Guyana Pioneer Rainforest Guesthouse, amenities of home

Boasting that the Pioneer Rainforest Guesthouse, is a tropical paradise on 5 ½ acres of land, surrounded by wildlife, and luxuriant in the beautiful township of Bartica, Nelta Wyatt-Lowrie (owner), said the guesthoue is once again opened for business, after closing for two years due to the coronavirus pandemic.

But before tourists can pull up to the 32 one and a half-mile Potaro Road ground of flora and fauna, with outdoor eating, they must travel along the Essequibo River, by a 45-minute speed-boat jaunt, or five-hour cruise via the Transport and Harbors commuter ferry.

For a small rental fee of GUY$10,000 (USD$50.00) per night, in a double-occupancy setting, travelers are pampered in 10 rooms with amenities of home. Whether you are planning a family vacation, a relaxing weekend getaway or an adventurous excursion.

The tranquil, rustic encircling complex, where early morning nature walks are the norm, and monkey sightings part of the experience, Wyatt-Lowrie, is also at the ready to share the history of the Island, its charm and beauty, and her family’s existence on the land since the 1940’s

The property was owned by Wyatt-Lowrie’s grandfather, who settled in Guyana after arriving from the Eastern Caribbean islands. He built a foundation, upon which the Wyatts developed, building the guest house in the rainforest setting, named: Pioneer — after the first grocery store on the island established by her grandfather.

Nelta, who opened the bed and breakfast establishment in 1997, along with her brother, Mark and mother, Ena, proudly said, “my grandfather, established the Pioneer Grocery Store, the first supermarket on Bartica, and owned the land the guest house is built on, since 1943.”

Additionally, the proprietress, a former recording artist, who is famous for her singing, made the guest house a popular spot, by hosting a weekly karaoke night, a highlight of the retreat.

She said she blended her love of music and singing, to entertain, while providing accommodation for both locals, and international tourists who traverse the mining town, famous for gold digging.

The Wyatt family who was born in Bartica, but left the island to complete their education, because back then, high schooling was unavailable, moved to Lodge Village, a small environ in Georgetown, where the siblings’ started families, amercing themselves Guyana’s cultural landscape before migrated to North America, some in the United States, others in Canada.

This reporter, who was among a travel group of locals and New Yorkers, heard that Bartica has developed by leaps and bounds.

“It is exciting to be here. I love the waterfront; it is a great addition that is needed in Bartica to boost tourism. Bartica, is the gateway to the interior, said Andrea Joseph, a local broadcaster.

“If you are looking for an adventure, or some quiet time, the Pioneer Rainforest Guesthouse is the place to visit. Come on down. Guyana is the place to be, she urged.

Guyanese-born New Yorker Ingrid and Carrolle, on their first visit to the region, agreed that the food, ambiance, and breathtaking atmosphere in the tropical paradise, wildlife and stunning sunsets, made the guest house a must return to.

Phillipa, who also made her first trip to Bartica, along with June, Patricia, Rita, and Anita, all said, they thoroughly enjoyed being at the Pioneer Rainforest Guesthouse, praising the immaculate landscaping, good food and amazing ambiance.

Owner of Georgetown’s Backyard Café, Delven Adams, joined the group to continue his culinary tour, and praised the sound environment, and food presentation, himself a being chef. He complemented the cuisine, that included, fried fish, BBQ Chicken, and sides of plantain, chickpea, fresh vegetable salad, coconut water, and dessert.

Pioneer Rainforest is a friendly guesthouse which has great service and good atmosphere. The rooms are clean well maintained and up to standard. Each room comes equipped with a fully appliance kitchen, and air conditioning. Dinner and breakfast options are served in a comfortable dining area.

The space also accommodates, weddings, gatherings, birthday celebration, and all other forms of entertainment. It also comes with a DJ booth and dance floors. The bed & breakfast establishment is less than 10 minutes from the boat landing, where taxi and minibus services operate daily.

Bartica, a small commercial center, is situated at the head of the Essequibo River, 50 miles (80 km) inland from the Atlantic Ocean, and it is linked by air with Georgetown, the national capital.

For more information, or booking, call Nelta Wyatt-Lowrie at 592-688-8611.