Mia, a cultural historian from Barbados, had always been fascinated by Indigenous communities. Her travels had taken her across the Americas, but when she heard about Guyana’s Indigenous villages nestled deep in the Rupununi savannah, she knew it was a journey she had to make.
Her adventure began in Surama Village, a small community surrounded by lush rainforests and rolling hills. Surama, home to the Makushi people, had embraced sustainable tourism to share its culture with the world. Mia arrived at the Surama Eco-Lodge, where she was greeted with warm smiles and a welcome drink made from local fruits. Her first evening was spent with a group of Makushi women, who taught her how to weave traditional baskets using fibers from the forest. “It’s like crafting a piece of history,” Mia thought, marveling at their skill and patience.
The next day, Mia joined a guided trek to the Burro Burro River, where she paddled a dugout canoe through the serene waters. Her guide, Thomas, shared stories of Makushi folklore as they glided past towering trees and playful river otters. Along the way, they spotted scarlet macaws, capybaras, and even a giant river otter, one of Guyana’s most elusive animals. The forest seemed alive with sounds, from chirping birds to the rustle of leaves in the breeze.
Mia’s journey continued to Rewa Village, a remote community accessible only by boat. The Rewa Eco-Lodge, run entirely by the villagers, offered her a deeper understanding of Indigenous life. Here, she learned how to prepare cassava bread, a staple food made from cassava roots. The process was intricate and required hours of work, from peeling and grating the cassava to pressing out the liquid and baking the dough on a clay surface. “It’s amazing how connected they are to the land,” Mia thought as she bit into the warm, crispy bread.
One of the highlights of her trip was a visit to Rock View Lodge, located near the foothills of the Pakaraima Mountains. The lodge, a blend of traditional and modern, served as a hub for exploring nearby Indigenous villages. Mia joined a cultural celebration in Annai, where she witnessed a vibrant dance performed by young Makushi men and women in traditional clothing. The rhythmic drumbeats and chants echoed through the savannah as the community gathered to celebrate their heritage.
Before leaving, Mia ventured into the Iwokrama Rainforest to meet with an elder from the Patamona tribe. The elder shared stories of how the forest provided not just food and shelter, but also medicine. He introduced her to sarsaparilla roots, used to treat colds, and kunami bark, known for its healing properties. “Every plant here has a purpose,” he said, handing her a leaf to smell. Mia left with a deep respect for the knowledge and harmony that defined their way of life.
As Mia returned to Georgetown, she reflected on her time in Guyana’s Indigenous villages. The experience wasn’t just about witnessing traditions—it was about understanding how these communities lived in balance with nature and cherished their cultural identity. For Mia, it was a reminder of the importance of preserving these ways of life for future generations.
