#discoverguyana

They call Guyana, “South America Undiscovered,” and it felt that way as we splashed down red dirt roads, paddled dugout canoes to remote indigenous villages, and saw more tropical birds than tourists. In Georgetown, you feel the British colonial past with its wooden Anglican churches, cricket fields, and everyone chatting in English (the national language). Though it’s the European, West African, Indian, and indigenous populations that have been blending for centuries that makes Guyana so distinct. Add in their Caribbean flair, and you feel the spice on your tongue and tropical beat in your feet. After a city tour, 7-curry cooking class, and walk on the seawall, we said goodbye to the “Coastlanders” and met the other 85% of Guyana…pure rainforest. With 228 species of mammals, 820 bird species, 900 fish species, and 4,000+ endemic plants, Guyana is beyond biodiverse. Most people fly to the rugged interior, but we opted for a true adventure with a minibus down the 437km “Trail.” Our first stop in the Rupununi was @Iwokrama_International a million-acre conservation, sustainable forestry, and community development project. We loved our river safaris, mountain treks, and petroglyph tours, though our favorite part? Helping researchers set up trail cams and exploring with the ‘Wilderness Club,” the region’s next generation of environmental stewards. Next stop…@Rewa_Eco_Lodge, a community-run project by the four Amerindian tribes who inhabit this remote Rupununi river island. We were so inspired by the experience, we made a reel called Indigenous Immersion. On our return trip north, we craved more Amerindian hospitality, so we went to a @Bimichi_Eco_Lodge. Run by the sweetest couple (a midwife to 1000s & a sustainable forestry teacher), it was like coming home to grandparents, spoiling us with homemade cooking and passing on their knowledge–from medicinal plants to Arawak archery. We left Guyana, inspired by its cultural diversity, pure wilderness, zingy flavors, and humility. Tourism here may be in its nascent stages, but the Guyanese have learned from an overtouristed world, who they are and what they want to become. DiscoverGuyana partner @DiscoverGuyana