The Guiana Shield is a 1.7 billion-year-old Precambrian geological formation in northeast South America and is one of the regions of highest biodiversity in the world. The shield has 1400 vertebrate species and 1680 bird species and is overlain by the largest expanse of undisturbed tropical rain forest in the world.
Join us as we explore the Guianas: Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana. Marvel at Kaieteur Falls, the highest single drop waterfall in the world and discover one of the greatest untouched rainforests left. This region is home to endangered species such as jaguar, giant anteater, giant river otter, tapir and so much more. Spend time learning about the cultures of the region with visits to Amerindian and Maroon communities. Be amazed at the Space Centre in French Guiana and relive the story of Papillion at Devils Island. This really is an untouched and totally unique part of South America.
This journey covers the highlights across three countries and by necessity is a fast-paced tour, as we have a lot of ground to cover. It involves many early morning starts and some long transfers that can be tiring.

From 9.725 USD 15 Days / 14 Nights Walking Grade: Moderate

Trip Details

Group Size

12 Travelers Max

Seasonality

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

Schedule

Normal

Tour Highlights

Visit the world's highest single-drop waterfall, with unique species like the Golden Frog.
Remote rainforest lodge with night spotting, cultural dances, Maroon village visits, and rainforest walks.
Engage with local Amerindian and Maroon communities, learning their traditions and way of life.
Explore the historic Devil’s Island penal colony with beautiful scenery and historical insights.
Walk 30 meters above ground for birdwatching and wildlife spotting in the rainforest.
Market tour with Chef Delven Adams, followed by a traditional Guyanese meal at Backyard Café.

Tour Type

Private

Thematics

Adventure
Culture
Wildlife

Itinerary

DAY 1

Paramaribo, Suriname

Formerly a townhouse, that has been transformed into the most charming lobby of one of Paramaribo’s most favoured hotels with numerous eco-friendly features. The Eco Torarica is located within a 5-minute walk of the hist...

L, D Eco Torarica

DAY 2

Paramaribo to Danpaati River Lodge

This morning we start our nature and cultural experience as we depart from Paramaribo. After travelling a distance of approximately 190 km you arrive at the village of Atjoni. At the port of Atjoni, we join a motorized d...

L, D Danpaati River Lodge

KS WE DANPAATI RIVER LODGE ().jpg compressed

DAY 3

Danpaati River Lodge

Today, we visit Pikin Slee, a village 30 minutes by boat from Danpaati, for a guided tour showcasing the local way of life and African traditions. We’ll then explore the Maroon museum Saamaka, learning about the Saramak ...

B, L, D Danpaati River Lodge

DAY 4

Danpaati River Lodge to Paramaribo

This morning we still have some time to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and take pictures. After saying good bye to the staff, we depart by a motorized dugout open canoe from Danpaati to Atjoni. From Atjoni we will cont...

B, L, D Eco Torarica

Guyana's National Bird Hoatzin Photo Credit Zoom Expedition

DAY 5

Paramaribo

Paramaribo, the capital of Suriname, has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2002. You’ll enjoy a guided tour of historic downtown locations, including Fort Zeelandia, the Presidential Palace, Independence Square, an...

B, L, D Eco Torarica

DAY 6

Paramaribo to Cayenne, French Guiana

We start early, heading east along Suriname’s coastal road to the Albina border station. After quick formalities, we board a pirogue to cross the Maroni River into French Guiana, or “Guyane.” Upon arrival at St. Laurent ...

B, L, D Hotel Central (or similar)

DAY 7

Cayenne and Devil´s Island

Commonly called “Devils Island,” Îles du Salut, or the Salvation Islands, consist of three islands seven miles off the coast of Kourou. After a breakfast buffet at the hotel, we set sail on a motorized catamaran to Île R...

B, L, D Hotel Atlantis (or similar)

DAY 8

Kourou to Paramaribo

Transfer to the Centre Spatial Guyanaise (Guiana Space Centre) for a tour. Launch schedules are a closely-held secret so our schedule today may be amended on short notice. The usual tour includes a motor coach tour which...

B, L, D Eco Torarica

DAY 9

Paramaribo to Georgetown

Early flight from Zorg-en-Hoop to Georgetown (not included in package rate).
Enjoy a morning tour of Bourda Market in Georgetown with Chef Delven Adams, who will later prepare a meal from our market purchases, following ...

B, L, D Cara Lodge (or similar)

DAY 10

Kaieteur and Georgetown

From Eugene F. C. International Airport we take a scheduled flight over the Demerara and Essequibo Rivers and miles of unbroken tropical rainforest to Kaieteur Falls, the world’s highest free-falling waterfall.
First see...

B, L, D Cara Lodge (or similar)

DAY 11

Iwokrama River Lodge and Atta Rainforest Lodge

Flight from Eugene F. Correia International Airport to Fair View airstrip.
Pick up and transfer to Iwokrama River Lodge.
Depart by boat for a birdwatching hike to Turtle Mountain. The trail leads through the forest, offe...

