Guyana offers rewarding wildlife viewing, plus a truly authentic wilderness experience, making it an outstanding destination. Yet, it remains one of the least-visited nations in the world.
The small nation of Guyana is one of South America’s true mysteries. The country covers 215,000 square kilometres, a larger area than Great Britain. However, despite all this space, Guyana has a population of under one million and the majority of these people live along the country’s coastline. As a result, Guyana’s interior is almost untouched by human development and nature has been left to thrive. 80% of Guyana is covered by rainforest, which in this day and age is an incredible statistic.
While tropical rainforest is the dominant environment in Guyana, the country has a unique mix of ecosystems including savannah, wetlands, mighty rivers, mangroves and mountains. This combination of habitats supports remarkable biodiversity, that few other countries in the world can match.
Guyana is home to over 200 species of mammal, more than 800 species of bird, in excess of 300 species of reptile and an astonishing 6,500 species of plant. Among this spectacular flora and fauna are some of South America’s most iconic animals including black caiman, giant anteater, giant river otter, arapaima, harpy eagle, capybara and green anaconda.
Guyana really is South America’s undiscovered paradise, so why not join us on this extensive small group tour and immerse yourself in an incredible, unspoilt wilderness?
Typical Itinerary
Day1: Fly to Georgetown
Today, we fly to Guyana’s capital city, Georgetown. On arrival, we are met and transferred to our accommodation in the city.
Day2: Boat trip on Mahaica River, Georgetown & Sunset Boat Trip
Early this morning we are transferred to the Mahaica River where we enjoy a boat trip and another opportunity to observe the wonderful wildlife of Guyana. Some of the species that we may spot this morning include the range-restricted blood-coloured woodpecker, red howler monkey, white-barred piculet and the country's national bird, the hoatzin. We return to our hotel later in the morning for some rest before heading out later in the day.
Later in the afternoon, we travel through Georgetown to the dock, where we board a boat to take us along the Demerara River. We sail under the Demerara Floating Harbour Bridge and moor ourselves at a mangrove just a little further downstream. These mangroves are a nightly roosting spot for a variety of birds, including scarlet ibis and three species of egret. As the sun sets, we can enjoy flocks of these brilliant birds as they settle into the mangroves for the evening.
Day3: Kaieteur Falls & travel to Rewa
This morning we fly to the spectacular Kaieteur Falls. Though truly one of the world's greatest waterfalls, Kaieteur receives a tiny number of visitors compared to Angel and Iguazu Falls. The water at Kaieteur descends more than 200 metres in a single drop, five times higher than Niagara. It then continues downstream through a spectacular gorge. During our time at Kaieteur we may also spot Guianan cock-of-the-rock and the endemic golden frog.
Afterwards, we continue flying to Apoteri where we then transfer by boat on the Rupununi River to the Amerindian village of Rewa, where we spend the next three nights at the ecolodge.
Over the course of the next two days, we will enjoy the best that Rewa and the surrounding area has to offer. Each morning we enjoy breakfast overlooking the river before heading out. Awarmie Mountain is one of the locations we can visit for a guided hike which will be done at a relaxed pace. During the hike it is possible to see a wealth of species including black spider monkey, blue-and-yellow macaw, ornate hawk-eagle, Guianan puffbird and red howler monkey. From the top of Awarmie Mountain, we have spectacular views of unbroken rainforest as far as the eye can see, making the walk up more than worth the effort.
We can also take a boat trip along the Rewa River followed by a 15-minute walk to a place known as Grass Pond. This picturesque lake is famous for its beds of Victoria amazonica, the world's largest species of water lily and also the national flower of Guyana. During the late afternoon we may spot capybara or brown capuchin monkey and a host of birds such as green kingfisher, black-collared hawk and Guianan puffbird.
Day6: Transfer to Iwokrama Forest Reserve
Today, we transfer by boat and by vehicle to Atta in the Iwokrama Forest Reserve. En route we stop at Corkwood for a guided walk to a lekking site for Guianan cock-of-the-rock. We continue to Atta in time for a late afternoon visit to the canopy walkway which is only a 500 metre walk away from our lodge.
At dawn we make another visit to the canopy walkway for some early morning birding before returning to the lodge for a hearty breakfast. We have the rest of the day to explore the lodge's surroundings and further afield. In addition to noisy red howler monkeys, red brocket deer and red-rumped agouti are among the mammals that are regularly seen at Atta. If we are very lucky, we may encounter a Brazilian tapir in the grounds as it forages for fruit. In the late afternoon we return to the canopy walkway, in the hope of seeing yet more new species, which could include the majestic harpy eagle. This evening there is also a possibility of night walks to look for nocturnal wildlife.
Day8: Transfer to Surama & canoe trip on Burro Burro River
This morning we depart Atta and drive through the southern section of the Iwokrama Rainforest Reserve to the Amerindian village of Surama. We may see wildlife en route such as channel-billed toucan, three-toed sloth and black curassow. We should arrive at Surama in time for lunch.
Later on in the afternoon we walk to the Burro Burro River where we board traditional canoes and our guides will paddle us upstream. We will reach the river at the best time for wildlife observation and we hope to see, amongst other species, giant river otter, tayra, brown-throated three-toed sloth, black spider monkey and even perhaps a harpy eagle.
