Kanashen Protected Area

The Kanashen Protected Area, located in the far south of Guyana, is the country's first community-owned and managed protected area. Spanning approximately 7,000 square kilometers (about 1.7 million acres) of pristine tropical rainforest, it is the ancestral home of the Wai-Wai people, who live in traditional harmony with the wilderness. The area was officially placed under protection in 2004 and legally recognized as an 'Amerindian Protected Area' in 2007. Kanashen is of immense ecological significance as it protects the headwaters of the Essequibo River, Guyana's longest river, and harbors extraordinary biodiversity. The territory provides a habitat for endangered species such as the harpy eagle, jaguar, and giant river otter, along with countless undocumented plant species. Management by the Wai-Wai community integrates traditional ecological knowledge with modern conservation science to ensure sustainable resource use. The protected area also functions as a critical corridor for transboundary conservation efforts between Guyana and Brazil. Access for visitors requires special permits and local guides, ensuring the preservation of both cultural integrity and the sensitive ecosystem.

Nearby cities

Lethem

Lethem is an important administrative center and one of the most significant cities in Guyana's UT region.

Gunns

Gunns is a fascinating city in Guyana known for its local culture and vibrant community.

Aishalton

Aishalton is a fascinating city in Guyana known for its local culture and vibrant community.

Rewa

An indigenous village at the confluence of the Rewa and Rupununi rivers, a pioneer in community-based eco-tourism.

Annai

Annai is a fascinating city in Guyana known for its local culture and vibrant community.

Surama

Surama is a fascinating city in Guyana known for its local culture and vibrant community.

Iwokrama Forest

A pristine rainforest conservation area known for its immense biodiversity and spectacular canopy walkway.

History & landmarks

Takutu River Bridge

An international bridge across the Takutu River linking Lethem in Guyana to Bonfim in Brazil.

Nature

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Rewa River

A picturesque river in a pristine jungle environment, known for the Rewa Eco-Lodge located there.

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Rupununi River

A river flowing through the vast Rupununi savannahs in southwestern Guyana.

Takutu River

A border river between Guyana and Brazil in the south of the country, flowing into the Rio Branco.

Essequibo River

The longest and most important river in Guyana, traversing the country from south to north.

More places

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Acarai Mountains

A mountain range in the deep south of Guyana that marks the border with Brazil.

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Kamoa Mountains

A very remote mountain range in the deep south of Guyana, bordering the Acarai ridge and largely unexplored.

Upper Takutu Forest

A vast forest region in the deep south that acts as an ecological bridge between the Amazon forests and the Guiana Shield.

Essequibo Rainforests

The vast rainforests along the Essequibo River basin are among the largest intact forest ecosystems in South America.

Mapari Wilderness

A remote and inaccessible rainforest area in the Kanuku Mountains, characterized by rare animals and clear streams.

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Kanuku Mountains

A mountain range dividing the Rupununi savannah into northern and southern regions, rich in biodiversity.

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Rewa Wildlife Area

A community-run eco-lodge on the Rewa River, surrounded by one of Guyana's most wildlife-rich jungle areas.

Rupununi Savannah Wildlife

A vast savannah landscape that is home to rare species such as the giant anteater and the jaguar.