meaning extreme winter cold is not a factor. However, travellers must plan around the heavy rainfall experienced during peak wet months such as June to ensure safer travel conditions.
Nature and wildlife
The natural environment around Cerro Kitonaka consists of rugged tropical highland terrain within Bolivar State, Venezuela. Vegetation transitions from dense lowland tropical forests to stunted cloud forest flora and open shrublands as elevation increases towards the summit. The remote highlands support diverse wildlife typical of the Guiana Shield, including various endemic bird species, reptiles, and insects adapted to high-humidity, montane conditions.
Guides and organised ascents
Visiting remote mountains in Venezuela often requires careful logistical preparation, and hiring a certified guide is advisable for unfamiliar terrain and dense wilderness. Established guiding companies operating within the country include Arassari Trek, based in Mérida. Visitors engaging in organised ascents should coordinate with local operators. When planning visits to specific protected zones in Venezuela, note that climbing areas like Roraima in Canaima National Park require an INPARQUES permit and must be undertaken with a local Pemón guide.
Safety and preparation
Ascending remote peaks like Cerro Kitonaka demands good physical fitness, self-reliance, and proper equipment to handle tropical downpours, steep terrain, and isolation. Climbers should carry adequate water, navigation tools, and emergency gear. In the event of an emergency in Venezuela, the emergency number for mountain rescue is 911, and 171 is also listed.
Interesting facts
Cerro Kitonaka stands out as the highest of 100 named peaks in the Cerbatana Mountains, making it the undisputed high point of the range. Its elevation reaches exactly 2,070 metres, setting it apart from all surrounding elevations in its immediate section of the Northwestern Guyana Highlands.
FAQ
How high is Cerro Kitonaka? Cerro Kitonaka reaches an elevation of 2,070 metres.
Where is Cerro Kitonaka located? It is located in Venezuela, within Bolivar State, the district of Municipio Cedeño, and the municipality of Parroquia Caicara.
What mountain range does it belong to? It belongs to the Cerbatana Mountains, part of the Northwestern Guyana Highlands, the Guiana Highlands, and the Guiana Shield.
Is there water on the way to Cerro Kitonaka? 5 to 3 litres per person—depending on heat and the length of the trek.
What is the nearest peak to Cerro Kitonaka? The nearest peak is Piedra la Chachara, located 2.4 km to the northwest at an elevation of 1,730 metres.
What is the mobile phone coverage like? Mobile phone coverage in remote tropical hills is generally patchy and depends entirely on your operator. Maps should be downloaded beforehand, and note that emergency numbers can often be reached over any available network.