By: Sueann Wickham
In Guyana, many people do not get the opportunity to experience all the hidden gems and natural beauty this country has to offer. Believe it or not, some people have never left the coast, just as there are those who have never left the interior regions. This stems from reasons such as the remoteness of certain locations, the lack of accessible information on where to turn to for safe travel, and even high transportation costs. In an effort to help many locals overcome these struggles, Louana Augustus, a young local entrepreneur, has opened a business that now enables Guyanese to experience the rich culture and beauty of the country’s indigenous villages and communities.
This visionary behind Patamona Tours, is paving the way for Guyanese to explore the North Pakaraimas by providing immersive tours that highlight the region’s unique natural and cultural heritage.
Patamona Tours was established in May 2022 by Louana and her partner, driven by their love for nature and their unique cultural heritage. The company’s mission is to promote nature-based tourism in the North Pakaraimas while preserving the Patamona culture. “Through education and raising awareness, we strive to protect our wildlife and forests, reaching out to the world one customer at a time,” Louana explains.
During her interview with the Guyana Standard, Louana shared that she grew up in the Amerindian community of Kopinang, and has always found herself deeply rooted in the traditions and natural beauty of her homeland. Her early years were spent exploring the forests, fishing in rivers, and absorbing the rich cultural heritage of the Patamona people. This upbringing instilled in her a profound respect for nature and a passion for preserving her culture.
Louana’s journey took a significant turn when she moved to Georgetown to attend high school. Despite the urban environment, she never lost touch with her roots. During holidays, she would return to Kopinang and share stories of her home with friends, who were often astonished by the beauty and uniqueness of the region. “They couldn’t believe that is Guyana, they’re so accustomed to the coastland, they didn’t even know these places existed,” Louana recalled. This realization planted the seeds of her dream to showcase the indigenous beauty of her homeland to a wider audience.
Her professional journey in tourism began at the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, where she had the opportunity to travel to various Amerindian communities. Sharing her travels on social media garnered significant attention and encouragement from her followers. “I started to get questions and messages on how to get there. So that’s how it started,” Louana said. This feedback, coupled with her passion for her heritage, inspired her to take a leap of faith and establish Patamona Tours.
Patamona Tours is the first tour operator in Region Eight, licensed by the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA). The tour packages are designed to align with flight availability and are scheduled for three to four days. This year’s focus is on the villages of Kato and Kopinang, with plans to expand to other villages like Kamana, Monkey Mountain, and Maikwak in the future. “Emphasizing nature and culture, our packages involve hiking and interactions with local artisans,” Louana explained.
Patamona Tours offers a range of all-inclusive tour packages that provide an immersive experience into the indigenous culture and natural beauty of the North Pakaraimas. The tours include camping, hiking, and ATV adventures, each uniquely designed to offer a unique and authentic experience. “Hiking the trails of the North Pakaraimas and witnessing the breathtaking mountains and sunsets is something you cannot experience anywhere else in the world,” Louana said with pride.
A typical tour day she noted, is packed with adventure and excitement. “We usually start the day with a good breakfast, then hike to a waterfall to have lunch,” Louana describes. “Later in the afternoon, we visit different sites around the village and engage with locals. We usually end the day with a nice campfire dinner under the stars.” This structure according to Louana, ensures that tourists get a comprehensive experience of the region’s natural and cultural richness.
The tour packages are inclusive of flight transportation, meals, accommodation, tour guide fees, ATV hires, photography fees, and any other service fees. Each tour requires a minimum of four and a maximum of eight participants, with an expectation to host tourists at least twice a month, excluding the rainy season from May to June and late November to January. Accommodation options include guest houses in Kato and Kopinang, which, while not meeting coastal standards, offer essential amenities and a unique rustic charm.
While her business has been successful she was keen to note that operating a tour company in the remote areas of the North Pakaraimas comes with its own set of challenges. Flight availability is a major hurdle, as there are limited flights to certain locations. This limitation is reflected in the cost of the tour packages. “The cost of living in the region is significantly higher than on the coastland, impacting the pricing of our tours, especially for food and transportation,” Louana explained.
