Surama Eco-Lodge
Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo
Surama Eco-Lodge is located in the Amerindian village of Surama in Guyana's Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo Region. The lodge is an integral part of the Makushi community's efforts to promote sustainable, community-based eco-tourism. Situated in a valley on the border of the Guyanese rainforest and the North Rupununi savannahs, the lodge offers visitors immersive experiences in nature and indigenous culture. The village itself spans approximately 12.95 square kilometers and is surrounded by the Iwokrama Forest protected area, the Burro-Burro River, and the Pacaraima Mountains, with Surama Mountain to the east. Founded in 1974 by brothers Fred and Theo Allicock, Surama was once deserted but has since become a leader in eco-tourism in Guyana. The lodge was built with funds from early tourists and has received international recognition, including being named one of the best hotels in the region by National Geographic in 2011 and winning a Caribbean Tourism Organisation Excellence in Sustainable Tourism Award. Eco-tourism now accounts for about 60% of the village's income, supporting most households and providing an authentic cultural and environmental experience for visitors.
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Astuce: The best time to visit Surama Eco-Lodge is during the dry season when trails are more accessible. Booking accommodations in advance is recommended due to limited capacity. Visitors can benefit from community-based tours and should inquire about guided hikes and cultural activities. Discounts or special rates may be available for longer stays or group bookings. Prepare for remote travel conditions and bring appropriate gear for rainforest and savannah exploration.
Faits intéressants
- •Surama Eco-Lodge was listed by National Geographic in 2011 as one of the best hotels in Colombia, Guyana, and Venezuela.
- •The lodge won the Caribbean Tourism Organisation Excellence in Sustainable Tourism Award in 2011, sharing the honor with Harrison's Cave in Barbados.
- •The village of Surama covers nearly 13 square kilometers and borders the Iwokrama Forest, a significant protected rainforest area.
- •Surama's economy shifted from subsistence agriculture and logging to eco-tourism, which now contributes about 60% of the village income.
Histoire
The land around Surama has been inhabited sporadically for many years and was an important cattle-trail stopping point in the early 20th century.
The village was deserted by the 1970s but was re-established in 1974 by two brothers, Fred and Theo Allicock.
The construction of the Linden-Lethem road in the late 1970s improved access, and Surama welcomed its first tourists in 1996.
Since then, the community has developed eco-tourism as its main economic activity, transforming Surama into a sustainable tourism leader in Guyana.
Guide du lieu
Surama Eco-Lodge1996
The eco-lodge serves as the central accommodation and cultural hub for visitors, offering guided tours, traditional Makushi experiences, and nature excursions into the surrounding rainforest and savannah.