A family boutique resort situated immediately on the bank of the Essequibo river in Guyana. A perfect place to get away and relax. You can request to have the entire resort for your group. We have an excellent cook on staff to prepare local and international dishes. Dinner on the beach with the river immediately in front. Enjoy the beautiful sunrise and wake up to the birds chirping.
After four weeks trying to settle in Georgetown Guyana including mandatory quarantine, a housing quest and also starting to work, spending a weekend at the HuraKabra River resort was a welcome getaway to destress and relax. Hosts Gem and Kit make you feel home and exposed us to the Guyanese hospitality, cuisine and history classes as well. After an exciting one hour boat ride on one of the biggest rivers in South America, the Essequibo River, from Parika to nearly mining town Bartica, passing old Dutch Fort Zeelandia, you will arrive at this hidden gem on the river banks, surrounded by tropical forrest. Basically planning your own agenda, staying in the hammock and relax, or visiting Parrot Island and an early morning jungle trail, are some of the options. It was a wonderful and peaceful experience! Thanks
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Date of stay: October 2020Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Gem Madhoo, Owner at Hurakabra River Resort
Responded Nov 2, 2020
Thank you Charles. Our pleasure. Hope to see you again Gem
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Living in Georgetown, Guyana, we (group of three) spent a weekend in Hurakabra, a homey river house on the mighty Essequibo. We became part of a family ambiance for two days, pampered by excellent meals, friendly welcome, interesting conversations and captivating activities (tour to the nearby Parrot island, morning walk to the rain forest, swimming in the river). Local doggy Simba is a faithful companion and likes to be petted. Easy communication and logistics (pick up by private boat from Parika with secured car parking), with advance payment in Georgetown office. Very good value for money and full respect of Covid-19 protocols. Highly recommended for individuals, couples or small groups.
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Date of stay: September 2020Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Gem Madhoo, Owner at Hurakabra River Resort
Responded Sep 30, 2020
Thanks Karel. Lovely hosting you guys. Hope to see you again.
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Hurakabra was about to be sold . It is a small well maintained property which has lots of potential. The bar and jetty is the best we have seen in the area. There are also wave runners an pedal boats . The two buildings are ideal for families. One is larger than the other with two rooms, while the cabin can sleep as many as 4 persons.
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Date of stay: December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I have become a regular guest at to lodge and enjoyed swimming in the Essequibo River exploring Essequibo. From the moment we arrived, we were fed and happy. The accommodation was comfortable and clean, the service is excellent, and the staff made us feel safe and welcome. Kit and Gem are great hosts and shared their knowledge. Thank you, Gem, for catering to our food needs. Fantastic service, and we would recommend it!
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Date of stay: June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Gem Madhoo, Owner at Hurakabra River Resort
Responded Jul 13, 2021
Thank you Love having you and the team as our guests.
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The villa is beautiful, this was my third trip to the island and it was for Christmas with my family for a staycation. We haven't spent Christmas together in 8 years and our choice to be at Hurakabra was not regretted. The food, service and kind consideration of the staff to me and my family was greatly appreciated. I highly recommend Gem and Kit's place for a vacation to relax.
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Date of stay: December 2021
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Room Tip:Â Rooms in the Villa help family to stay together and add privacy and excellent views for the...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I visited Hurakabra with my husband, two children and brother and sister in law. It was one of our BEST family vacations! I would recommend the resort to anyone who has a little adventure in them and would like to experience the beauty and tranquility of Guyana.
Our hosts, Gem and Kit Nascimento met us with their cabin cruiser at the Marina. Gem had prepared her infamous rum punch (in my opinion, the best in the Caribbean) and light sandwiches. My girls (6 and 9) were thrilled to ride the boat across the expansive Esequibo River.
When we arrived at Hurakabra, we were in awe. I had seen pictures, but they do pale in comparison to the real thing. The resort is beautiful. There is a nice white sand beach and a beautifully manicured lawn.
Upon arriving the staff of Hurakabra greeted us with infectious smiles and we immediately felt at home.
There is a lot to do in the middle of the jungle. Whether we chose to lounge on the veranda or do daily excursions, my children NEVER complained of being bored. If you have children that is an important part of deciding where to vacation.
