Through the Lens: The Rupununi Ranching Experience

Have you ever wanted to travel back in time to the days of the old west, and a life of ropin’, wranglin’ while tuckin’ into some hearty grub by the campfire? Well, such an experience is possible, and you don’t need a time machine, just a passport. The South Rupununi of Guyana has a number of exciting opportunities for travellers to fulfil their hidden ranch-life fantasies. When it’s safe to travel again, Guyana will be open for international travel, but until then, keep your bedroll dry, and manifest your perfect ranching adventure through this piece. 

Guyana has several working farms and cattle ranches in the South Rupununi that provide some of the most authentic cowboy experiences. While the ranches vary in size and specific attractions, they all deliver on the promise of a hands-on cowboy experience, something that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. Guests can saddle up and accompany Guyanese vaqueros (the Portuguese word for cowboy) on cattle roundups where they can learn how to lasso, tie and even brand a steer. Of course, this being Guyana, there are a lot of other activities that you would be able to enjoy. Ranch guests often go birdwatching, take wildlife-spotting tours, learn traditional indigenous cooking methods, take a swim in a crystal clear stream, or just kick back and relax in a hammock. Sounds exciting, doesn’t it?

Photos courtesy Guyana Tourism Authority

 

Dadanawa Ranch 

Guyana’s largest and oldest ranch is Dadanawa. Located in the southern Rupununi region near the Brazilian border, the ranch has been in operation since the 1880s and is currently home to over 6,000 head of cattle. At least that’s what they think, it’s hard to get an accurate count given Dadanawa encompasses over 1,700 square miles, an area larger than Rhode Island. 

 

Saddle Mountain Ranch

Saddle Mountain Ranch offers a genuine, old-school vaquero adventure experience. You’ll learn how to lasso calves in the corral, and ride across the spectacular savannahs of the southern Rupununi region. You may camp out or stay in the basic, but comfortable facilities. Either way, you’ll enjoy a fresh, delicious dinner under a sky filled with stars. 

 

Waikin Ranch

Waikin Ranch is a farm and cattle ranch sitting on 33,000 acres of land in the central Rupununi. The ranch combines the owners’ passion for agriculture, animal husbandry, conservation and hospitality to create a unique and special guest experience. The fields and orchards surrounding this property are a haven for almost 200 species of bird, while giant anteaters and deer still roam freely around the ranch, as do capybara, anacondas and even caiman (if you are lucky). Most trips to Waikin Ranch last between two and four days and this property makes a fantastic base camp from which to explore the savannah and other attractions in the Central Rupununi. 

 

The Annual Rupununi Rodeo

Should you have any lingering doubts concerning Guyana’s cowboy creds, consider attending the annual Rupununi Rodeo, a raucous three-day event that draws thousands of participants and spectators. The rodeo’s held every Easter weekend, but unfortunately, had to be cancelled this year due to COVID-19 concerns. When it is safe to travel again, however, we invite you to come to Guyana and saddle up for an adventure of a lifetime.