Upcoming Tour: Essequibo River Jungle Trip
Twenty days into the deep south of Guyana by old army truck, dugout canoe, and on foot. A cultural and wilderness expedition to Masakenari, one of the most remote Indigenous communities in South America, operated in direct partnership with the Wai Wai people.
The Wai Wai & Kanashen Amazon Expedition is a twenty-day journey from Georgetown to Masakenari Village, deep inside the Kanashen Protected Area in Guyana’s far south. This is one of the most remote journeys we offer: long overland travel, river systems, dugout canoes, jungle camps, village life, and days spent moving through country that very few visitors ever reach.
The expedition begins with a flight south to Lethem before the team loads vehicles and continues across open savannah, remote tracks, and forest roads toward Parabara. From there, the journey becomes dependent on season, river level, access, and local conditions. Some sections may be completed by old army truck, others by dugout canoe through narrow river systems. There is no polished version of this route. The travel itself is the expedition.
For several days, you move deeper into the forest, camping on riverbanks, cooking over open fire, washing in the river, and settling into the rhythm of expedition life. Scarlet macaws cross overhead, giant otters may fish beside the boats, and tracks along the mud remind you that this is still wild country.
At Masakenari, you spend time with the Wai Wai community, learning about forest farms, traditional fishing, bow-making, and daily life in one of Guyana’s most culturally distinct Indigenous villages. This is not a staged cultural show. It is a rare visit built on partnership, respect, and the fact that you have travelled the same routes the community uses themselves.
The return journey retraces the forest and river systems back toward the Rupununi. By the time you step back into Lethem and eventually Georgetown, you will have crossed one of the least-visited corners of Guyana — and understood why the journey to get there is what makes it unforgettable.
“The Wai Wai expedition is not something you can recreate by flying into a lodge and staying for a few nights. The distance matters. The trucks, the river camps, the dugout canoes, the delays, the heat, the mud, all of it prepares you to understand where you are going. When you finally reach Masakenari, you don’t arrive as a tourist who has simply been delivered there. You arrive having travelled through the country that connects the Wai Wai people to the outside world. That changes the way you experience the village, the forest, and the people who welcome you.”
Expedition Leader and Owner
Six reasons this expedition earns its name.
A glimpse into the terrain, skills, and moments that define this course.
From first inquiry to first night in the jungle, we prepare you for everything so the wild can teach you the rest.
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Arrival in Georgetown
Arrive in Georgetown and transfer to the group hotel. Meet your expedition leader and fellow participants for a full briefing, kit check, and final preparation before travelling into the interior.
Flight to the Interior
Fly south across Guyana’s rainforest to Lethem. After landing, the team organises equipment and loads supplies before beginning the overland journey by 4×4 or army truck toward the deep south.
Parabara Village
Spend the day in Parabara, a remote southern Rupununi village near the edge of Wai Wai territory. This stop allows the group to rest, adjust, organise logistics, and prepare for the journey deeper into the forest.
Into the Wilderness
The main expedition phase begins. Depending on river levels and access conditions, the team travels by dugout canoe, truck, or a combination of both. Nights are spent in jungle camps or riverbank camps. Expect long travel days, open-fire cooking, river bathing, wildlife signs, and a growing sense of distance from the outside world.
Masakenari Village & Wai Wai Community
Arrive in Masakenari, deep inside the Kanashen Protected Area. Spend several days with the Wai Wai community, visiting forest farms, learning bow-making and traditional fishing, observing daily life, and taking part in activities guided by the community.
Return Through Forest And River
Begin the return journey through the same wilderness systems. As with all real expeditions, timing depends on river conditions, weather, and access. These days are often where the journey settles into its deepest rhythm — camp, river, fire, movement, repeat.
Return To Georgetown
Fly back north to Georgetown. Final night in the capital and farewell evening with the group.
Departure
Depart Guyana or continue onward travel.
See real trips, real wildlife, and life on the ground in Guyana.
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
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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.
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