Imagine waking up to a breathtaking view of the sun rising over the Pakaraima Mountains, visible from the comfort of your bed. Or taking an afternoon hike up the nearby mountain to get a glimpse of the expansive Rupununi Savannahs. These experiences and so much more are being offered by the Pakaraima Mountain Inn to anyone who is desirous of enjoying the “Rupununi experience.”
The humble bed and breakfast inn is located in the North Rupununi, just outside of the Yakarinta Village in the Aranaputa Valley, and is run by the husband and wife team of Charles and Veronica De Freitas.
In an interview with Sunday Stabroek, the couple chronicles their efforts to complement the Rupununi’s tourism sector with their almost self-sufficient bed and breakfast. According to Charlie – everyone calls him as Charlie – it all began in 2004, after the site for what is now the Pakaraima Mountain Inn was selected for a home by Veronica, who grew up in Yakarinta Village. At that time, the location was devoid of any development which resulted in the family having to start from scratch. At least three wells were dug before one was actually found that was viable for the sustenance of the home.