Santa Elena de Uairén — Troncal 10 Southern Gateway and Brazil Border
Santa Elena de Uairén is the undisputed staging hub for any Roraima circuit or Gran Sabana traverse. This is where you sort your INPARQUES entry permit for Canaima National Park, top off the tank (fuel availability fluctuates badly in Venezuela — arrive with jerry cans and low expectations, then be pleasantly surprised), and buy whatever food and water you’re missing before the road north eats your buffer. The town sits at roughly 900 m elevation on the southern edge of the Gran Sabana, just a few kilometers from the Brazilian border at Pacaraima.
The border crossing itself is a functioning POI — Brazilian reals are easier to spend than bolívares for fuel on the Venezuelan side if you’re coming northbound. Cell service exists in town proper but drops fast heading north on Troncal 10. INPARQUES office is in town; get your Roraima permit stamped here before driving to Paraitepui. Stock water — the route north has limited reliable sources.
Last fuel, permits, and supplies before the sabana.
Place Details
| Type | Point of Interest |
|---|---|
| Street address | Calle Murumpa, Santa Elena de Uairén, Bolivar State, Venezuela Get directions → |
| Elevation (ft) | 2953 ft |
| Nearest town | Santa Elena de Uairén, Bolívar State |
| Minimum vehicle | Any vehicle |
| Access road surface | Paved |
| Cell service | Partial |
| Cost (USD/night, 0 = free) | Free |
| Reservation required | No |
| Best season | Year-round |
| Land manager | Other |
| Permit required | No |
| Amenities | Cell signal, Drinking water, Trash service |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |