The Rupununi is Guyana's wild heart — a vast expanse of savannah, wetlands, and forest covering approximately 13,000 square kilometers in the country's southwest. Bordered by the Kanuku Mountains to the east and Brazil to the south and west, this is one of South America's last truly unspoiled wilderness areas.
Here you'll find some of the best wildlife viewing in the Americas, indigenous communities that have called this land home for thousands of years, and world-class eco-lodges that offer life-changing experiences. This guide covers everything you need to know about visiting the Rupununi.
What Makes the Rupununi Special
The Rupununi is divided into the North Rupununi and South Rupununi, each with distinct characteristics:
North Rupununi
- More accessible from Georgetown
- Mix of savannah and forest edges
- Famous lodges: Karanambu, Surama, Caiman House
- Best for giant otters and general wildlife
- Makushi indigenous communities
South Rupununi
- More remote and wilder
- Vast open grasslands
- Famous lodges: Rewa, Dadanawa
- Best for jaguars and arapaima
- Wapishana indigenous communities
Geographic Note
The Rupununi is part of the larger Guiana Shield, one of the oldest geological formations on Earth (1.7 billion years). This ancient landscape supports unique ecosystems found nowhere else on the planet.
Wildlife of the Rupununi
The Rupununi is one of Guyana's most biologically diverse regions, home to 70% of all vertebrate species recorded in the country. Key species include:
- Jaguar — Best sighting chances in Guyana, especially in the South Rupununi
- Giant Otter — Family groups in rivers and oxbow lakes
- Giant Anteater — Regularly seen in open savannah
- Black Caiman — Abundant in waterways
- Arapaima — World's largest freshwater fish
- Harpy Eagle — Nests in surrounding forests
- Jabiru Stork — Iconic wetland bird
- Capybara — Common in wetlands
- Brazilian Tapir — Seen at forest edges
For detailed wildlife information, see our Guyana Wildlife Guide.
Eco-Lodges in the Rupununi
The Rupununi has some of the best eco-lodges in the Americas, many community-owned and operated. All rates typically include meals, guides, and activities.
Karanambu Lodge
Legendary lodge established by the McTurk family, famous worldwide for giant otter rehabilitation. Intimate atmosphere with maximum 12 guests. Exceptional giant otter viewing virtually guaranteed.
$350-500 USD/night (all-inclusive)
Rewa Eco-Lodge
Community-owned lodge on the Rewa River, one of the most pristine waterways in Guyana. Famous for arapaima catch-and-release fishing and excellent jaguar sighting opportunities.
$300-450 USD/night (all-inclusive)
Surama Eco-Lodge
Award-winning community-run lodge offering authentic Makushi cultural experiences. Located at the forest edge with excellent birding and night walks. Great value for the experience.
$200-320 USD/night (all-inclusive)
Caiman House
Research station and lodge in Yupukari village, famous for black caiman conservation work. Night expeditions to catch, measure, and release caiman are unforgettable.
$200-300 USD/night (all-inclusive)
Dadanawa Ranch
One of the largest cattle ranches in South America, dating back to the 1800s. Located in the remote South Rupununi with excellent jaguar and giant anteater sightings. Working ranch atmosphere.
$250-380 USD/night (all-inclusive)
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View Tours & LodgesIndigenous Peoples of the Rupununi
The Rupununi has been home to indigenous peoples for thousands of years. The two main groups are:
Makushi People
The Makushi live primarily in the North Rupununi, with villages like Surama, Annai, and Yupukari. They are known for their:
- Traditional cassava bread production (the dietary staple)
- Expertise in savannah and forest ecosystems
- Hospitality and community-based tourism
- Traditional crafts and basketry
Wapishana People
The Wapishana live mainly in the South Rupununi, with their primary settlement at Lethem. They are known for:
- Excellent fishing and hunting skills
- Traditional medicine knowledge
- Cotton hammock weaving
- The annual Rupununi Rodeo
Community Tourism
Many Rupununi lodges are community-owned, meaning your visit directly supports indigenous livelihoods and conservation. This model has made the Rupununi a global leader in sustainable tourism.