B, L, D Atta Rainforest Lodge

DAY 12

Atta Rainforest Lodge

Before dawn, we return to the canopy where we can birdwatch and see Rufous-throated Sapphire, Green Aracari, Pygmy Antwren and Guianan Streaked-Antwren. With some luck, Guianan Toucanet, Pompadour Cotinga, Buff-cheeked G...

B, L, D Atta Rainforest Lodge

DAY 13

Atta Rainforest Lodge to Surama Eco-Lodge

Transfer from Atta Rainforest Lodge to Corkwood in the Iwokrama Forest. Hike a short trail to see the brilliant Guianan Cock-of-the-rock and learn about the medicinal and practical uses of rainforest plants. Continue to ...

B, L, D Surama Eco-Lodge

DAY 14

Surama Eco-Lodge to Georgetown

Rise before dawn for a walk across the savannah and then climb up Surama Mountain for incredible views across the village and savannah to the Pakaraima Mountains. This is not a technical climb but can be arduous, especia...

B, L, D Cara Lodge (or similar)

DAY 15

Cheddi Jagan International Airport

Pickup and transfer to Cheddi Jagan International Airport for your departing flight.

Hotels

Cara Lodge

| $$$

Cara Lodge is a heritage house hotel with unique Guyanese wooden colonial architecture, built in the 1840s. The hotel originally consisted of two houses and has a long and romantic history and was the home of the first Lord Mayor of Georgetown. Over the years has been visited by many dignitaries including King Edward VIll who stayed at the house in 1923. Other luminaries have included President Jimmy Carter, HRH Prince Charles, HRH Prince Andrew, Channing Tatum and Mick Jagger. This comfortable, centrally-located hotel offers the nostalgia of a bygone era, complete with modern facilities and friendly service in a congenial atmosphere. The Mango Patio is a favourite meeting point for evening drinks and the Bottle Restaurant is considered one of Georgetown’s best.

Air Conditioning Restaurant WiFi

Surama Eco-Lodge

| $$$

Guyana’s award-winning community-owned lodge introduces you to the Amerindian way of life. Much like a home-stay, your needs will be looked after by villagers who treat every guest like a family member. Surama Eco-Lodge is the gateway to the idyllic Pakaraima Mountains and Burro Burro River bordering the village and features some of the most impressive examples of pristine rainforest ecology to be found anywhere on earth. The abundant flora and fauna are masterfully curated by local, expert guides who convey a compellingly intimate fluency with nature through hikes, river canoe expeditions, and visits to community schools and traditional events. Importantly the lodge — plus tours in and around Surama—are owned, managed and operated solely by the community. Surama’s residents, especially the children, are personally invested in the preservation of the biological diversity that surrounds the village, leading visitors on hikes to nearby active Harpy Eagle nests, enforcing a ban on wildlife trapping, protecting groves of endangered bullet, letter, greenheart and waramaden trees, and introducing tourists and researchers to vast arrays of rainforest flora with time-honoured medicinal properties. The lodge is situated on the edge of the village, in savannah with views to the rainforest-covered mountains. A combination of thatched cabins and rooms, all with ensuite bathrooms, encircle the main dining, bar and communal lounge. Naturally, the meals are prepared from village grown produce with an indigenous influence.

Restaurant WiFi Bar

Rock View Lodge

| $$$

Rock View Lodge is located in the extensive tropical wetlands of the Rupununi, set in a lush tropical garden landscape, amidst several Amerindian communities. This oasis in the savannah accommodates guests in a comfortable, spacious self-contained room with hammock slung verandas overlooking the garden. Meals are served family-style in the company of your host who will share stories of local life. Relax by the lovely natural-form pool in the gardens, snooze in a hammock in the shade of a tree or enjoy the afternoon breeze from the rocky outcrop overlooking Macarapan Mountain. The family ranch house features a wonderful eclectic selection of art and a library. A unique Rock View activity is observing cashews being slowly roasted over an open fire or take a leisurely hike through the foothills of the Pakaraima Mountains, to see dawn rising over the savannah.

Swimming Pool Restaurant WiFi Bar

Iwokrama River Lodge

| $$$

The Iwokrama rainforest is located in the geographical heart of Guyana: it comprises one million acres (371,000 hectares) of forest or 1.6% of Guyana’s landmass and 2% of Guyana’s forests. It is part of the Iwokrama International Centre for Rain Forest Conservation and Development, an autonomous non-profit institution established by Guyana and the Commonwealth, founded to promote the conservation and the sustainable and equitable use of tropical rainforests. It aims to show how tropical forests can be conserved and sustainably used for ecological, social and economic benefits to local, national and international communities. Iwokrama River Lodge has eight perfectly situated river-facing cabins, each of which is spacious and beautifully designed, equipped with fans, bathroom, electricity supplied by solar power, and verandahs with hammocks. From these comfortable cabins, watch the sun go down whilst listening to the many local birds and other wildlife or simply relax in your hammock. It is a short stroll from the cabins to the Fred Allicock building which houses the dining area, shop, two science laboratories and a conference room plus researchers and administrators’ offices. In the large open-sided dining room guests, Iwokrama staff and visiting researchers have an opportunity to mingle.

