Mount Mundo Perdido

1,763m (5,784 ft)

It takes 6-7 hours or about a day to hike up and down Mount Perdido, though the true summit has been historically impossible to reach because of the difficult terrain.

The terrain up Mundo Perdido is comprised mainly of grassy slopes in the lower regions with some rocky areas and karst limestone further up the mountain. Depending on which way you go, you may come across dense forest.

The start of the trail, between the two villages Ossu and Loihuno, is very steep. The trail itself isn’t much of a trail, so much as just following the easiest way up the mountain – often one of the cow tracks. The trail can be muddy and slippery when it is wet.  

After about an hour and a half of trekking (roughly 1,300 m / 4,265 ft above sea level), you’ll come to a wide grassy plain, likely speckled with grazing cows and rocks. If you look around here you can see Mount Matebean in the distance.

Most guides will stop when you reach the highest point of the grassy slopes (about 1,400m / 4,593 ft above sea level). From here, there is a spectacular view of the valley surrounding mountains and the valley below. 

However, if you do manage to continue, as you get higher, it gets rocky and you’ll come across the jagged limestone karsts. Some have steep dropoffs, so caution is necessary here. The mountain is often shrouded in fog at this altitude as well, and it is easy to become disoriented. 

The true summit of Mundo Perdido has historically been inaccessible and impossible to reach because of these steep rugged cliffs, so most hikers just walk down from the grassy slopes.

Descent is usually via the easiest route down, also frequently following cow tracks. The trek down from the grassy slopes is usually relatively easy. Depending on the route you take you may go through some sparse forest and mud.

Timor-Leste has a tropical climate. The wet season is from December to April and the dry season is from May to November.

The best time to plan a climb would be between August and October. This period is when the weather is the clearest, the temperature coolest, and the rain and humidity are at their lowest in this part of Timor Leste.

You’ll need some comfortable hiking shoes and clothing for cold and wet weather. Hiking poles could be helpful but are not essential. 

There are no special facilities or man-made rest stops up this mountain. You’ll need to stop for food and supplies in one of the nearby villages before embarking on your trek.

You will need a guide to climb this peak. The trailhead is difficult to find, and it is easy to get lost up on the mountain when the mist rolls in. 

You can find local guides in the nearby villages, Ossu or Loihuno. There are unfortunately minimal options for tour operators online, but it’s still a good idea to check online beforehand just in case any guides have started to market their services online.

Mount Mundo Perdido is located in Timor Leste (formerly East Timor), a 5-7 hour drive from Dili, the capital of Timor Leste.

The mountain can be found in the district of Viqueque between the two villages Ossu and Loihuno. It takes 2-3 hours from Dili to Bacau by car and then about 3-4 hours from Bacau to Ossu. 

You can get to the base of the mountain via the Baucau-Ossu or Bacau-Viqueque road. You’ll most likely need to hire a four-wheel drive vehicle or a motorcycle as the road is not in good condition.

You can attempt to get a bus from Dili or Baucau to one of the two nearest villages, however they are inconsistent and unreliable. 

The trailhead is situated about halfway between the villages of Loihuno and Ossu. You’ll need a guide to show you exactly where it is. 

The mountain is not well known, so you’ll likely be the only one on the mountain if you attempt this trek. Make sure to go with a guide and some companions.