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Village · Lethem, Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo
Surama
Makushi village on the edge of the northern Rupununi forest, a reference for community tourism in Guyana, with the community's own lodge, trails and trips on the Burro-Burro River.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Surama
Surama is a makushi village in a valley between the rainforest and the northern savannahs of the Rupununi, surrounded by the Iwokrama protected area, the Burro-Burro River and the Pakaraima mountains. To the east is Surama hill. At the beginning of the 20th century, the place was a stop on the cattle trail that crossed the savannah, and the current village was reoccupied later.
From the mid-1990s the community began to receive visitors and built its own lodge with that income. Since then Surama has become a reference for community tourism in Guyana: the guides are villagers and the income stays in the community.
Tours include rainforest walks with explanations about plants and traditional medicines, the ascent of Surama hill to see the savannah from above, canoe trips on the Burro-Burro River and bird and wildlife watching at dawn.
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
Two to three days, with overnight stay.
Best time
From September to April, in the dry season. Bird- and wildlife outings usually depart very early, and the hike up Morro de Surama is done early in the morning or late afternoon, when it's cooler.
How to get there
It is in the northern Rupununi, more than 100 km from Lethem, near the Lethem–Georgetown road. The lodge usually picks up guests on the road or in Annai; there is also an airstrip for small planes.
Tip
Book with the community lodge and arrange transportation. Bring insect repellent, a flashlight, lightweight long-sleeved clothing and closed-toe shoes for the trails.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Surama
What is Surama community tourism?
The lodge and tours are run by the makushi village itself: the guides are local residents, and the income stays with the community.
What to do in Surama?
Forest hikes, the ascent of Morro de Surama, canoe trips along the Burro-Burro River and bird- and wildlife-watching at dawn.
How to get to Surama?
Via the Lethem–Georgetown road to the Annai region, with transport arranged with the lodge, or by small plane to the village airstrip.