Kanuku Mountains
Mountains Biodiverse sandstone range in southern Guyana, rainforest-covered
The Kanuku Mountains in southern Guyana hold remote rainforest ridges and extensive birdlife; travelers come for multi‑day jungle treks, wildlife watching and visits to indigenous villages.
The Kanuku Mountains are a low mountain range in southern Guyana within the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo region. The range covers a large area of forested hills and ridge systems and is noted for its biodiversity.
The landscape is a mix of tropical rainforest, forested ridges and savannah pockets, visited mainly by researchers, eco-tourists and indigenous communities. Wildlife viewing, guided jungle treks and cultural visits with local indigenous groups are the main activities in the area.
The Kanuku area has long been inhabited and used by indigenous peoples of the Rupununi and surrounding regions. In recent decades the range has attracted conservation attention and measures to protect its biological values.
The mountains lie in southwestern Guyana’s Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo district, inland from the coastal plain and north of the Rupununi savannah region.
- Biodiversity and communities: The range is a large biodiversity area of rainforest and savannah-edge habitats, home to many bird and mammal species and inhabited by indigenous communities.
How to Get to Kanuku Mountains #
Access is typically from Lethem (southern Guyana) or by charter from Georgetown; road conditions are variable and river routes are often used. Local operators and Indigenous community groups organise guided trips and can advise on permissions and seasonal access.
Tips for Visiting Kanuku Mountains #
- Hire a community-guided trek to access the biodiversity-rich uplands - local guides know where to look for endemic birds and medicinal plants.
- Bring sturdy boots and expect basic camping conditions; much of the area is still fairly remote.
- Respect Indigenous land rights and travel with permission when visiting sociocultural sites.
Best Time to Visit Kanuku Mountains #
Visit in the drier months for easier trekking and access; wet season is richer for river travel but more demanding logistically.
Weather & Climate near Kanuku Mountains #
Kanuku Mountains's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 19°C to 29°C. Abundant rainfall (1711 mm/year), wettest in June.
January
January is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm).
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February
February is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm).
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March
March is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm).
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April
April is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (145 mm).
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May
May is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 20°C. Heavy rain (301 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 19°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (336 mm).
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July
July is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 19°C. Heavy rain (252 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (176 mm).
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September
September is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 20°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm).
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October
October is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 20°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).
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November
November is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 20°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm).
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December
December is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm).
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