Lethem
Lethem, the principal town of Guyana's Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo region, lies on the Takutu River and offers a frontier blend of Guyanese and Brazilian cultures amid the Rupununi savannah.
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About Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo
Lethem is a small border town in southern Guyana and the capital of the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo region, sitting on the Takutu River directly across from Bonfim, Brazil. The two communities are connected by the Takutu River Bridge, making Lethem a lively gateway for cross-border trade, travel and cultural exchange.
The town serves as the main service and transport hub for the Rupununi, a vast savannah region framed by the Kanuku and Pakaraima mountain ranges. Around Lethem, visitors find open grasslands, forested foothills, oxbow lakes and a chain of Amerindian villages that sustain distinctive Wapishana and Macushi traditions.
Lethem is best known for the annual Rupununi Rodeo, held around Easter, which draws cowboys, horse riders and spectators from across Guyana and neighbouring Brazil. Local culture is also visible in markets, craft shops and community-run eco-lodges where visitors can learn about cassava bread making, traditional fishing and wildlife.
Nearby attractions and excursions include the Kanuku Mountains, known for birdlife such as harpy eagles and cock-of-the-rock, and remote ranches and lodges such as Karanambu, famous for giant river otters and arapaima. The area appeals to travellers interested in savannah scenery, wildlife and indigenous heritage.
For business visitors, Lethem functions as a growing commercial and logistics point for the Brazil-Guyana corridor, with trade, transport and government services concentrated around the town. Its compact centre, small airport and cross-border position make it a practical base for both trade-related trips and Rupununi exploration.
Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo Travel Guide
Best Time to Visit
The dry season from September to April is the most practical time to visit Lethem, when savannah roads are more passable and wildlife viewing is easier. Easter is especially lively because of the annual Rupununi Rodeo, while the wet season from May to August brings heavier rains and softer conditions.
How to Get Around
Lethem's compact centre is easy to explore on foot, and taxis or local minibuses handle short trips around town and to the Brazil border. For visiting savannah villages, ranches and lodges, visitors usually travel by 4x4 vehicle, while small aircraft link Lethem with Georgetown and other interior communities.
Where to Stay
Most accommodation in Lethem consists of small guesthouses and hotels near the airport and town centre, convenient for early flights and border crossings. For a more nature-focused stay, community lodges and ranches in the surrounding Rupununi, such as Karanambu, Rewa and Surama, offer guided wildlife and cultural experiences.
Food & Drink
Local eating in Lethem blends Guyanese and Brazilian influences, with pepperpot, cassava bread, farine, river fish and grilled meats common on menus and in small restaurants. Markets and roadside stalls provide fresh fruit, snacks and local drinks, while guesthouses often serve hearty regional meals.
Ground Transportation Services in Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo
Airport Transfers
Arrange transport between Lethem Airport and town hotels, the Brazil border crossing and nearby guesthouses or lodges across the Rupununi.
Hourly Chauffeur
Book a private driver by the hour for border visits, business meetings, Rupununi excursions and flexible travel around Lethem.
Car Rental
Rent a 4x4 in Lethem for independent travel across the savannah and access to villages, ranches and wildlife areas.
Bus & Group Transfers
Organise minibuses or charter vehicles for groups attending the Rupununi Rodeo, border crossings, community visits and regional tours.
Frequently Asked Questions
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