This geographic nexus has given rise to one the most diverse fish habitats on earth. Guyana is sometimes called a "land of giants:" the largest alligator, ant, anteater, armadillo, eagle, otter. rodent, constricting snake, and spider in the world all make the Rupununi their home.
Your visit helps our non-profit organization fund school libraries, a public library, conservation and cultural preservation via community-led initiatives.
Rainy season brings a waterfall-fed swimming hole, just steps from Caiman House, and dugout excursions straight over the deeply-flooded savannas into the flooded forests, where you are literally paddling your way over trails and around trees instead of hiking.
There’s an explosion of extraordinary wildflowers and of aquatic wildlife, including 8+ species of frogs spawning and developing in puddles you can observe on nocturnal walks right in Yupukari.
Meals are included. We employ the best cooks in the village to prepare delicious Guyanese specialties like fresh, hot “bakes” at breakfast, and local delicacies like “pepper pot.” Remember, we are located in the one of the most diverse fish habitats in the world.
Black Caiman Research
You are invited to accompany our caiman research crew. Guests will observe capture from a separate boat, but will be offered the opportunity to assist in data collection. Caiman are weighed, measured, sexed, tagged and released. Depending on the season, caiman nests are also studied, and so are the hatchlings. Yes, little baby caiman.
Creatures of the Night
Just after darkness settles on the Rupununi River many creatures emerge, such as black caiman, spectacled caiman, tree boas, iguanas, frogs, and many fish species( i.e arawana, piranha).
Sleeping birds (kingfishers, small perching birds) nightjars, potoos, boat-billed herons and other aquatic birds, bats, (harmless) spiders, insects, moths, and more can be closely approached in way not possible during the hours of light.
Less likely, but not rare inclusions for night viewing include possums, tree dwelling rodents, capybara and sleeping monkeys (esp. squirrel monkeys) among other mammals. Few nights pass without some unusual offering.
El Dorado
An early morning search for giant anteater and burrowing owls, touring termite mounds via Land Rover. The lowlands and wetlands of this region are thought to be the ancient site of Lake Parime, Sir Walter Raleigh's El Dorado.
Awarikru
A guided paddle in a dugout canoe, through flooded forest in rainy season (May-September) or in dry season, through local lakes looking for wildlife.
Village Hikes and Tours
There's plenty to explore right in the village, including visits to neighbors engaged in daily activities. Learn to make cassava bread, spin and weave cotton, fashion bricks from river clay, make rope from leaf fiber.
Fishing
Villagers love to fish, and they live in one of the most diverse fish habitats on earth. We can teach you, with local methods.
