While I have shared my most treasured memory , shrimp fishing is not the only activity one can experience on a trip to Warapoka . Your customisable itinerary can include various activities which capture the natural environment , way of life and culture of the village .
What else is there to experience ?
Villagers always speak with pride and excitement when they relate recent sightings of the Harpy Eagle near the village . The Eagle is regarded as a highlight and a symbol of their tourism product . A morning or afternoon ’ s hike will lead you to the viewing point of the largest raptor in Guyana with opportunities for spotting wildlife or other birdlife such as the Tufted Coquette hummingbird which frequents the area .
A village tour traces the path which links you to the personalities and culture of the people which will undoubtedly enrich your experience . One of your first stops is at the home of Aunty Irene whose story telling will link the present day of the village to the past when her ancestors lived there . While there , she will invite you to join her in a small craft making session to form your connection with Indigenous peoples use of natural materials from the forest .
Depending on seasonality , you can experience the processing of coffee beans and sampling a cup of freshly brewed coffee with coconut milk used as its creamer .
This tour can include alternative activities such as tacoma worm tasting , cassava processing , bow and arrow demonstration or sampling of the alaka snails , a delicacy of the people of Warapoka .
Take a relaxing walk along the forested areas to the Alaka Shell Mound . The shell mound serves as evidence of snail shells accumulated over many years . The guided walk to the area which ends at the Alaka Creek provides many chances for storytelling and learning about the trees and plants as you walk along .
An early morning trip on the Waini River to Luri Creek unlocks the cool and serenity of the morning . Once there , tarpon fish is the main attraction . Display your fishing skills or be taught the technique by your guide who shows you two forms of fishing : using a fishing rod and a traditional method using a fishing line and lead .
Travelling to Warapoka
To create your memories , travel to the village can be done in two ways : via boat or air transfer .
Journeying to this village can be done overland from Georgetown with connecting boat transfers at Parika and Charity then onto Santa Rosa . From Santa Rosa , through the 99 turns of the river , one will arrive at the village after ninety minutes .
Alternatively , flights to Bimichi Airstrip , Moruca from Eugene Correia International Airport operate thrice weekly and offer a quicker travel route . From the airstrip , take a vehicle to Kumaka waterfront where a boat transfer completes the journey to the village . .
Horo Hanoco
In 2021 , the village commissioned their guest house “ Horo Hanoco ” ( rock dwelling place ). It has two self-contained rooms and four rooms with a shared bathroom . The building is outfitted with photovoltaic and water systems and internet connectivity .
Safe Travels
Warapoka has implemented the Hygiene and Sanitation protocol of the Guyana Tourism Authority and has received Conditional Approval signaling their efforts to implement systems to safeguard the health and safety of travellers to the village and community members .
Why must you visit ?
The appeal of Warapoka lies in its value as a Scientific , Academic , Volunteer and Educational destination appealing to travellers who seek opportunities to connect with nature , culture and villagers thereby making a positive impact on the community .
Simply being there allows you to immerse yourself and understand the Warrau way of life while contributing to the village ’ s vision for the promotion of community based tourism . The hospitality , quality of experiences , culinary delights and your attentive hosts will make your visit to this village meaningful .
My mind zips back to the present and I carefully tuck my souvenir of memories away .
Take the trip . Warapoka is awaiting you . TOURISM GUYANA 2022 | 31