Traveling Ted is a blog that takes readers along on my adventures hiking, canoeing, skiing, and international backpacking. Many blogs focus on one aspect of backpacking, but I tackle both the outdoor adventure side and international exploration as well.

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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.

Guyana Rupunini

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.

Panorama Nature Trail

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.

Panorama Nature Trail

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

Green jacamar on the Panorama Nature Trail – Check out that beak

Green jacamar

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

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.

Guyana Rupunini

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

Rupunini savannah

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.

Panorma Nature Trail

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!

The goal of Traveling Ted is to inspire people to outdoor adventure travel and then provide tips on where and how to go. If you liked this post then sign up for the email newsletter. Notifications are sent out once or twice a month with what is new with Traveling Ted’s adventures. There is no spam and email information will not be shared. Other e-follow options include Facebook (click on the like box to the right) or twitter (click on the pretty bird on the rainbow above).