My children's said these were their favorite parts of the trip: rope swinging from the trees into the river, tubing, the jungle walk, the plane trip to Kaiteur Falls, eating ginips (local fruit), and the paddle boats. I loved having the kids UNPLUGGED. They weren't watching tv or playing on computer games. They were just kids having fun.
One of my favorite parts of the trip were the evening meals. We ate by candle light in front of the resort. When the moon reflected on the river, it was breathtaking. The staff prepared the finest meals. Whether we were eating prawn curry (a favorite of mine) or a Mexican meal (prepared by Kit Nascimento), the food was to die for. The crab backs are another one of my favorites and of course the rum punch.
I highly recommend Hurakabra for a family vacation or a romantic getaway. While the staff are present, you get the feeling you are on your own island. It is so refreshing to go some where that is not commercialized.
I am a fan of the GREEN movement and Hurakabra uses solar panels for their primary source of electricity. Gem is fanatic about recycling.
I will definitely go back!!!
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Date of stay: August 2012
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Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip:Â The rooms are nicely decorated and well maintained. There is a special charm to the cottage! ...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We booked our Guyana holiday at the last minute, as in, we arrived on a Thursday and on the Sunday before I was emailing tour companies to see if anyone could put together an itinerary for us in that time. Hurakabra Tours delivered us the most incredible holiday I have had in a long time. Here's how I am allocating my 5 stars:
First star: Gem from Hurakabra tours (they also own this resort) was not only the first person to get back to my email about a tour itinerary, she responded within an hour or two ON A SUNDAY. She had read my email carefully including details about our likes and dislikes etc and had options that corresponded to our every request, along with thoughtful questions based on ideas she had that we might not have thought of/known about
Second star: as other itineraries and responses came through from the other tour companies on Monday, Tuesday (many of which largely ignored my main request which was no scenic flights please) it became abundantly clear that they were the most competitively priced...and easily $1,000 cheaper than the most expensive.
Third star: everything went exactly as it said in the itinerary, and this was a journey involving 5 different lodges, two planes, several 4WDs, boats at times. We were always collected as scheduled, delivered as scheduled, and well expected once we arrived. Gem had every detail covered.
Fourth star: everything Hurakabra recommended when we weren't sure either way was absolutely fantastic. We met lovely people, stayed in beautiful places, did fun things everywhere. One time someone else expressed to us something along the lines of 'oh shame you're going to stay place x instead of place y' and when we got to place x as recommended we said 'thank you Gem, you are so right we should stay here!!'
Fifth star: the whole itinerary they put together for us didn't even have us stay at their own resort...because we hadn't suggested that part of the country in my original email. How impeccably good hospitality is that! Everywhere we stayed the owners of the Lodges and organisers of tours knew Gem and Hurakabra and spoke highly of them. There are not many competitors in tourism industries elsewhere in the world where you would hear that kind of respect and praise.
Sorry this is not a review of the resort, but just saying you'll be in good hands with Hurakabra
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Date of stay: July 2018
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Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Gem M, Owner at Hurakabra River Resort
Responded Sep 25, 2018
Hi Bec, Thanks for that 'critic' of Hurakabra Tours services. It was a pleasure constructing your itinerary and happy to know that it all worked out superbly. My main concern was the bad road and you guys are great adventurers so that didnt get into the way of your enjoyment. Come discover other parts of Guyana soon. Cheers Gem
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This was our second stay to Hurakabra Resort. We were here 6 years ago.
Once again, we were not disappointed! If anything, the resort and the staff were even better than our previous visit. We traveled as a family of 4 (my husband, myself and two girls - 16 and 12) and my sister and her two sons (6 and 9).
The ENTIRE family had an AMAZING vacation. I can't say enough about all of the fun that we had. We have created many memories to last a life time. We asked the kids what their favorite parts of the trip were:
Waverunner and Waterskiing
The BAR - of course it is a full service bar... Pool, ping pong and darts at your disposal
Parrot Island - We went over at sunset and saw 1000's of parrots returning to their evening nesting spot. The sound of the parrots was mesmerizing.
The FOOD - My girls are picky eaters and I have never seen them try and enjoy so many new foods. The blackened fish was superb and Kit Nascimento made his chicken satay. I need the recipe.
The rope swing was another hit. Mike and Ryan (the male staff) made sure that the height was adjusted during the tide changes for all of the kids. Mike cut down coconuts for the kids to drink out of. He also sliced up sugar cane for them.
