Things To Do
in Lethem
Lethem, Guyana sits at the edge of the Rupununi savannah near the Brazilian border, serving as a lively gateway into the southern rainforest. Its dusty streets are lined with family-run guesthouses, markets, and cross-border traders who bring a cosmopolitan energy to the town. River towns and savannah viewpoints anchor the region's rhythm, with the Takutu River ferrying goods and people across the border.
While remote, Lethem is a welcoming base for wildlife watching, Indigenous culture, and adventurous day trips into the Rupununi.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your adventure with a guided tour through the Rupununi savannah, where you will spot various species of birds and wildlife. As the sun rises, bask in the golden light illuminating the vast grasslands and wetlands. Enjoy a hearty breakfast at a local lodge to fuel your journey ahead.
Visit a nearby indigenous community to learn about their culture, traditions, and craftsmanship. Participate in a hands-on workshop where you can try your hand at traditional crafts or cooking. Savor a packed lunch while enjoying the natural beauty surrounding you.
Return to Lethem and relax at your accommodation after a day filled with exploration. Enjoy a casual dinner at a local eatery, sampling traditional Guyanese dishes. As night falls, stargaze and listen to the sounds of the savannah.
Set out early for a trek in the Kanuku Mountains, a haven for flora and fauna. Guided by experienced locals, trek through lush forests while keeping an eye out for unique plants and animals. Midway through your hike, take a break to enjoy the serenity of the mountains with a packed breakfast.
Reach a stunning viewpoint that overlooks the valley below, perfect for photographs and a sense of accomplishment. Enjoy lunch at your vantage point, surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Continue your descent while learning about the region's natural history from your guide.
Return to Lethem, where you can refresh yourself before dinner. Share stories and experiences from your trek with fellow travelers at a local restaurant. End the night with a leisurely stroll through town, soaking up the vibrant atmosphere.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🥤Bottle of water | $1-2 |
| ☕Coffee in cafe | $2-4 |
| 🥗Lunch in mid-range restaurant | $10-18 |
| 🛏️Overnight stay in guesthouse | $25-70 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Friendly, multi-ethnic culture and easy cross-border access
- Rich Rupununi savannah landscapes and wildlife viewing
- Limited healthcare and infrastructure for serious emergencies
- Remote location with variable road conditions and fewer services than Georgetown
- "Wha gwaan?" - What's going on? / Hello.
- "Ay man, good morning." - Good morning.
- "Please." - Please.
- "Tank yuh." - Thank you.
- "Yuh speak English?" - Do you speak English?
- "Weh di market deh?" - Where is the market?
Places to Visit in Lethem
Visit one of these nice places.
Golden light along the riverbanks with silhouettes of boats and distant Brazilian border beyond the water.
Colorful morning scenes and candid portraits among traders and shoppers.
Expansive grasslands with distant hills, wildlife, and dramatic horizon lines.
Riverside trails and canopy views offering wildlife and cultural photography opportunities.
Food in Lethem
Lethem Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A slow-cooked cassareep-stewed meat, often beef or pork, rich and peppery; common in family homes and eateries.
Must-Try!
Browned goat meat simmered in curry spices served with fragrant rice; a staple at local eateries.
River fish prepared in curry or simply fried, usually served with cassava, plantains, or rice.
One-pot rice dish with meat, peas, and vegetables cooked together; a hearty everyday meal.
Dried, toasted cassava bread served with a peppery sauce or cheese; a common snack.
Brazilian cheese bread widely available in bakeries and cafes; perfect for a quick bite.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling morning market offering fresh produce, cassava, fish, spices, and local snacks; great for sampling street foods.
Casual stalls with fried fish, beef patties, cassava chips, fried plantains, and Brazilian snacks like pastel.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a friendly 'hello' or 'Wah gwaan' in Creole; a handshake or bow is common with elders.
Ask before entering homes; remove hats indoors; show appreciation for local hospitality.
Safety
Tipping in Lethem
Ensure a smooth experience
In most eateries, a small tip (5-10%) is appreciated for good service; hotel staff and guides may appreciate similar tips. In more remote family-run spots, tipping is discretionary.
Cash is widely accepted; some places may take local currency (GYD) or USD; credit cards are limited outside major towns; plan to carry small notes for purchases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, sunny days with less rainfall; roads are more accessible and wildlife concentrates near water sources. Great for long-distance hiking and river trips, but can be dusty.
Frequent heavy rains and swollen rivers; travel can be slower or require boats. Excellent for lush landscapes, birding, and dramatic skies.
Moderate weather with occasional showers; a comfortable balance for outdoor activities and cultural visits.
Lethem at Night
Hiking in Lethem
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Cultural and nature trails near Surama village with birding and forest scenery.
Rupununi River trails offering wildlife viewing, wetlands, and ranch landscapes.
Trails and viewpoints across the Rupununi savannah for expansive landscape photography.
Airports
How to reach Lethem by plane.
Small domestic airport serving Lethem with regional flights to Georgetown and neighboring towns; limited services and schedule variability.
Major Brazilian gateway about a few hours from Lethem; provides international flights and connections to Brazil and neighboring countries; convenient for cross-border trips.
Guyana's main international gateway; most travelers fly here to connect to Lethem or other interior destinations via domestic flights or overland trips.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Indigenous group with a strong presence in Rupununi communities; known for cultural traditions and connection to the savannah.
Another Indigenous group in Rupununi; engaged in crafts, farming, and traditional practices.
Longstanding communities involved in trade, services, and hospitality in Lethem.
Cross-border traders and residents who bring Brazilian influence to markets and eateries.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in villages and towns, with local leagues and informal matches.
Common in schools and community grounds, especially during the dry season.
Played in community centers and youth programs.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Lethem.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist, focusing on beans, rice, cassava, plantains, and fresh vegetables; ask cooks about meat stock and broths and request that meat be omitted.