The Guyana Rupunini is a vast arid space near the border of Brazil. Once you exit the Iwokrama Rainforest on the Georgetown-Letham Road, the area is sparse and does not provide much outdoor adventure. Scattered Amerindian Villages dot the landscape. The Panorama Nature Trail is one nice hike in the area to check out.
Typical arid Rupunini landscape
Related: Guyana Travel warning
Panorama Nature Trail an oasis of adventure in the Rupunini
One little oasis of adventure in this dry land is the Panorama Nature Trail in Annai. The trailhead is located right across the Georgetown-Lethem Road from the Oasis and about a twenty minute walk from Rockview Lodge.
The Panorama Nature Trail or the Dennis Trail
The trail climbs a tree covered hill, one of the highest in the area. Since the Rupunini is flat, dry, and rather treeless, this shade covered hill is a welcome respite from walking in the unrelenting sun. The trail is short, but it is not easy as it goes straight up a rocky rather treacherous path. Take your time and watch your feet as it is easy to trip or lose your footing over the medium sized rocks.
My Amerindian guide Lesslyn leads the way
A guide is not necessary as the trail basically goes up the hill and then back down again. The benefit of a guide is assistance in identifying the flora and fauna. We did not see too many birds, but the highlight was a beautiful green jacamar. If you are staying at Rockview a guide can be procured or you could also inquire at the Oasis.
Green jacamar on the Panorama Nature Trail – Check out that beak
Green jacamar perched on a tree off the Panorama Trail
A great spot to locate birds
Yellow orioles are another colorful bird that can be spotted in the area. Birds like macaws and toucans pretty much stay to the rainforests, so you would need to venture farther down the highway towards Georgetown. We did see some savannah hawks on our way from the lodge over to the trailhead and a caracara on the highway farther south, so there are interesting birds in the area.
Yellow oriole in Guyana
At the top of the hill is a wonderful view of the surrounding Rupunini. I would recommend coming up here later in the evening and catching a sunset, but you do not want to linger to close to dark as you need to head back down the treacherous trail. It takes about 45 minute up and about a half hour back down.
Beautiful tree and surrounding Rupunini
Campsite and a view at the top
There is a fire ring and campsite at the top. Check with Rockview or Oasis about possibilities of camping and having a fire. You can also stay at the Oasis with a hammock in their benab or get a room at the Oasis or Rockview Lodge.
Related: Just a man, a benab, and a hammock
Beautiful view of the expansive Rupunini savannah
Not the best adventure in Guyana, but worth the walk if in the area
The Panorama Nature Trail is not the most incredible trail in South America or Guyana, but if you find yourself passing through the Rupunini on the Georgetown-Letham Road, the trail is worth exploring. Many people come and stay at Rockview Lodge or if they are just passing through stay at the Oasis. Whether you are staying in the area or just passing through, the Panorama Nature Trail is a great place to stretch the legs for an hour or two, see a few interesting birds, and catch a scenic view of the arid Rupunini.
Another view of the Guyana Rupunini from the Panorama ridge
A couple species of poisonous snakes call the region home, so be wary where you walk, but not overly cautious. Snake will do their best to avoid a confrontation with man.
Adventure on!
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Didn’t realize it was quite so flat! But the nature shots are spectacular
Charu recently posted..Things to Do With the Family on Your Day Off
Guyana is 80% covered in jungle. I guess this is the 20%. The other 80% is very rugged. There is not much mountains, but a lot of river valleys and hills.
I think Panorama Nature Trail is a cool destination for sighting different species of birds. I like those photos.
Raymond Waruhari recently posted..The Best of Birding Safaris in Kenya
Thanks Raymond. Glad you enjoyed the birds.
It looks like an amazing trail with such beautiful landscapes and colorful birds.
Renuka recently posted..10 Pictures Inspiring Travel
The Rupunini is pretty flat and arid, but his trail goes up into one of the few places that has elevation in the area.
nice pictures! great Sceneries
Hiking is a natural way to explore nature and also a fantastic exercise activity for young and old. Guyana Rupunini is such a panorama nature trail for to listen the chatter of birds as relish endless views.
Thanks Dave, I agree.
Hi Ted,
I am embarrassed that you can call your trip to the panorama trail and Rock View an adventurous tripe . This is biased writing.
You seem to have deliberately missed beautiful rain forest destinations such as Iwokrama Rainforest Lodge, Atta Lodge, Surama Eco Lodge, Rewa Eco Lodge, Maipama, Caiman House and other least mentioned resorts in the Essequibo. Have you considered those? And did your guide/advisers mention this to you? I think not.
Hi Greg,
Sorry to offend your adventurous sensibilities. I did visit Iwokrama, Atta Rainforest, and Kaieteur Falls. I mistakenly ended up in the Rupunini because I thought it was the place to be from my research. I wrote about how I screwed this up in other posts. I tried to make the best I could when I was stuck at Rockview Lodge for a couple of days by hiking the Panorama Trail. This is why I suggested if you come through the area it is a nice hike if you are here and have time. Very true though that it is not the best of what Guyana has to offer: not even close. Feel free to read more of my trip to Guyana to get a broader picture of my time in there https://travelingted.com/tag/guyana/
Now that I have a better idea of what Guyana and the area has to offer after visiting, I look forward to returning and taking advantage of my knowledge. Thanks for the recommendations on other great places to visit. I will return to Guyana, but it will be the last time I visit this area unless just passing through to Iwokrama or Mount Roraima.
When u returning? I want to.tag along
Hello Geeta,
I hope soon. I miss Guyana!