This morning there is an opportunity to take a guided walk of Surama village, if you wish to join. After lunch, we drive to Ginep Landing on the Rupununi River where we board boats to take us to Karanmabu. Our journey on the river is an excellent way to encounter giant river otters, as several family groups call this stretch of the Rupununi home.
We aim to arrive at Karanambu by mid-afternoon allowing us to head out on the river for a late afternoon boat trip in search of giant river otters, black caiman and a variety of birdlife.
Day10: Explore the Rupununi Savannah from Karanambu
It will be an early start today as we head out to explore the savannah surrounding Karanambu in hope of observing giant anteater. The Karanambu area is home to a good population of these incredible mammals and, with any luck, we might see an anteater excavating from one of the termite mounds that stud these grasslands.
Late in the afternoon, we will either head out on a boat trip or enjoy a spot of birding close to the lodge, looking for agami heron, double-striped thick-knee and eight different species of nighthawk and nightjar.
Day11: Travel by boat to Yupukari
This morning there is an opportunity to head out on the savannah to try and observe giant anteaters before breakfast. Afterwards, we depart Karanambu and travel downstream by boat to Yupukari where we spend the night. In the late afternoon we return to the river to look for black caiman.
This morning we are transferred by road to the small town of Lethem where we catch a scheduled flight back to Georgetown. This flight takes around an hour and half so we will arrive back in Guyana's capital city early in the afternoon. On arrival in Georgetown, we drive over to the city's botanical gardens for some birding in the late afternoon. Some of species that we hope to see are blood-coloured woodpecker, snail kite, golden-spangled piculet and silver-beaked tanager.
Named after the 1,000-metre-high Iwokrama Mountains that lie at its heart, tearthhis area of dense rainforest covers some 3,710 square kilometres of central Guyana, and is one of the world’s four remaining pristine tropical forests – along with those in the Congo, New Guinea, and Amazonia.
Find Out More about {acc:title}
Where: Central Guyana
Ideal for viewing: red howler monkey, red-and-green macaw, Guianan cock-of-the-rock, black caiman, black spider monkey
Excellent for: Vehicle safaris, River safaris, Jaguar watching
This spectacular waterfall, along with the surrounding national park, is Guyana’s most famous visitor attraction, as well as one of the world’s great natural wonders. The dramatic view down the deep gorge in the opposite direction is almost as good as that of the waterfall itself.
Find Out More about {acc:title}
Where: Central Essequibo district
Ideal for viewing: Guianan cock-of-the-rock, red-and-green macaw, white-chinned swift, golden frog, band-rumped swift
The remote Amerindian community of Rewa is located in the north Rupununi , at the confluence of the Rewa and Rupununi rivers. The village has a population of around 300 inhabitants, mostly made up of people from the indigenous Makushi tribe, along with a few Wapixani and Patamona families.
Find Out More about {acc:title}
This diverse area of mixed savannah, moist tropical forest and mountain takes its name from the floodplain of the Rupununi River in the southwest of Guyana, along the border with Brazil – one of the country’s most complex ecosystems, and among the earth’s last great wildernesses.
Find Out More about {acc:title}
Where: Southwest Guyana
Ideal for viewing: giant anteater, giant river otter, armadillo, anaconda, black caiman
The Amerindian community of Surama lies at the very heart of Guyana, where eight square kilometres of savannah are surrounded by the Pakaraima Mountains, at the edge of the Rupununi savannah. This isolated and idyllic location provides a fascinating insight into Guyana's rainforests.
Find Out More about {acc:title}
Where: Rupununi Savannah
Ideal for viewing: giant river otter, spider monkey, Guianan cock-of-the-rock, anaconda, tapir
Surrounded by rainforest, this rustic lodge is just 500 metres from Iwokrama Canopy Walkway, one of Guyana’s best birding spots. Experience traditional Amerindian hospitality, before falling asleep to the sounds of the forest and waking to the call of howler monkeys in the morning.
Find Out More about Atta Rainforest Lodge
Caiman House is an ecological research station is in the village of Yupukari, upstream from Karanambu on the Rupununi River, where you have the unique opportunity to participate in an ongoing field study of the black caiman. Accommodation consists of four simple en suite rooms, with electricity and running water.
Find Out More about Caiman House
This magnificent hotel, one of Georgetown’s best preserved wooden buildings, exudes charm and the nostalgia of a bygone era, with first-rate service in a congenial atmosphere. Its 34 rooms reflect the traditional building-style of Guyana during the colonial era, with Demerara shutters and polished wooden floors.
Find Out More about Cara Lodge
This eco-resort lies in a tranquil spot, where savannah, swamp and forest meet at the Rupununi River and the plain stretches towards the Pakaraima Mountains. Renowned for its hospitality and abundant wildlife, the five clay-brick and palm-thatched cabanas give it the flavour of an Amerindian village.
Find Out More about Karanambu Lodge
Lying close to the confluence of the Rupununi and Rewa Rivers, in the very centre of Guyana, this tranquil ecolodge is renowned for the diversity and abundance of wildlife in the surrounding area. Activities include boat trips along the river, a hike up Awarmie Mountain and excursions by dugout canoe.
Find Out More about Rewa Ecolodge
Situated on the western edge of the village, Surama Lodge occupies a clearing in the savannah with picturesque views towards the rainforest and surrounding mountains. Built as a sustainable ecotourism project by and for the isolated Amerindian community, interpretative guides are on hand to accompany guests.
Find Out More about Surama Ecolodge
