Region: South America
Location: Surama Village, North Rupununi, Guyana (bordering Iwokrama Forest along the Burro Burro River)
Type: Community Ecolodge
Established: 1990s (tourism began in the village during this decade)
Accommodation inventory: 4 octagonal guest benabs (each sleeps up to 3 adults, private bathroom with flush toilet, shower, sink); 1 Guest Cabin with 4 double rooms (each with private bathroom); hammock space in the main community benab; riverside hammock camp at Carahaa Landing
Connectivity: No Wi-Fi mentioned; solar power provides lighting. Guests should expect to disconnect.
Access: Road or Air (from Georgetown, overland via Lethem or via internal charter flight to a local airstrip; transportation to and from the village is not included in lodge rates)
Best season: Year-round. Dry season (roughly Sep–Nov, and shorter dry spells in Feb–Mar) for savannah hikes and easier river access; rainy season for lush scenery and higher water
Languages: English (Guyana’s official language; Makushi guides speak English)
Dining: Meals prepared from local produce, served in the open-air dining area of the main benab. Local Makushi cuisine.
Chef: Not a private-chef venue. Community kitchen.
Dietary: Not publicly stated
Conservation: The community has identified eco-tourism as a sustainable use of their land, keeping men and youth from leaving to mine or cut timber elsewhere. The village borders the million-acre Iwokrama Rainforest Reserve. Community enforces a ban on wildlife trapping and protects groves of endangered bullet, letter, greenheart, and waramaden trees. Guides lead visits to active Harpy Eagle nests.
Community: 100% owned and operated by the people of Surama. All tours are managed and operated solely by the Makushi people. A strategic alliance with Wilderness Explorers provides administration, sales, and marketing support, but the community retains ownership. A portion of every tour goes to a village fund for community development projects. Rotating employment approaches help proceeds reach the entire community.
Notable Experiences
- Wildlife & Biodiversity: Giant River Otters, Tapir, spider monkeys, Tira, and diverse birdlife. Active Harpy Eagle nests. Dawn hikes across savannah and up Surama Mountain. Night walks for wildlife observation.
- Avian & Special Interest: Premier birding destination including Guianan Shield endemics. One of the best-known chances for the elusive Rufous-winged Ground-cuckoo. Expert Makushi guides.
- Adventure & Waterways: Daybreak canoe floats on the Burro Burro River from Carahaa Landing. Piranha fishing. Savannah hikes. Surama Mountain climb (approx. 8 km return, challenging).
- Cultural & Immersion: Village tours visiting the local school, medical centre, and church. Medicinal plant walks with Indigenous guides. Cultural performances. The main benab serves as a gathering space for village meetings and events.
- Wellness & Luxury: Simple, comfortable accommodation. Solar power for lighting. Screened-in benabs with mosquito nets. Hammocks available in the main benab for those who want the Makushi experience. The upstairs sun deck offers views of the Pakaraima Mountains. This is not a luxury property — it is simple, authentic, and community-run.
Important Visitor Notes
- Transportation is not included in lodge rates. You must arrange and pay separately for getting to Surama. This is a significant cost, especially if flying.
- All activities require a local guide. You cannot walk the trails or climb the mountain on your own; a guide from the lodge must accompany you (fees apply per activity).
- Hammock camping at Carahaa Landing is available for those who want a more rustic riverside experience. No running water or electricity at the camp.
- This is a community-owned lodge. Your visit directly supports the village. Reviews and community feedback generally praise the authenticity, the guides, and the experience of staying in a Makushi village.
- Solar power provides limited lighting. There are no power outlets for charging devices in the benabs. Plan accordingly.
Contact
suramaecolodge.com · Contact via website form
Coordinates: 4.146132348912594, -59.0600164109666