Paruima is an Amerindian settlement with a population of about 800 persons and is located in the Upper Mazaruni District of Region 7 (Cuyuni-Mazaruni). Paruima is said to be the only Arecuna speaking community in Guyana.
The journey to get to this scenic village is a long one from Georgetown but worth every second of the ride there. If you are up for an adventure you can take the approximate 1 hour 15 minutes flight from Ogle to Kamarang as opposed to the direct flight to Paruima. If you opt for option one you will not regret any of it since you will enjoy the scenes at the Kamarang Airstrip and the river leading to another village just outside of the Paruima. This village, the natives call Falls Mouth.
It takes about 7- 8 hours on a low tide due to huge rocks formations and fallen trees in the Kamarang River in order for you to get to the village. Is recommended that your captain be a skilled one with knowledge of the river or someone preferably one from the Paruima village. Along the way, you will pass a lot of different Amerindian settlements and enjoy the views of mountainous terrains, dense forests, huge volcanic rocks, fallen trees, all kinds of birds, turtles, otters, and so much more fun than being in the plane for a few more hours.
Upon arriving to the Falls Mouth drop off, a 20 minutes hike through a mountainous forest like terrain leads you to another part of the Kamarang River where a 20 minutes canoe ride takes you to the lovely village of Paruima. There you are greeted by the warmest of smiles and words of welcome from the villagers.
Our photographer, Subhash Haimraj, writes, “Surrounded by mountains, forests and rivers the village is alone worth all the long travels.”
The Paruima and Panasima Falls are scenic waterfalls in that territory, and,
located in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni region between Guyana and Venezuela, the area also hosts stunning views of the Kamarang River leading to Venezuela. There are also huge rock formations between which children enjoy playing hide and seek.
Paruima Village also contains a place of worship, sports ground, and a college named the Davis Indian Industrial College. (Photos by Subhash Haimraj)(Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)
