Discovering The Heart of Guyana

Discovering The Heart of Guyana

By Naveen Kirpalani

Growing up in the capital city, I’ve always had a yearning to connect with nature. About two years ago, I was finally able to turn this dream into a reality Ð albeit a reality that actually felt more like a dream! Over the past two years, I’ve been blessed to realize my passion for nature through numerous off-roading trips into Guyana’s rich hinterlands Ð truly unlocking Guyana’s beauty, and in the process, gathering a multitude of experiences worth a lifetime.

Guyana’s true wealth exists in its interiors. From the rollingRupununi savannahs, to the peaks and cascading waterfalls of the North Pakaraima mountains, Guyana is a haven for the nature loving adventurer.For the adrenaline seeking traveler, the rigorous and challenging trails of the deep North Parkaraimas is indispensable.

Perhaps the most exhilarating in Guyana, this trail takes you from Region 9 into Region 8 through a plethora of scenic beauty. On this journey, you climb countless mountains, drive through rivers and creeks, pass breathtaking waterfalls, connect with rich and diverse flora and fauna, and visit several isolated indigenous villages Ð home of Guyana’s first peoples.

But don’t underestimate this trail Ð it’s not for the faint of heart! You literally drive through no-man’s land where signs of mankind are nonexistent for several hours on end, and where you truly lend yourself to the forces of nature.

To say the journey is challenging is a severe understatement. Navigating steep rocky terrain, clearing foliage on slush covered rainforest paths, driving onthe edge of narrow mountain ridges, all through dynamic weather conditions, gives you a true taste of untouched nature.

Cutting and removing fallen trees off pathways, clearing trails of rocks and boulders, and filling gaps in impassible bridges are all part of a day’s work when traversing this territory. It’s all worth it though, because after every turn and challenge, you unlock the most picturesque and magnificent views of Guyana’s breathtaking landscape!

Exploring these remote parts of Guyana also allows you to connect with our indigenous peoples, understand their culture, and find true enlightenment in the simplicity of life. This for me has been the most impactful part of off-roading Guyana Ð a true disconnect and recharge for anyone, and I strongly encourage more adventurers to explore this hidden gem!