Kato

Kato is a Patamona village in the high Pakaraimas at around eight hundred metres, set in rolling highland savannah with forest in the valleys, and the Chiung river drops through falls a walk from the village. It is on the long-distance trekking route that links the Pakaraima villages, and most visitors arrive either on foot over several days or by charter to the small airstrip. The village runs a guesthouse and guides walks to the falls and the surrounding hills.

What you actually see

• The Chiung falls - drops on the river within walking distance of the village.
• The highland savannah - rolling open country at around eight hundred metres.
• The Patamona village - a highland community running its own visitor arrangements.
• The trekking route - the multi-day walk linking Pakaraima villages.

When to go

September to April is drier and better for trekking. The wet season from May to August raises the rivers and makes the trails heavy. Nights in the highland are cool.

Honest expectations

Access is by charter flight or several days of walking; there is no road. Accommodation is a simple village guesthouse. Arrangements must be made with the village in advance and flights are weather dependent.

Nearby

Mahdia is east, and the Pakaraima villages run north and west.