23 miles of hiking, 8 miles of rafting, 3 waterfalls, ascending to 4500 feet.
About this trip
Deep in the highlands is the indigenous community of Paruima, the only Arecuna settlement in Guyana which offers a challenging but thrilling adventure trek up to about 4000 feet through rainforest into a highland savannah along the way visiting three spectacular waterfalls; Uchi Falls, Kamarang Falls and Panacema Falls. You will sleep in hammock camps, swim in rivers rarely visited and float downriver through some of the most pristine rainforest in Guyana.
Paruima only has a population of about 500 with nearly half still speaking their native language, living in a mix of modern and traditional thatched roofed homes. It is largely a farming and hunter-gatherer community with skilled bush knowledgeable villagers. The Arecuna are known for their unique basket weaving skills, wood skin canoes and hunting techniques including the use of blowpipes and their unusual diet of Tuma, Kachiri (a fermented drink) and savannah termites. You will spend time learning about the way of life in the community and listening to stories from the local hunters and guides as you embark on this physical and cultural adventure.
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Activities & Highlights
- Uchi Falls
- Panacema Falls
- Kamarang Falls
- Rafting
- Highland Savannahs and Tepuis
- Aracuna Culture
- Hiking
- Highland Termites
- Indigenous Community-owned and operated tourism product
Itinerary
Sunday – Paruima is an Arecuna community with a population of about 500 persons of which about 45% still speak their native language. The community is made up of a combination of modern and traditional thatched roofed homes and has a strong Christian faith which is a result of English protestant missionaries converting the Arecuna at the end of the nineteenth century.
It is largely a farming and hunter-gatherer community with skilled and bush knowledgeable villagers. The Arecuna are known for their unique basket weaving skills, wood skin canoes, hunting technique including the use of blowpipes and their unusual diet of Tuma, Kachiri – a fermented drink and savannah termites. You will spend the rest of the afternoon learning about the way of life in the community and listening to stories from the local hunters.
After dinner, you will meet with your lead guide to discuss the next days plans and activities.
Overnight at Paruima Guest House. BLD
Monday – After an early breakfast, you will set out on the first leg of your journey, a 7.5-miles (12,070 meters) hike ascending to about 2000 feet to the top of a plateau continuing to your first campsite. This hike begins with a steep climb to the top of the plateau followed by moderately flat terrain through primary rainforest for the rest of the day’s journey.
The region is unique for its tepuis, flat-top mountains which are the remains of mighty sandstone plateaus that once stretched across the entire area when it was joined to Africa in the super continent Pangea. With time the plateaus were eroded leaving only the tepuis as giant monuments to their existence. There are hundreds of tepuis of which only a few have been thoroughly explored, many of them are hidden by dense cloud cover for days at a time. Much of the plant and animal life atop the tepuis have evolved in isolation and is unique and endemic.
As night falls and the jungle comes alive you will have the opportunity to explore the array of unique bugs, spiders and other nocturnal critters with your guide.
Overnight at the Plateau Camp in a basic tarp-covered hammock camp. BLD
Tuesday – After breakfast, you will deconstruct your hammock camp and begin the second leg of your journey. Today you will embark on a 4.7-mile (7,564 meters) hike through the rainforest before emerging into vast open highland savannahs surrounded by Tepuis in the distance.
During your hike, you may come across wild animal tracks including Jaguars, Peccaries, Foxes, and other large mammals which call these cloud forests and highland savannahs home. Upon arriving at your destination, you will have the oppertunity to enjoy a relaxing swim in the calm waters above the Kamarang Falls giving the elusion of having a private infinity pool sourrounded by tepuis in the background.
You will spend the remainder of the day setting up your hammock camp and scouting out the Kamarang falls area for potential sites to set up the Highline.
Overnight in a hammock camp at Kamarang Falls. Meals provided by the guides.
Wednesday – After breakfast, you will pack up camp and begin your 4.4-mile / 7,081 meters journey across the highland savannah to Uchi Falls. There are some hilly forested areas and streams to wade through but this leg of the journey is flatter than the days before. The many plateaus and tepuis in this region of Guyana allow for many spectacular waterfalls in close vicinity of each other. These form the main attraction to a backdrop of open highland savannahs dotted with patches of bush islands and tepuis rising in the distance.
The hike takes you through a few termite mounds where your guide will demonstrate how to catch and preserve this protein-packed delicacy of the Arecuna people. This is a custom that has been practised for generations. From many areas along the path, you will be able to see both the Kamarang and Uchi Falls in the distance with the constant roaring sound that they produce in the background. The scene is quite surreal being the only non indigenous person in this vast remote landscape with an incredible backdrop of Tepuis all around. Venezuela is a short walk in the distance.
