Lake Mainstay

Lake Mainstay is a blackwater lake behind the Essequibo coast, its water stained dark brown by tannins from the surrounding vegetation but clear rather than muddy, with a white sand bottom that shows through in the shallows. A resort sits on the shore with cabins, a beach and boats, and the Arawak village of Whyaka is beside it. It has been the standard Essequibo weekend destination for Guyanese families for decades.

What to look for

• The blackwater lake - dark tannin-stained water over white sand.
• The sand beach - a shore of white sand on the resort side.
• Whyaka village - the Arawak community beside the lake.
• The boats - paddling and small craft on the water.

When to go

September to April is drier and the most comfortable. Holiday weekends and Easter are extremely busy. The wet seasons bring higher water and more mosquitoes.

Before you go

The resort has had periods of closure and decline; checking it is operating before travelling is worthwhile. Getting to the Essequibo coast involves a river crossing and a road journey. Facilities outside the resort are minimal.

Nearby

Capoey Lake is south on the same coast, and Charity is north.