While Guyana has many wonders that are sure to capture your eyes and heart, a trip to region nine-
Upper Takatu Upper Essequibo is one that is sure to steal your heart with no give backs! The scenery,
atmosphere, excitement, the difference and the nature are sure to pull on your heart strings. The region
as a whole has become a top destination for tourist experiences and pleasure.
Lethem is a small town situated in the region and is surrounded by local flora and fauna. It shares the
border with our neighboring country Brazil and the Takatu River Bridge links the two countries.
Lethem is one of Guyana’s fastest growing towns that is surrounded by mountainous region that gives
viewers an enchanting sight.
The town is laced with many stores, restaurants, hotels, schools, hospitals and nightclubs. Lethem is
considered the main hu b for villages deep within the south and north of region nine.
It is located deep within the forests of Guyana and you can get there by air or trail. While travelling by
air would be considered the faster and easier way, I’d say travelling by trail gives you a chance to better
experience Guyana and all she has to offer.
I’ll take you back to my first experience travelling to Lethem by trail; I was merely a teenager excited for
my first out of town trip. My mom booked our transportation with a local bus service that would take
persons to and from Lethem, before going to the bus service my mom ensured that we were stocked
with enough food and snacks to last, as well as enough liquids to keep our bodies hydrated- because we
were in for hours and hours of driving through the jungle of Guyana to reach the town of Lethem.
We departed Georgetown- Guyana’s capital at around 6:00pm that evening. As a teenager travelling for
the first time, I wanted to ensure I didn’t miss a thing! Our Journey to Lethem consisted of a few stops
on the way and it lasted little over 24 hours.
While there wasn’t much to see the night we left, the following day of travelling was sure filled with
many beautiful sceneries, and surprises.
The first thing that captured my attention on the journey was the sweet and captivating sounds of birds
whistling in the jungle as the bus drove by. There were so many different sounds of birds blended that
created a perfect wildlife melody.
The next thing, was the sight of the Kurupukari crossing. The Kurupukari River crossing is a scenic
viewpoint in Guyana and is situated nearby to the police station Iwokrama checkpoint. I’ve always been
a lover of water, rivers and creeks and so, crossing the Kurupukari river was a personal favourite
experience
I remember at one point I said “mommy look, it’s like the mountains are kissing the clouds” after
witnessing the magnificent scenery of the tall and huge mountains. The mountains were bright and
flourishing, I’ve never felt so small before and now that I’m older I remember thinking how small
humans are compared to nature.

The mountainous views were complimented by the rich green savannahs that are home to cows, ant
eaters, wild pigs and horses that are sure to be seen by persons passing by. Cows were seen grazing,
horses were seen running through the savannahs, and wild pigs were randomly running across the red
loam, dusty trail.
There were about four stops on the way, these stops gave passengers an opportunity to stop and grab
something to eat and drink. I cannot forget to mention the numerous indigenous villages that
we passed on our way! We saw children walking to school, fetching water and washing at rivers
and creeks. Their red clay houses with thatched roofs made our view even more interesting as
we passed. A trip to Lethem via trail is a must do once visiting Guyana.
Once we entered the town of Lethem, it felt peaceful, it’s not the busiest town but the town has a little
bit of everything going everywhere. While touring the town is an experience in itself, travelling
to the town via trail is a whole other level of experience as well, the sights you’d see would
remain at the back of your memories always. It is a perfect way to witness Guyana’s indigenous
lands and interior regions!