Sima Martel, Natural sinkhole in Sarisariñama tepui, Venezuela
Sima Martel is a massive sinkhole in Sarisariñama tepui with an opening spanning about 500 meters wide and descending roughly 250 meters deep. The walls consist of quartzite, an extremely hard rock formation that gives the structure its distinctive shape.
The sinkhole was discovered during a helicopter flight in 1961 and later explored during the 1970s. These expeditions made it possible to understand this remarkable geological formation in remote South American highlands.
The sinkhole bears the name of renowned speleologist Édouard-Alfred Martel, reflecting the scientific community's recognition of his contributions to cave exploration studies.
Visits require special permits and coordination with the management of Jaua-Sarisariñama National Park in Bolívar State. The extreme remoteness and lack of established access routes mean that expeditions must be carefully planned.
At the base of this sinkhole grows an isolated forest that looks markedly different from the rest of the tepui vegetation. Black mineral stalactites made of litiophorite create there an unusual underground landscape.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
