From Surama, our plan was to go to Aranaputa. It was our best decision ever. Aranaputa is in the main road, so again you can take the minibus. But you would need transportation (or walk) to the junction. We hired transportation with Surama Eco-lodge. Unfortunately, we couldn’t share this time, so we had a 4x4 only for us. We paid 90 US for both of us. It only takes around 90 minutes. Again, it is a bit pricey, but moving around in 4x4 in the interior is expensive. Always try to get more people for the ride. Ask Jackie or Vanessa to make this arrangement. Ron Allicock was our driver. He told us fascinating stories about Surama, so don’t miss the opportunity to chat with your driver.
We arrived to Aranaputa around 10 am. Aranaputa is one of those places that you can’t miss when you go to Guyana. It is not only because its natural beauty. But mainly because of its people. People in Aranaputa where simply amazing. We felt at home from the moment we put our feet in the ground. To arrange your stay in Aranaputa, contact Alphonso Forde ([email protected]). Give him some time to reply, as there is no Internet in Aranaputa. The cost in Aranaputa, including all meals and all activities was 120 US for both of us. For that price they can organize plenty of activities in the area, and you can sleep in town or in the mountain. I think it was maybe our best investment. We were the only visitors at the time, and they told us that we were the only people for the last month.
When we arrived to Aranaputa, part of the tourism body welcomed us. We don’t know why, but there was a confusion and they thought that we were going to stay 4 days, when in reality we were only spending one night there. Try to be very clear in your emails. We thought that we were sleeping in their benab in the mountain, but they told us that it was in very poor conditions. Therefore, we slept in another accommodation that they have in the village. It was a huge house only for us, so we also enjoyed it. It turn to be a good coincidence, because we were supposed to take the bus to Lethem at 6 am the following morning. That is another advantage of Aranaputa. You can travel cheap (15 US per person) from there to Lethem. It takes around 3 hours. The bus departs every morning, except Sundays. And guess what, we wanted to leave on a Sunday. Fortunately, one of the buses traveling from Georgetown to Lethem (they all go through Aranaputa) had to empty seats. But if you can, try to avoid leaving on a Sunday.
We arrived to Aranaputa around 10 am. Aranaputa is one of those places that you can’t miss when you go to Guyana. It is not only because its natural beauty. But mainly because of its people. People in Aranaputa where simply amazing. We felt at home from the moment we put our feet in the ground. To arrange your stay in Aranaputa, contact Alphonso Forde ([email protected]). Give him some time to reply, as there is no Internet in Aranaputa. The cost in Aranaputa, including all meals and all activities was 120 US for both of us. For that price they can organize plenty of activities in the area, and you can sleep in town or in the mountain. I think it was maybe our best investment. We were the only visitors at the time, and they told us that we were the only people for the last month.
When we arrived to Aranaputa, part of the tourism body welcomed us. We don’t know why, but there was a confusion and they thought that we were going to stay 4 days, when in reality we were only spending one night there. Try to be very clear in your emails. We thought that we were sleeping in their benab in the mountain, but they told us that it was in very poor conditions. Therefore, we slept in another accommodation that they have in the village. It was a huge house only for us, so we also enjoyed it. It turn to be a good coincidence, because we were supposed to take the bus to Lethem at 6 am the following morning. That is another advantage of Aranaputa. You can travel cheap (15 US per person) from there to Lethem. It takes around 3 hours. The bus departs every morning, except Sundays. And guess what, we wanted to leave on a Sunday. Fortunately, one of the buses traveling from Georgetown to Lethem (they all go through Aranaputa) had to empty seats. But if you can, try to avoid leaving on a Sunday.
In Aranaputa you can find both rainforest and savannah. It is the perfect place to get to know both ecosystems. We only spent one night, but we recommend spending two nights, as there are new activities and trails being created. But above all, spend some time with Steven, Brother Sixtus, Barbara…
When we arrived, once we clarified that we were only spending one night, we departed immediately to the mountain. Steven and Sixtus came with us. They explained us plenty of things about the local fauna. The trail was a bit wet, so in some parts we had to take out our shoes. The trail can be VERY steep at some parts. They are very used to the trail, so simply ask them to go a bit slower. There are some places in the way up with very beautiful views. Midway we saw the place where we initially wanted to sleep. The roof was in poor conditions. But they told us that were going to repair it in less than a month. So ask them about this. If you have the opportunity, definitely spend one night there.
Then we continued our way up, in an every time steeper trail. But anyone can do it. They told us that a 74-year-old German lady was able to do it. And the view at the top is definitely worth it. The most fascinating thing was our lunch. We were exhausted, and guess what? We got our food delivered on the summit! A third person brought the food to the top of the mountain for the four of us. Never delivering food was harder!
After relaxing for a while, we came down. We could shower and relax a little bit before dinner. Barbara prepared us some delicious food. After dinner, Steven, Sixtus and a third person which name I don’t remember (sorry!) had a great chat outside under the stars. They told us about all their plans to improve what they had to offer. At the end of the night, Sixtus played some Bob Marley songs in his guitar. It was a magical night.
During breakfast, all of them came to say goodbye to us. We where even able to buy some local made peanut butter. I am not an expert, but I can certainly say that it is the best that I have tried in my whole life! As it was Sunday, we had to wait until 9 am to get the bus to Lethem. We paid 25 US for the both of us, which was actually a bit cheaper than the every day bus at 6 am. Again, the road was tough. We were sorry of not spending more days with this wonderful people.
When we arrived, once we clarified that we were only spending one night, we departed immediately to the mountain. Steven and Sixtus came with us. They explained us plenty of things about the local fauna. The trail was a bit wet, so in some parts we had to take out our shoes. The trail can be VERY steep at some parts. They are very used to the trail, so simply ask them to go a bit slower. There are some places in the way up with very beautiful views. Midway we saw the place where we initially wanted to sleep. The roof was in poor conditions. But they told us that were going to repair it in less than a month. So ask them about this. If you have the opportunity, definitely spend one night there.
Then we continued our way up, in an every time steeper trail. But anyone can do it. They told us that a 74-year-old German lady was able to do it. And the view at the top is definitely worth it. The most fascinating thing was our lunch. We were exhausted, and guess what? We got our food delivered on the summit! A third person brought the food to the top of the mountain for the four of us. Never delivering food was harder!
After relaxing for a while, we came down. We could shower and relax a little bit before dinner. Barbara prepared us some delicious food. After dinner, Steven, Sixtus and a third person which name I don’t remember (sorry!) had a great chat outside under the stars. They told us about all their plans to improve what they had to offer. At the end of the night, Sixtus played some Bob Marley songs in his guitar. It was a magical night.
During breakfast, all of them came to say goodbye to us. We where even able to buy some local made peanut butter. I am not an expert, but I can certainly say that it is the best that I have tried in my whole life! As it was Sunday, we had to wait until 9 am to get the bus to Lethem. We paid 25 US for the both of us, which was actually a bit cheaper than the every day bus at 6 am. Again, the road was tough. We were sorry of not spending more days with this wonderful people.