Upcoming Tour: Essequibo River Jungle Trip

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Burro Burro River Fishing & Camping Expedition

A six-day Burro Burro River fishing and camping expedition through one of Guyana’s most pristine rainforest tributaries. Guided by Makushi fishermen, you drift downriver by boat, fish wild waters each day, and camp on remote riverbanks each night.

5 Rating (20 Reviews)
6 Days / 5 Nights

6 Days / 5 Nights

Duration

Price based on 2 guest

Flexible Group Size

Easy–Moderate

Difficulty

Sep-Jan

Best Season

Surama, Guyana

Start Point

A PRISTINE ESSEQUIBO TRIBUTARY, FISHED THE WAY THESE RIVERS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN FISHED.

The Burro Burro River Fishing and Camping Expedition takes guests deep into one of Guyana’s most untouched rainforest river systems. Flowing through the remote forests of the Essequibo basin, the Burro Burro remains remarkably wild, protected by its isolation and the stewardship of the surrounding Makushi communities.

Travel is conducted entirely by boat as the expedition drifts downriver through forest tunnels, hidden bends, and productive fishing pools. Camps are established along the riverbanks each evening, with hammocks, fires, and freshly prepared meals under the jungle canopy.

Fishing is guided by experienced Makushi fishermen with generations of river knowledge. Target species include Payara (Vampire Fish), Himara (Wolf Fish), Black Piranha, Tiger Catfish, Dawala, and, in the right conditions, Red Tail Catfish during optional night sessions.

Beyond the fishing, the expedition offers wildlife encounters, jungle camping, river exploration, and insight into traditional fishing methods still practiced in Guyana’s interior today.

The Burro Burro changes constantly with water levels, seasons, and fish movement. Our team from Surama has spent generations travelling these rivers, understanding where fish hold, how the river behaves, and how to move safely through the forest. Every trip becomes different, but that is exactly what makes these rivers special.

Anders Andersen

Lead Instructor And Owner​

What Makes This Fishing Expedition Special

The elements that make this more than a fishing trip, a true river expedition through Guyana’s remote rainforest waterways.

MAKUSHI RIVER KNOWLEDGE

Travel with Surama’s experienced river team, using traditional knowledge of seasons, fish movement, and river conditions.

MULTIPLE TARGET SPECIES

Target Payara, Himara, Black Piranha, Tiger Catfish, Dawala, and other powerful freshwater predators.

REMOTE RIVER FISHING

Fish untouched jungle waters accessible only by boat, far from lodges, roads, and heavily pressured fishing areas.

EXPEDITION CAMPING

Sleep in hammock camps along remote riverbanks with campfires, jungle sounds, and fully supported riverside camps.

WILDLIFE & RAINFOREST

Experience giant river otters, birdlife, monkeys, caiman, and pristine rainforest environments along the river.

SMALL GROUP EXPERIENCE

Designed for small groups seeking authentic fishing adventures with flexibility, personal guiding, and real expedition atmosphere.

Highlights

The experiences that define life on the river during the expedition.

REMOTE JUNGLE WATERWAYS

Travel by boat through winding rivers, hidden creeks, and untouched stretches of the Burro Burro far any settlements.

WILD RAINFOREST FISHING

Target powerful freshwater predators including Payara, Himara, Black Piranha, and Catfish in productive jungle waters.

EXPEDITION STYLE CAMPS

Sleep in hammock camps along remote riverbanks with campfires, jungle sounds, and nights beneath the rainforest canopy.

MAKUSHI RIVER KNOWLEDGE

Fish with Surama’s experienced team whose knowledge of seasons and fish behaviour comes from generations on these rivers.

What's included

From first inquiry to first night in the jungle, we prepare you for everything so the wild can teach you the rest.

