Surama Eco-Lodge in Guyana was named one of the best hotels in South America in the April publication of an online issue of travel giant – National Geographic.
The guest house also shares the 2011 Caribbean Excellence in Sustainable Tourism Award with Barbados’ Harrison’s Cave, that was presented by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), in collaboration with Travel Mole.
The environmentally friendly hotel located in a small settlement of Guyana’s indigenous people is designed with a grouping of bungalows surrounded by deep forestry in the country’s Region #9 district.
The National Geographic explorers called Surama one of the most authentic and unique hotels in South America, saying that the thatched structures that make up the community-run getaway were built from materials gathered in the forest.
Designed with solar power that helps to pump water and light into the settlement, the travelers experienced the customs of the Amerindian tribes specifically the Makushi, who shared traditional culture and religious ideas, and information on the beautiful flora and fauna.
The travelers who have observed that the Amerindians use the same resources to craft arrows, blowpipes and hammocks for sale at the gift shop, complimented the settlers on their culinary dishes.
The adventurers now encourage tourist to experience the two-week jungle survival course that will take them on a guided canoe day trip on the Burro Burro River, and a hike up the Surama Mountain.
The 8-room hotel that start its rates at $49.00 for a minimum six-night stay, prides its self on being a community-based eco-tourism experience in the Guianan Shield that is committed to providing safe, comfortable and hospitable service to all guests.
Tourist will sleep restfully in an authentic Amerindian benab open to the night and to the sounds of the forest and savannah.
The guided tours are led by local villagers who have a lifetime of knowledge about the surrounding forests, its 500 species of birds, giant River Otters, Jaguar, Giant Anaconda, Tapir, Capybara and four species of monkeys.
In addition, the Bushmasters of Guyana’s rich rainforests promises to share their skills to guide tourist to fish for some of environment’s 20 species that include Giant Arapaima and Piranha, with the opportunity to release, or cook the catch of the day.
Surama’s website invites guests to come and enjoy its relaxing steam bath and massage to relax their tired muscles after a long day of hiking or paddling, before immersing themselves in the Makushi culture.
Some of the other treats include wildlife observation, Jungle Survival Training, craft making exercises, cultural events and village tours. To learn more about Surama log on to www.suramaecolodge.com