Air Conditioning Restaurant WiFi Bar

Atta Rainforest Lodge

| $$$$

Atta Rainforest Lodge is 500 metres from the base of the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway, offering comfortable private-room accommodation with ensuite bathrooms, delicious home-cooked meals, and traditional Amerindian hospitality. The communal building houses the bar, dining area and kitchen and is open sided with views across the gardens to the towering forest, which completely surrounds the lodge. Hammocks and outdoor benches enhance the lovely gardens which include varieties of heliconias that attract over ten different hummingbirds, close enough for the perfect photo.

Restaurant WiFi

Hotel Atlantis

Halfway between the European Space center and Kourou, Atlantis is a comfortable hotel in the modern colours situated at the edge of the Devil lake. The beach and the city center are only 10 minutes by walk. Spatial center si situated unless 10 minutes by car. Very quiet environment.

Air Conditioning Swimming Pool Restaurant WiFi Bar

Hotel Central Cayenne

| $$$

Finding an ideal budget friendly hotel in Cayenne does not have to be difficult. Welcome to Central Hotel Cayenne, a nice option for travelers like you. As your “home away from home,” the hotel rooms offer air conditioning, a refrigerator, and a minibar, and getting online is easy, with free wifi available. Guests have access to a 24 hour front desk, baggage storage, and newspaper while staying at Central Hotel Cayenne. In addition, Central Hotel Cayenne offers breakfast, which will help make your Cayenne trip additionally gratifying. And, as an added convenience, there is free parking available to guests. While in Cayenne be sure to experience nearby Asian restaurants such as Sushi Bar, Restaurant Marche, or Hirodelle. Should time allow, Place des Palmistes, Jardin Botanique, and Fort Cépérou are some popular attractions that are within walking distance. Central Hotel Cayenne looks forward to welcoming you on your visit to Cayenne.

Air Conditioning Restaurant WiFi Bar

Danpaati River Lodge

| $$$

Danpaati River Lodge is located on an island in the middle of the Amazon rainforest. Meet the amazing maroon culture with their unique african traditions. Surely one of the most idyllic places in the Amazon rainforest.

Swimming Pool Restaurant Bar

Price Details

Included

All meals indicated as B, L or D
All accommodations in Double Twin occupancy
Local Guides specialized in the region
Boat transportation
Airport arrival and departure transfers
Domestic flights
Private vehicle location with driver. The driver is available up to 8 hours a day. On activity days, only transfers are included, unless otherwise stated. Price includes petrol, road tax, parking, insurance for the vehicle and driver, accommodation and meals for the driver.

Not Included

International flights
Domestic flights
Personal expenses
Additional drinks and meals
Tips
Visa fees (if required)

Price

9.725 USD per person

Terms & Conditions

The terms of sale may differ based on the nature of your trip and how close your departure date is. Please review our conditions here for more information.

Recommendations

Please check with the relevant offices whether you require a visa for countries you are visiting.

***A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers coming from or transiting from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission. Vaccination must be undertaken at least 10 days prior to travel to Suriname. Suriname recognizes the Yellow Fever vaccination certificate as valid for life starting 10 days after vaccination. A vaccination certificate is required for children over 1 year of age. Travellers should carry their vaccination card with them at all times while travelling in Suriname.***

Note: Passenger/s traveling on GUMAIR flights in Guyana are allowed a free baggage allowance of 33lbs/15KG exceeding this weight passenger/s will incur a cost of US$ 2.50 cents per pound. Please note that additional baggage allowance is subject to availability and cannot be confirmed until day/time of check-in by the airline. We can book excess weight on your behalf but it is subject to being within the payload of the aircraft and at the discretion of the airline. Contact us for more information.

Note: Passenger/s traveling on internal flights in Guyana are allowed a free baggage allowance of 20lbs/9.1KG exceeding this weight passenger/s will incur a cost of US$ 1.50cents per pound. Please note that additional baggage allowance is subject to availability and cannot be confirmed until day/time of check-in by the airline. We can book excess weight on your behalf but it is subject to being within the payload of the aircraft and at the discretion of the airline. Contact us for more information.

Spotted Species

Here is a non-exhaustive list of Animal Species you can spot during this tour

Colombian Red Howler Monkey

The Red-howler Monkey (Alouatta seniculus) is a large primate found in the forests of South...

Discover

Giant Otter

The giant otter is the largest otter species and is notable for its impressive size...

Discover

Readings

Natural Wonders in Guyana

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Outdoor Activities in Guyana

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Top 20 Experiences in Guyana

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Handcraft, Shopping and Souvenirs to bring back from Guyana

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Best Festivals & Carnivals in Guyana

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Out of the Beaten Tracks places to visit in Guyana

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Best Hikes in Guyana

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Best Things to do in Guyana

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Best Places to visit in Guyana

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Reasons to visit Guyana

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