Included

  • 6 days / 5 nights accommodation (eco-lodge & jungle camps)
  • All meals during the stay at lodge and in the jungle
  • Basic tackle gear (Rod, lures, hand line, line)
  • Boat transport and fuel on the Burro Burro River
  • Makushi fishing guides and local support staff
  • Village fees and community contributions
  • Jungle camping equipment (hammocks, tarps, group gear)

Not IncludeD

  • Transportation from Lethem to Surama (Can be added to package)
  • Domestic flights from Georgetown to Lethem (Can be added to package)
  • Meals in Lethem
  • Airport taxis in Georgetown
  • Special Fishing tackle, rods, reels, lures (unless specified)
  • Alcohol and personal expenses
  • Tips for guides
  • Personal travel insurance (required in advance)
  • Medical clearance (if required)

What to Bring

  • Personal fishing gear (rods, reels, lures)
  • Lightweight clothing
  • Sturdy footwear
  • Insect repellent
  • Headlamp with spare batteries
  • Personal medication
  • Camera equipment
  • Full packing list sent on booking

Creatures we meet on the Burro Burro River

There is some monsters hiding in the murky waters
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Book this trip

From 2,599$

Price (USD)

50%

Deposit

Bank Transfer

Payment Method

Secure Booking

Contact Us For Group Rates

DETAILS

Everything you need to know 
before booking your adventure
Day 1

Arrival in Surama & First Fishing Camp
Guests arrive in Surama Village and are welcomed by the Makushi community at Surama Eco Lodge. After lunch, the expedition begins as the group travels downriver by boat on the Burro Burro River, stopping to fish promising bends, pools, and submerged structures along the way. By late afternoon, camp is established on a remote riverbank. The evening includes fishing from camp, dinner cooked over the fire, and the first night sleeping in hammocks under tarps beside the river.

Lunch and dinner included. Sleep in hammocks.

Day 2-5

Downriver Fishing & Jungle Exploration
Each day is spent travelling deeper downriver, fishing different stretches of the Burro Burro system. Guests rotate between boat fishing, shore casting, and exploring nearby forest areas with local guides. Fishing targets vary depending on season and conditions but commonly include Himara, Dawala, Black Piranha, Payara, and Tiger Catfish.

Camps are moved regularly as the expedition progresses downstream, allowing access to new fishing grounds and untouched sections of river. Evenings are spent around the fire preparing the day’s catch, relaxing in camp, and, when conditions allow, optional night fishing for larger catfish species including Red Tail Catfish.

All meals included. Sleep in hammocks.

Day 6

Return to Surama
After breakfast, the group begins the return journey by boat toward Surama with opportunities for a final fishing session along the way. Upon arrival, guests return to the eco lodge to clean gear, rest, and enjoy a farewell meal with the guides and team. Depending on onward travel plans, guests may either overnight in Surama or continue onward toward Lethem.

Breakfast and lunch included. Accommodation depending on travel schedule.

Basic fishing equipment is available for guests and includes spinning rods, hooks, lures, hand lines, and traditional bow-and-arrow fishing equipment used by local Makushi guides. Guests are welcome to bring and use their own personal fishing gear, including rods, reels, tackle, and specialist equipment. Fly fishing is also possible in certain sections of the river, although the local guides are not formally trained fly fishing guides. They will however gladly assist and facilitate the experience to the best of their ability based on river conditions and access. Due to the remote nature of the expedition, guests bringing specialised gear are encouraged to also bring spare tackle, leaders, and essential replacement equipment.
The Burro Burro River is a remote tributary of the Essequibo River known for its healthy populations of predatory freshwater species and untouched rainforest surroundings. Fishing is conducted from boats, riverbanks, creeks, and jungle camps depending on river conditions and target species. Common catches include Himara (Wolf Fish), Payara (Vampire Fish), Tiger Catfish, Dawala, Black Piranha, Peacock Bass, and other seasonal Amazon species. During suitable river conditions, optional night fishing may produce larger catfish species including Red Tail Catfish. The expedition is suitable for both experienced anglers and first-time jungle fishermen. Local Makushi guides adapt fishing methods, pace, and locations based on water levels, season, and guest experience. Guests should expect changing river conditions, active boat travel, and long days outdoors in a remote rainforest environment.

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Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know 
before booking your adventure

Everything you need to know 
before booking your adventure

Everything you need to know 
before booking your adventure

Everything you need to know 
before booking your adventure

Everything you need to know 
before booking your adventure

It is recommended, but gear rental is available.

Yes, on selected trips under strict guidelines. Additional fees apply.

Peacock bass, catfish, payara, wolffish, and more depending on location.

Options range from lodges to expedition-style camps.

Yes for large species and Arapaima. Some fish may be kept for consumption.

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Need Help Choosing the Right Experience?

Our team knows these jungles inside and out. We’re happy to help you find the perfect adventure based on your interests, fitness level, and timeframe. Every journey is unique—let’s craft yours together.

We typically respond within 2-4 hours (Georgetown time: GMT-4)
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