The First Peoples of Guyana

Keepers of the Land for Over 11,000 Years

"Long before the arrival of Europeans, nine distinct Indigenous nations flourished across these lands — from coastal plains to mountain highlands, from mighty rivers to vast savannahs. Their descendants remain the true guardians of Guyana's rainforests and waterways."
9 Indigenous Nations
11,000+ Years of Heritage
10.5% of Population

Living Heritage

Amerindian culture thrives in villages, celebrations, and daily life across Guyana

Guyana's indigenous peoples — collectively called Amerindians — are not relics of the past but vibrant, living communities. From the Makushi ecotourism pioneers of the Rupununi to the remote Wai Wai of the southern rainforests, each nation maintains unique traditions while adapting to the modern world. When you visit their community-owned lodges, your presence directly supports schools, healthcare, and cultural preservation.

The Nine Nations

Guyana's officially recognized indigenous peoples

Makushi

North & South Rupununi (Regions 8 & 9)

The Makushi are leaders in community-based ecotourism, operating award-winning lodges like Surama and Rewa. Known for balancing traditional practices with modern sustainable tourism.

Surama Eco-Lodge Rewa Eco-Lodge Ecotourism Pioneers

Wapishana

South Rupununi, Brazil Border (Region 9)

The largest Arawak-speaking population in northern Amazonia (~13,000 people). Known for intricate weaving techniques and deep knowledge of rainforest medicinal plants.

Weaving Masters Medicinal Plants ~13,000 People

Wai Wai

Southernmost Forests, Essequibo Headwaters

The most remote indigenous group, known as the "Tapioca People" for their cassava-based diet. Access requires a 3-5 day overland odyssey through pristine jungle. Famous for intricate beadwork.

Most Remote Beadwork Limited Access

Arawak (Lokono)

Coastal Plains (Regions 1, 3, 4)

Coastal dwellers known for pottery, weaving, and storytelling. St. Cuthbert's Mission (Pakuri) is considered the "cultural capital" for Amerindians, home to the Lokono Artists Group.

St. Cuthbert's Mission Santa Mission Pottery & Arts

Carib (Karinya)

Moruca, Barima-Waini (Region 1)

Skilled navigators, canoe builders, and fishermen. The Moruca region preserves strong ancestral customs. Known for intricate basket weaving and archery mastery.

Canoe Builders Basket Weaving Archery

Akawaio

Mazaruni River, Kaieteur Region (Region 7)

Linguistic descendants of the Karinya who pioneered settlement of the hinterland forests. Homestay experiences available near Kaieteur Falls area.

Kaieteur Area Homestays Forest Pioneers

Patamona

Pakaraima Mountains (Region 7)

Mountain-dwelling community in the Pakaraima highlands near Kaieteur. Access primarily by air due to the remote mountain location.

Mountain Dwellers Remote Highlands

Arecuna (Pemon)

Paruima Village, Venezuela Border (Region 7)

Only ~500 Arecuna in Guyana, in the single village of Paruima. Known for wood skin canoes, blowpipe hunting, and dramatic waterfall treks. Adventure tourism developing.

Only Settlement Waterfall Treks Blowpipe Hunting

Warao

Orinoco Delta, Northwest Coast

Primarily found in Venezuela's Orinoco Delta, with some communities in Guyana's northwest. Known as "boat people" for their water-based lifestyle.

Water-Based Life Boat People

Community-Owned Eco-Lodges

Stay where your money directly benefits indigenous communities

Pristine rainforest surrounding Rewa Eco-Lodge on the Rupununi River

Rewa Eco-Lodge

Remote river paradise, BBC filming location

Built and managed entirely by the local Makushi community at the confluence of Rewa and Rupununi Rivers. Featured in BBC's "Lost Land of the Jaguar." World's only wild arapaima fly fishing, Harpy Eagles, and pristine wilderness.

Community: Makushi (~300 villagers)
Impact: 70+ jobs created
Access: River only
Black caiman in the waters near Caiman House research station

Caiman House Field Station

Science meets ecotourism

Nonprofit community-owned social enterprise in Yupukari village. Join researchers on night expeditions to catch, measure, and tag black caimans (800+ tagged). Supports local library and education.

Community: Makushi (Yupukari)
Award: Caribbean Sustainable Tourism Excellence
Experience: Night caiman research

Cultural Experiences

Authentic activities offered at community lodges

Cassava Bread Making

Learn the sacred practice of processing bitter cassava into bread — passed down through generations of women.

Traditional Crafts

Basket weaving, beadwork, pottery, and hammock making. Purchase directly from artisans.

Traditional Fishing

Learn sustainable fishing techniques including nets, traps, and the legendary arapaima catch-and-release.

Archery Lessons

Try your hand at traditional bow and arrow with skilled Carib and Makushi hunters.

Traditional Dance & Song

Rhythmic performances passing down legends and history through movement and melody.

Medicinal Plants

Rainforest walks learning about traditional medicine from community elders.

Village Stays

Homestay experiences sharing daily life, meals, and genuine hospitality.

Traditional Drinks

Learn to make Kachiri (fermented cassava drink) and other traditional beverages.

SEPTEMBER

Amerindian Heritage Month

Every September, Guyana celebrates Amerindian Heritage Month, commemorating Stephen Campbell's 1957 election as the first Amerindian to the Legislative Council. Heritage Day is September 10th.

Events Include:

  • Traditional cassava bread making
  • Cultural nights with dance
  • Craft and cuisine exhibitions
  • Heritage Village
  • Indigenous Fashion Showcase
  • Indigenous art exhibitions

Where:

  • Georgetown (main events)
  • National Exhibition Centre
  • St. Cuthbert's Mission
  • Interior (Regions 1, 7, 8, 9)
2025 Theme "Igniting Unity, Celebrating Progress, Advancing Our Culture"

Visiting Respectfully

Guidelines for meaningful, ethical cultural exchange

Do's

Always ask before photographing

Respect "no" graciously. Some ceremonies should never be photographed.

Choose community-owned lodges

Your money directly supports families, schools, and cultural preservation.

Buy crafts from artisans directly

Fair prices support sustainable livelihoods. Ask about the meaning and techniques.

Use local guides

Community-approved guides ensure respectful interaction and create jobs.

Show respect to elders

Proper greetings earn goodwill. Listen and learn with humility.

Don'ts

Don't enter villages unannounced

Always arrange visits through proper channels (village councils, tour operators).

Don't give money to children

Creates dependency. Support communities through lodge stays and craft purchases.

Don't touch sacred objects

Some areas and items are restricted. Ask before entering ceremonial spaces.

Avoid endangered species products

Don't buy bird feathers or animal products from endangered species.

Don't treat communities as exhibits

These are living cultures, not museums. Engage authentically.

Photo Credits: Images courtesy of the Guyana Department of Public Information, Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, and Guyana Tourism Authority. AYONG Cultural Group photo by Dwayno.

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