Tonight, you will be accommodated in a simple shack with basic amenities including a bed, nets and blankets situated on the Uchi Plateau overlooking the Uchi Falls and surrounding savannahs. You will spend the rest of the afternoon hiking to the top of the Uchi Falls with exceptional views of its gorge and surrounding rainforests.
Overnight at Uchi Falls Campsite. BLD
Thursday – After a good night’s rest, you will begin your 4-mile journey to the bottom of the gorge of Uchi Falls to an area that has only been visited by a handful of individuals. Your journey begins with a hike on the highland savannah where it ends at a cliff overlooking the vast dense rainforest. From here you will descend a steep path for about one hour to the junction where the Kamarang and Uchi rivers converge. From here you will follow a bush trail with your guide upstream to Uchi Falls. This area is damp and wet from the constant mist produced by the waterfalls.
Return to the Kamarang Uchi junction where you will board inflatable rafts with your guides who will navigate a route about 8 miles downstream. This route can be calm or very rough depending on the level of the water at that time. If the water is too high this route becomes impassable. The route includes some areas that are too dangerous to pass and will require portaging. One such area is at the Paracema Falls which is located about 4 miles from the village of Paruima. This is a smaller but more powerful waterfall since it is fueled by both Uchi and Kamarang.
After a short hike, you will arrive back in the village of Paruima.
Overnight at Paruima Guest House. BLD
Friday – This morning, join a schedule flight from Paruima over tropical rainforest to Eugene F. Correia International Airport.
Inclusion
Included
- Airport transfers
- Double or twin accommodation
- Meals as listed
- All road & river transfers in Paruima
- Internal flights
- Activities as described
- Local guides
- Value Added Tax
- Hammocks
- Mosquito nets
Not Included
- Items of personal nature
- Alcoholic drinks
- Visas
- Departure tax
Terms & Conditions
AUTHORITY ON TOUR
At all times the decision of the company or its representative will be final on all matters likely to endanger the safety, well being and enjoyment of the tour. Clients must at all times strictly comply with the laws, customs, foreign exchange and drug regulations of all countries visited. Should the client fail to comply with the above or commit any illegal act when on tour or, if in the company’s opinion, the client behaviour causes or is likely to cause danger, distress or annoyance to others we may terminate that client’s travel arrangements without any liability on the company’s part.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
The client must be in possession of a valid passport (valid 6 months past the return date), visa (where necessary), permits and certificates including vaccinations certificates, insurance policies required for the journey – the client accepts the responsibility of obtaining these. Any information or advice given by the company on visas, vaccinations, clothing, special equipment, baggage, climate, etc. is given in good faith but without responsibility on the part of the company.
CONDITION RESTRAINTS
You have selected a tour that is, in part, in remote areas. This adds to the adventure and opportunity to enjoy a true nature experience. However, due to the nature of the terrain, weather, road conditions, and other elements beyond our control, some elements of tours may have to be altered. Times of some activities may need to change or even cancelled due to the conditions. If an activity is cancelled it will be replaced with an alternative activity that is more appropriate for the conditions. Advance notice will be given for any changes where possible, although at times changes may be made whilst the tour is in progress.
WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS
With any trip involving wildlife, it is impossible to guarantee a sighting, but each trip is designed around known habitats. Wilderness Explorers will make every effort to ensure a sighting, but cannot be held responsible if no sighting is made due to the wildlife itself, weather, or any other elements beyond our control.
LOCAL CULTURE
Many of the areas to be visited are remote and cultures of the people most likely different from what you are accustomed to. These communities welcome visitors under the conditions that their customs, habits and rituals are respected at all times. Wilderness Explorers will endeavour to provide appropriate guidance to visitors as to correct behaviour whilst in these communities. The company reserves the right to cancel a visitor’s tour, at any time, should their behaviour be inappropriate and offensive to the local communities.
ACCEPTANCE OF RISK & RESPONSIBILITY
Nature and adventure travel is by character, an activity that requires travelling in areas that are often remote and the terrain difficult. Whilst every precaution is taken to ensure the comfort and safety of our customers, these trips do have elements of risk. By taking part in this tour you acknowledge that there are inherent risks and that you are fully aware of the conditions of travel, accommodation and activities offered. You accept that Wilderness Explorers, its staff and sub-contractors cannot be held liable for any accident, illness or similar occurrence. You hereby accept all such risk and release the company from all claims and causes of action arising from any injuries or damages resulting from these inherent risks.
FORCE MAJEURE
The company will do its best to minimise the effects of matters outside its control but cannot accept liability of these matters which include political disputes, industrial action, refusal of visas, border closures, unforeseeable climatic events, epidemics and pandemics, delayed or cancelled flights etc. Wilderness Explorers may change, modify, rebook or cancel a trip for defined force majeure events
TRAVEL INSURANCE
It is the client’s responsibility to obtain adequate personal travel insurance. This insurance should, at a minimum, cover personal accident, medical expenses and repatriation expenses. It is recommended that the coverage extends to include loss of effects, curtailment, cancellation and all other expenses which might arise as a result of loss, damage, injury, delay or inconvenience occurring to the client.
