The Amerindian community of Surama benefits from an isolated and idyllic location, which provides a fascinating insight into Guyana's rainforests. The wildlife to be found here includes: tapir, spider monkey and giant river otter.
Surama's inhabitants are mainly from the Makushi tribe, whose homeland is the now-protected Iwokrama Rainforest, and still observe many of the traditional practices of their forebears. The tiny village is the focal point of an innovative sustainable ecotourism project designed to create jobs and generate incomes for local people within the community, and thus avoid them having to move away to find work. The guides here have lived their entire lives in the rainforest, and thus have an intimate knowledge and deep understanding of this environment and how to utilise its precious resources.
To introduce you to this world, your guide will take you on a dawn hike across the savannah and up nearby Surama Mountain, revealing fantastic vistas and a multitude of birds. Other activities include nature walks by day and/or by night in the forest, or a short hike to the nearby Burro-Burro River, followed by a paddle in a dugout canoe in search of giant river otters, tapir, tayra, spider monkey and other species. Just a short drive away is the Cock-of-the-rock Trail which, as its name suggests, is a good place to spot the Guianan cock-of-the-rock; the males of this species are particularly eye-catching due to their bright orange plumage.
The varied and contrasting habitats in the vicinity of Surama ensure you can see a diverse selection of wildlife – especially birds. Visitors are made most welcome, as ecotourism helps to preserve the forest – the very reason why most visitors come – and so provides local people with a source of income on their doorstep.
Journey to the Caribbean to explore untouched rainforest, sprawling savannahs and tropical reefs that offer a variety of captivating wildlife encounters and incredible nature experiences. This itinerary combines birding in Trinidad with the diverse wildlife and scenery of Guyana, before a few days relaxation in Tobago.
Find out more about Caribbean Wilderness
This exceptional adventure penetrates the densely forested interior of Guyana, the ‘land of many waters’. Staying in Amerindian villages and former cattle ranches, you will travel by light aircraft, four-wheel-drive vehicle, dugout canoe, and on foot, discovering the rich and colourful birdlife and searching for jaguar.
Find out more about Guyana: A Land of Giants
Tucked away in the north of South America, Guyana is one of the planet’s last wildernesses. This small group tour has been specially designed to explore the very best that this incredible country has to offer from unbroken rainforest and spectacular waterfalls to a myriad of enthralling wildlife.
Find out more about Guyana: A Pristine Wilderness
This expertly guided group adventure takes you deep into Guyana’s pristine interior to explore its rainforests, rivers and savannahs, and see a remarkable variety of wildlife. Travelling by air, land, river and on foot, you’ll stay in Amerindian villages, research stations, ranches and jungle lodges.
Find out more about Ultimate Guyana Nature Experience
Destination: Guyana
Price
(inc. flights): 14 days
from £6,595
Trip type:
Group Tour
Tailor-made can be arranged
When to go:
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Suggested accommodation is shown below.
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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