The best part of the trip for me was being with my family, on the Esequibo River in the middle of the jungle. It meant wonderful family time. We ate by candlelight in the evening. We had wonderful conversations.
To sum it up, my 12 year old said the best part of the trip was FAMILY.
I would put Hurakabra on my bucket list. CHECK times two....
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Date of stay: June 2017
Location
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Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This was definitely a retreat I will always cherish. My boyfriend, a wonderful man, full of surprises, decided to surprise me with this trip! Boy was I surprised! I had an idea that the resort existed but I wasn't aware that one day I would actually visit it and that it would create such beautiful memories for me. The resort hosts were pleasant and extremely hospitable. We enjoyed a smooth, safe trip on the road and on the river to arrive at the beautiful Hurakabra River Resort. I was stunned. Our cabin was quaint, cozy and positioned for a beautiful view of the river. The food was different & delicious. We had private dining at our cabin and a moon light dinner. I love the way they mixed recipes and styles of cooking with the local ingredients. My tummy was very pleased with the deliciousness. And no, they won't give the recipe for their amazing egg plant dip!!! There are water activities and places down the river where you can go site-seeing. With all the exploration and river riding, I looked forward to coming back to our cabinet to fall asleep in the reflection on the magnificent Essequibo river. There is wifi and other games like table tennis, pools and darts if you're interested. I'm sure you can tell I recommend this Resort :) Go and try it for yourself, you'll love it too. Thank you for a wonderful get away!
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Date of stay: July 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
So, now that we're back to civilization...or at least to the creature comforts of our air-conditioned manse..we're so thankful to have been able to visit Hurakabra with our kids. Although we've had lots of invitations to 'go upriver', we've never felt comfortable taking the kids as we didn't want to return home minus one or two of them! Especially as we might not have noticed until we got home...
As we departed the marina, it became immediately apparent that our hosts are superbly careful and attentive to details that would escape the majority of folks. From the vigilant navigation of the river to the lovely snacks to the comfortable cruising pace, we all felt immediately relaxed and began to observe the passing foliage and landmarks. The kids were enthralled with the boat, venturing to walk all over it whilst we traveled to the resort.
After disembarking with our numerous pink back-packs, we settled the kids down and the eldest went swimming and kayaking on the Essequibo river. The rooms were pleasant and informal, as the facility felt more like being at the summer retreat of your favorite eccentric relative. The adherence to utilizing solar power, rainwater and other green protocol, was impressive, as our hosts were careful to ensure that the system worked optimally at all times.
More than anything, my husband and I enjoyed the discourse with our hosts. No doubt about it, they represent two of the keenest intellects in Guyana. Whether or not you agree with their politics, methodologies or occasionally endearing curmudgeony-ish mien; their spirited and encyclopedic familiarity with Guyana's history is fascinating. Their unusual fastidious, meticulous ministration of the resort becomes entirely understandable when one engages them in conversation. To those who know me well, this is the highest compliment that I can pay to someone: that you're both intelligent and finicky..!
The most important issue to our family, namely biting bugs of any kind, was quite simply a non-issue! This was the biggest shock to us (alright, just me) that I get bitten more often in my centrally-aired home than anywhere on this property au bord de la jungle!
We also visited Kyk-over-al, a diminutive island in the Essequibo that once housed a Dutch fort that served to warn neighboring plantations of incursions led by English pirates. Exciting history, as one considers the vision of galleons sailing up the wide expanse of river, navigating the great confluence of opaque, carmel-colored water...sorta reminded me of Wilson Harris' "Resurrection at Sorrow Hill"...the darkness, the mysterious immutable river..the lushness..the madness of the enduring semi-isolationist existence..present still all these centuries later. Shiver-inducing! Especially in the evening, when the noises of the wilderness frame the vision of a slow-moving chocolate river reflecting an imperfect, waxing moon...
Anyway, enough of the pseudo-poetic waning (don't think I'm capable of waxing..) Hurakabra is wonderous, beautiful and clean. There are no mosquitoes and the food is first-class. The staff are courteous, discreet and capable. The hosts, part of the treat of visiting.
There is a well-constructed website that will give you all the information you need[--]
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Date of stay: October 2011
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
There are more places to choose from in the Bartica area.
PRICE RANGE
$272 - $308 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
GuyanaCuyuni-MazaruniBartica
NUMBER OF ROOMS
5
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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