The Rupununi Rodeo
Every Easter weekend, the town of Lethem hosts the legendary Rupununi Rodeo — one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. Cowboys (vaqueros) from Guyana and Brazil compete in:
- Bull riding
- Bronc riding
- Barrel racing
- Cattle roping
The rodeo is a cultural highlight, drawing thousands of visitors and offering a unique glimpse into ranch life that has existed here for centuries. Plan well ahead if visiting during Easter.
How to Get to the Rupununi
By Air (Recommended)
The fastest and most comfortable way is to fly from Georgetown:
- Georgetown to Lethem: 1.5 hours, $150-200 one-way (Trans Guyana Airways)
- Charter flights: Direct to lodge airstrips (arranged by lodges)
- Most common route: Fly to Lethem or direct to Karanambu/Rewa
By Road (Adventurous)
The overland route from Georgetown to Lethem covers approximately 500 km:
- Dry season only: Road is often impassable May-August
- Travel time: 12-18 hours depending on conditions
- Route: Georgetown → Linden → Mabura → Iwokrama → Annai → Lethem
- 4x4 essential: Don't attempt in a regular vehicle
Travel Tip
Most visitors fly one-way and drive the other, allowing them to experience both the scenic overland journey and save time. The road passes through Iwokrama Forest, offering additional wildlife opportunities.
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Months | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Season | Sept-April | Best for wildlife (animals at water), accessible roads, hot and dry |
| Rainy Season | May-August | Lush landscapes, some areas inaccessible, excellent birding |
| Peak Dry | Oct-Nov | Best jaguar chances, extremely hot, water very scarce |
Activities in the Rupununi
- Wildlife viewing: Day and night excursions for jaguars, otters, caiman
- Birding: 500+ species in the region
- Fishing: Arapaima catch-and-release, peacock bass
- Cultural tours: Village visits, cassava bread making, crafts
- Horse riding: Explore the savannah like the vaqueros
- River trips: Canoe and boat excursions
- Night walks: Caiman, owls, nocturnal mammals
- Photography: Incredible wildlife and landscape opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get to the Rupununi?
Fly from Georgetown's Ogle Airport to Lethem (1.5 hours) via Trans Guyana Airways, or directly to lodge airstrips by charter. The overland route takes 12-18 hours and is only possible in dry season with a 4x4.
What is the best time to visit the Rupununi?
The dry season (September-April) is best for wildlife viewing as animals concentrate around water sources. October-November offers the best jaguar chances. Avoid May-August unless you specifically want rainy season experiences.
How much does a Rupununi trip cost?
Budget $200-500/night for all-inclusive eco-lodge stays. A 5-night Rupununi trip typically costs $2,500-4,000 per person including flights, lodges, meals, and activities. Add more for combined itineraries with Iwokrama or Kaieteur.
Is it safe to visit the Rupununi?
Yes, the Rupununi is very safe for tourists. Wildlife viewing is conducted with experienced guides, and indigenous communities are welcoming. The main "risks" are heat, insects, and the remote location — bring appropriate supplies and follow guide instructions.
Can I visit independently without a tour?
Not recommended. The Rupununi is remote, lodges must be booked in advance, and you'll miss most wildlife without expert guides. Independent travel is possible to Lethem, but you'd miss the best experiences. Book through a tour operator or directly with lodges.
Sample Rupununi Itinerary
A typical Rupununi wildlife trip:
- Day 1: Fly Georgetown → Lethem → drive/fly to Karanambu
- Day 2-3: Karanambu — Giant otters, savannah wildlife, night excursions
- Day 4-5: Transfer to Rewa — Jaguar tracking, arapaima, pristine rivers
- Day 6: Optional Caiman House visit, fly back to Georgetown
For a more comprehensive trip, combine with Iwokrama Rainforest for the canopy walkway and forest wildlife.
Last updated: January 2026. Need help planning your Rupununi trip? Browse our wildlife tours or contact us.