PAYMENT
All rates are quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated. Rates are correct at the time of publishing, but are subject to change without notice. Due to fluctuating world fuel prices, internal airfares cannot be guaranteed and the rate is therefore subject to change. Every effort will be made to maintain the quoted rate. A deposit of 20% is required to confirm any booking and balance of payment is due 30 days before commencement of the trip.
CANCELLATION BY THE CLIENT
Any cancellation by the client must be in writing and acknowledged by Wilderness Explorers. The date on which the correspondence is received will determine the loss of any monies applicable.
• Cancelled more than 90 days before arrival – full refund, less any money transfer fees.
• Cancelled 60 to 90 days before arrival – 5% administration fee.
• Cancelled 41 to 59 days before arrival – 20%
• Cancelled 31 to 40 days before arrival – 50%.
• Cancelled 2 to 30 days before arrival or no show – 100%.
RESPONSIBILITY
All services are organised by Wilderness Explorers. Notice is hereby given that all arrangements made on behalf of customers are made by the organisers on the sole condition that the organisers shall not be held responsible for any injury, death, accident, delay, loss, damage or irregularity which may be occasioned through acts of any company and /or persons engaged in carrying out the arrangements and Wilderness Explorers acts as an agent for transport companies, hotels and other contractors and shall not be liable for any injury, damage, loss, delay or irregularity that may occur, including, but not limited to, any defect in a vehicle or any other form of conveying a traveller, acts of God, detention, delays or expenses arising from quarantine, strike, riots, theft, force majeure, civil disturbance, government restrictions or regulation, accident by aircraft, boat, bicycle, motor vehicle or any other form of transport or in any hotel, resort, ranch, guest house, camp or other forms of accommodation.
SEVERABILITY
In the event that any term or condition contained herein is unenforceable or void by operation of law or as being against public policy or for any other reason then such term or condition shall be deemed to be severed from this Agreement or amend accordingly only to such extent necessary to allow all remaining terms and conditions to survive and continue as binding.
Essential Information
AIRLINES
American Airlines
British Airways
Caribbean Airlines
Copa Airlines
Inter-Caribbean Airlines
Jet Blue Airlines
Suriname Airways
Gum Air
VISA
The following countries do not need a visa: Commonwealth countries, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the USA. Visa requirements should be checked as requirements can change at any time.
Wilderness Explorers can assist in obtaining permission for a visa on arrival at an additional fee. However, the granting of visas remains at the discretions of the Ministry of Citizenship.
YOUR SAFETY
Our number one priority is your safety and welfare. We always get the question is Guyana safe? Like any big city, Georgetown has areas that are to be avoided by visitors. But we only use hotels that have good standards and are safe. Most of the time in Georgetown you will be accompanied by our experienced guides and drivers who live in the city. During your free time if you want to visit a bar or restaurant in the evening we recommend a taxi, which is inexpensive. Your hotel will be happy to call one for you.
Once out of Georgetown and into what we call the interior, it is a different scenario. You will be in areas with small villages where everyone greets you with a smile and you will be perfectly safe. Some lodges don’t even have locks on the doors as there is no need. There will always be an experienced guide close by to accompany you on your excursions and bring the rainforest and savannah to life and share their knowledge and experience.
Generally, you will find the Guyanese people extremely friendly and only too willing to help you enjoy their country.
VACCINATIONS
Malaria – Many of the areas you visit in Guyana’s interior will have no malaria. However, it is recommended to take malaria Prophylactics as a precaution on some trips. Please consult your physician before your departure. All beds in the interior have mosquito nets, and on camping trips, hammocks with specially fitted mosquito nets are provided. It is advisable to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and long trousers at night. The mosquitoes are often more prevalent at dusk and dawn.
Yellow Fever – A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers coming from or transiting from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission. Vaccination must be undertaken at least 10 days before travel to, or through Suriname. Suriname recognizes the Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is valid for life starting 10 days after vaccination. Children over 1 year of age are required to have a vaccination certificate. Travellers should carry their vaccination card (Yellow Fever) with them at all times.
CLOTHING
In the interior wear casual, comfortable clothing. A shirt with a collar helps protect you from the sun, and a hat and sunglasses are vital. During the day shorts and shirt are fine. In the evening you would want long trousers and a shirt with long sleeves. There is no need to dress up in the interior. You can leave any travel or city clothes in your city hotel or with our office when you are travelling around the interior.
Footwear – Comfortable walking shoes or boots and sandals.
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