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Village · Lethem, Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo
St. Ignatius
The makushi and wapishana village adjacent to Lethem, born from a Jesuit mission in 1909, with the Catholic church, the cashew cooperative and the everyday life of the savannah.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About St. Ignatius
St. Ignatius is one of the largest indigenous communities in central Rupununi and lies adjacent to Lethem, separated from the town by the Moco-Moco creek. It began as a mission, founded in 1909 by Jesuit priest Cuthbert Cary-Elwes to serve the peoples of the savannah, and was named after the founder of the Jesuits, Saint Ignatius.
The residents are mainly makushi and wapishana, with arawak families, and the majority are Catholic. In the village people speak wapishana and makushi, and many also use English and Portuguese. The Catholic church of the old mission is the center of the community. Kumu and Quarrie are satellite villages of St. Ignatius.
A women's cooperative processes cashew nuts, one of the most common trees of the savannah around Lethem, alongside mango and coconut trees. The visit is relaxed and shows the everyday life of an indigenous community of the Rupununi, with houses, cultivated plots and the savannah opening to the Kanuku mountains.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One to two hours.
Best time
In the morning or late afternoon, when it's cooler. On Sunday mornings there is Mass at the church. Check locally if the cashew cooperative is receiving visitors.
How to get there
It's next to Lethem: you can walk there by crossing the small bridge over the Moco-Moco creek, or take a taxi.
Tip
This is a community: ask permission before photographing people and houses. Buy cashew nuts and handicrafts directly from residents. Dress modestly in the church.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about St. Ignatius
Is St. Ignatius far from Lethem?
No. The village is adjacent to the town, separated by the Moco-Moco creek; you can walk there.
Who lives in St. Ignatius?
Mainly the makushi and wapishana peoples, with Arawak families. Many speak English and Portuguese, as well as indigenous languages.
How did St. Ignatius originate?
As a Jesuit mission, founded in 1909 to serve the peoples of the Rupununi savanna, named Santo Inácio after the founder of the Jesuits.