GUYANA’S nascent tourism sector scored a major publicity victory last Wednesday as National Geographic Traveler – the world’s most widely read travel magazine – added a journey to Guyana’s interior to its 50 Trips of a Lifetime list. The itinerary selected by National Geographic is operated by Georgetown’s Wilderness Explorers.
According to a release issued by the company, ‘Amerindian Guyana’, a 16-day tour, focuses on the eco-lodges run by the Amerindian communities at Caiman House at Yupukari Village, Maipaima Eco-Lodge at Nappi Village, Rewa Eco-Lodge, and the Surama Eco-Lodge.
It quotes Tony Thorne, Wilderness Explorer’s Managing Director as saying: “This itinerary stands head and shoulders above tours offered in other tropical destinations, because Guyana’s Amerindians are so actively engaged in LCDS and rainforest conservation efforts.”
“English and American tourists,” Thorne says, “are especially interested to learn how indigenous cultures are adapting to the changing environmental – and political – climate.”
The selection process was highly competitive in search of the world’s most authentic, most innovative, most immersive, best-guided, and most sustainable tours, the release stated.
Senior editor Norie Quintos, who headed the project, is quoted as saying: “The outfitters we selected continue to find new ways travellers can connect with places and people.”
As to the implications of such recognition, Minister of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce, Manniram Prashad said:
“This recognition by the prestigious international National Geographic Traveler Magazine is an endorsement of the world class nature and quality of the visitors’ experience, the Guyana tourism product, and Guyana’s largest inbound Tour Operator, Wilderness Explorers.”
“This particular itinerary/tour,” he added, “is a combination of thoughtfully crafted and packaged experiences that are ecologically and culturally sensitive to one of the most pristine and biologically diverse places on Earth. It is very encouraging that National Geographic Traveler is highlighting and promoting world class tour companies, travel experiences and destinations.”
Kirk Smock, author of the Bradt Guide to Guyana said: “Congrats on the award and recognition. That’s a huge reward and one that is deserved by Wilderness.”

Noting the impact of the honour, Director of  the Guyana Tourism Authority, Indranauth Haralsingh stated, “The Guyana Tourism Authority is excited and proud that National Geographic Traveler magazine has recognized Wilderness Explorer’s ‘AMERINDIAN GUYANA’ tour as one of their top 50 Tours of a Lifetime for 2011, to be recognized by National Geographic Traveler, is a testament to Wilderness Explorer’s continued commitment to producing unique educational and responsible adventure, nature, eco and culturally sensitive tours which foster interaction with locals.”
“Wilderness Explorers know this country like no-one else, their ‘Amerindian Guyana’ trip promises to be a quite remarkable experience. There’s no question of being funnelled in and out of the wilds, oblivious to its workings.” said John Gimlette, author of ‘Wild Coast Travels on South America’s Untamed Edge’.
“This trip may not be comfortable, but it’s thought out with great imagination, vision and conscience. Here, Amerindians are not exhibits but participants. For the first time, you’ll find out what they feel about their lives, their beliefs, their fears, and the animals all around. But, best of all, they’ll guide you – with great skill – through their astonishingly beautiful world,” he added.
Meanwhile, ,General Manager of Wilderness Explorers, Teri O’Brien explained that Guyana’s Amerindian lodges are rare gems in a world crowded with cheap tourism packages catering to mass-market consumers.
“Some of these lodges are seeing no fewer than 100 visitors per year, which means the experience there is truly genuine and authentic,” O’Brien said.
Wilderness Explorers has been running small, carefully-crafted tours to Guyana’s interior since 1994, and handles the majority of international leisure tourist arrivals in Guyana.
National Geographic Traveler has the largest audience of any travel magazine, with more than 7.5 million readers.
NGT’s readers have the highest passport ownership, most international and domestic trips, and most outdoor recreation spending of any other travel title.