Lethem is a border town between Brazil and Guyana. Because of its proximity there is a rich blend of cultures – Portuguese, Amerindian and Guyanese. Lethem is the capital of Region 9 and is a hub linking many of the surrounding villages to Georgetown. Lethem provides the opportunity to get away from the ordinary life in the cities. The environment brings a feel of wilderness blended with a hint of modern facilities. You will be able to access the Internet, watch cable television and use your cell-phone. But what is more intriguing is the opportunity to experience nature at its best. With access to the Kunuku Mountains, the Rupununi Savannah, Bon Fin and Boa Vista (Brazil), a number of water falls in the area, rivers, lakes etc. the activities are limited only to your imagination.
So here are the top 10 reasons why should consider Lethem for your next vacation!
Travelling to Lethem can be an adventure! Your first option is flying to Lethem, either on a small single or twin-engine plane. There are daily flights (sometimes twice daily) between Georgetown (Ogle) and Lethem. A two-hour flight (one way) will give you the opportunity to see Guyana’s forest from a unique perspective. Cost for return ticket via air is around $48000GYD or $250USD. For more information this, see the resources section below.
Alternatively you can go for the overland option, that is, if you are the hardcore-adventure type who won’t mind the adventure of traveling through a jungle trail. About 95% of the trip will be off-road driving through Guyana’s thick rain forests and the picturesque savannah lands in the Rupununi . The drive will take you over the Demerara River, through the bauxite town Linden, then some 6 hours later, across the Essequibo River in a village called Kurupukari. You will be travelling through the thick Iwokarama Rain Forest for about 2 hours then you will enter the Rupununi Savanahs where the landscape is like none that you can find elsewhere in the world. Overland, the trip can take about 8-10 hours (much longer in rainy seasons, 14- 20 hours). There are daily public transportation via buses between the Georgetown and Lethem. Also there are a few transportation companies that can take you there at a premium price.- Experience an explosion of cultures. Lethem has a rich blend cultures – Portuguese, Amerindian and Guyanese. A more recent phenomenon has seen as explosion of Chinese in the town. You will find just about any kind of people in Lethem. Brazilians from the nearby town of Bon Fin and Boa Vista frequent Lethem for shopping. Amerindians from the surrounding villages find work and conduct other economic activities in the town. Many Guyanese has setup businesses in Lethem.
- Visit Brazil! You can have breakfast in Lethem, do lunch in Brazil then be back for dinner in Lethem – that how easy it is to traverse the border. The Takatu River that runs through Lethem separates Guyana from Brazil. Visitors to this region get a chance to see and enjoy a taste of both countries. You may be able to visit Bon Fin from Lethem without travel documents but if you are interested to venture deeper into to Brazil you will need your passport and a card to show that you have been vaccinated against yellow fever. A few hours by taxi from the Guyana/Brazil border is Boa Vista, a little more upscale town than both Lethem and Bon Fin. Visitors go here for shopping and dining. Many of the hotels in Lethem can make travel arrangements for you to visit Brazil.
Shopping can be exciting in Lethem. You can find a variety of stores in Lethem. Most of the stores are owned by Chinese and Brazilians. You can find anything from pins to car tires at competitive prices.- Go chase waterfalls! In Guyana you can find a lot of waterfalls, Kaieteur falls is only one in over 276. A few hours by taxi from Lethem you can visit Kumu falls and the Moco-Moco falls. Both attractions can be very rewarding.
The Moco-Moco falls is named after a small village with about 400 people. Moco-Moco is sometimes seasonal, in the dry season the water can be reduced to a trickle. Kumu falls is also named after the village nearby and it is located at the foot of the Kanuku Mountains. - You can party till morning. The night life in Lethem can be exciting for the party-type explorers. The two popular nights to enjoy activities in the dark are Thursday and Saturday nights. On a Thursday night you will find a few karaoke bars that offer a variety of cutters and beverages. You get a change to taste and experience the different cultures. On Saturday nights you get a chance to eat, drink and dance. Saturday nights are mostly club and bar entertainment.
- You can never go hungry in Lethem. You can find food almost everywhere in Lethem. The variety is amazing – Chinese Food, Brazilian Food, Amerindian Dishes and local cuisines are abundant. There are many small cook shops that will be happy and ready to take your order. You may even arrange with them to cook something special for you.
Stay in Comfort. Lethem has many hotels and guesthouses. On Main Street you will find the most. Some of the places to stay are Takutu Hotel, Savannah Inn, Rupununi Eco Hotel and Ori Hotel/Guesthouse. Prices vary depending on the level of luxury offered.
Visit a nearby ranch. There are many ranches near Lethem. Hotels in the area can arrange tours and day trips to a nearby ranch in the savannah. Here you will be exposed to the experience of ranch life in the Rupununi.- Go visit an Amerindian Village. Lethem is in relatively close proximity to a number of Amerindian villages. You can visit these villages with a local guide and experience the true culture of the natives.
These are so much you can do when you visit Lethem. Do your research before you visit and the larger the group, the more fun it can be. Hope to see you in Lethem soon.
Resources:
- Air Service Limited (https://www.aslgy.com/)
- Trans Guyana Airways (https://transguyana.net/)
- Carly Bus Service (https://www.stabroeknews.com/2014/news/stories/12/30/georgetown-lethem-operator-now-running-25-buses/)
- Ori Hotel (http://origuyana.com)