Despite these challenges, Patamona Tours has received positive feedback, primarily through social media promotions. “We’ve received good feedback mostly from local people,” Louana noted. The company ensures the safety and comfort of its tour participants through several measures. “We have trained tour guides and first aid staff on our team, as well as an operational plan and liability insurance in case of emergencies,” Louana added.
She was pleased to share that her vision for Patamona Tours is ambitious and forward-thinking. The ultimate goal is to build an eco-lodge in the North Pakaraimas, offering eco-friendly services such as accommodation, a nature sauna, zip-lining, and bird watching. “We believe in the potential of this initiative to positively impact the villages and the wider region,” Louana said.
The company operates with a team primarily composed of local residents, ensuring that the community directly benefits from their enterprise.
One of the core principles of Patamona Tours is its commitment to community involvement and cultural preservation. The company collaborates closely with local communities, employing staff from the region and working with village councils. “We pay a small fee to the village councils for the tourists we bring in, ensuring that the community directly benefits from our activities,” Louana explained.
The economic impact of Patamona Tours on the local communities is significant. She revealed that by providing employment opportunities and generating income through tourism, the company helps improve the living standards of the residents. “Tourism has a lot of potential to positively impact our people, but it requires the right approach, respecting their culture and rights,” Louana emphasized.
Cultural preservation is another key focus of Patamona Tours. The company promotes the Patamona culture through its tours, raising awareness about the Patamona language, history, and traditional medicine. “We strive to maintain sustainability in our efforts by educating others about our way of life as indigenous peoples,” Louana said. The tours also highlight the importance of environmental responsibility, encouraging tourists to minimize their ecological footprint.
“We always inform our tourists of the rules of the village and ensure they understand the importance of respecting local customs and traditions,” Louana added.
To ensure there is always enhancement in the quality and variety of the existing tour packages she stated, “We constantly seek feedback from our guests to improve our services.” This customer-centric approach ensures that the tours remain engaging and enjoyable while staying true to their cultural and environmental commitments.
Running Patamona Tours has been a rewarding experience for Louana Augustus, both personally and professionally. “The most rewarding aspect is getting to tell people about our home and culture and meeting new and interesting people,” she reflected. Sharing the beauty and heritage of the North Pakaraimas with others has not only fulfilled her dream but also created lasting memories for countless tourists.
She hared a memorable story of a group of tourists who were deeply moved by their interaction with the local artisans. “They were amazed by the craftsmanship and the stories behind each piece,” she recalls. This interaction not only provided a unique cultural experience for the tourists but also highlighted the talent and tradition of the Patamona people.
Positive feedback from guests often emphasizes the authenticity and immersive nature of the tours. One guest wrote, “Patamona Tours offers a truly unique experience. Hiking through the stunning landscapes and engaging with the local community was eye-opening and enriching. Louana and her team are fantastic hosts, ensuring every detail is taken care of.”
Louana’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs in the tourism sector, especially those interested in indigenous tourism, is, “Engage the local people, include them in your planning and execution process,” she advised. “They are very knowledgeable about their lands. Be respectful of their culture and rights.” This approach ensures that tourism initiatives are sustainable and beneficial to the communities involved.
Patamona Tours is also involved in various initiatives and projects that support indigenous communities. These include educational programs on climate change and sustainability, as well as collaborations with local artisans to showcase their work. “We strive to create a positive impact through our tours and beyond,” Louana emphasizes.
A significant influence in Louana’s journey was Candace Phillips, a pioneer in the tourism sector in Guyana. “Candace’s work in hinterland communities inspired me to continue in this field and strive for what I wish to achieve,” Louana shared. This is what, according to her gave her a clear vision and unwavering determination to create a tour service that not only showcased the natural beauty of the North Pakaraimas but also promoted the preservation of the Patamona culture.
For those looking to explore the hidden gems of Guyana and experience the true essence of its indigenous heritage, visit Patamona Tours on Facebook or on Instagram @patamonatoursgy.
Inquiries can also be made via telephone number +592 638-1721.
