Lost World of Three Guyana's

Welcome to Guyana! Upon arrival at Cheddi Jagan International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Georgetown. You'll be staying at Cara Lodge, a historic hotel built in the 1840s with a rich and romantic history. Originally the residence of Georgetown's first Lord Mayor, the lodge has hosted numerous dignitaries over the years, including King Edward VIII in 1923, President Jimmy Carter, HRH King Charles III, and Mick Jagger. This splendid wooden colonial home, now a charming hotel, offers a unique blend of tradition and nostalgia from a bygone era. Stay 2 Nights: Cara Lodge or similar

This morning, make an early start to have breakfast at one of the local stands with our host, guide, and culinary master, Chef Delven Adams. He will lead us through Bourda Market, the largest of the four markets in Georgetown. Begin your tour at the Guyana Shop, where you'll find a wide range of local products produced and packaged in Guyana. From there, you'll head to the market, meeting some of the vendors from whom Chef buys daily.

At the market, visit the fish market, the meat section, and the haberdashery section—where you can find anything from thread to bolts of all kinds of fabric. You'll see an abundance of dry goods like rice and, of course, demerara sugar. A stop at the bush medicine stalls will provide an educational insight into local remedies. Outside, you can see, touch, and taste a variety of local fruits and vegetables unique to this part of the world. Chef will make his purchases based on your suggestions, then head home to start preparing, while you continue on a tour of the city of Georgetown with an experienced guide.

During your visit to Georgetown, explore several interesting sites, including the National Museum, which features a broad selection of local animal life displayed in taxidermy within beautiful old glass cases. You will also visit the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology, which houses a wonderful collection of artefacts that explain the history and lifestyle of the indigenous peoples of Guyana.

On this mix of vehicle and walking tour, enjoy views of other historic buildings along the promenade, such as the Public Library, City Hall, the Victoria Law Courts, St. Andrews Kirk, Stabroek Market—once described as a “bizarre bazaar”—and St. George's Cathedral, one of the world's tallest free-standing wooden buildings.

Visit the Botanical Gardens, home to an extensive collection of tropical flora. Stop by a pond either in the gardens or the National Park to feed the endangered West Indian Manatees.

After your city tour, head to the Backyard Café for lunch. As the name suggests, this is a backyard that the Chef has transformed into an exclusive little hidden gem of a restaurant. You're welcome to join the Chef as he prepares a wonderful meal using the fruits and vegetables purchased at the market in the morning. Or, if you prefer, you can relax under the arbour, sipping unique blends of juice or enjoying a cold beer, while taking in the sounds and smells of a delicious meal in the making. Once everything is ready, start eating your way through the courses—just remember to pace yourself, as you'll want to try it all!

After breakfast, transfer a short distance to the Eugene F. Correia International Airport for a chartered flight to the awe-inspiring Kaieteur Falls. Spending two hours on the ground, you'll witness the world's longest single-drop waterfall, plummeting 224 metres (741 feet) into a stunning gorge below. The sheer power and beauty of the falls, coupled with the vibrant rainbows dancing around the spray, make this a truly unforgettable experience.

Kaieteur Falls is home to a unique microenvironment, featuring the world's largest Tank Bromeliads, which house the tiny Golden frog, and the elusive Guiana Cock-of-the-rock nesting nearby. With some luck, you may also spot the famous Kaieteur Swifts or Makonaima Birds, which nest under the vast rock shelf shaped by the Potaro River over millions of years.

A tour around Kaieteur Park offers several vantage points for excellent photo opportunities. You'll have the chance to observe the beautiful, tiny ‘golden frog' up close and, if you're fortunate, catch a glimpse of the brilliantly coloured, orange ‘Cock-of-the-rock'. The area also boasts a variety of carnivorous plants, wildflowers, Heliconias, Bromeliads, and endemic Orchids.

After re-boarding the aircraft, you will be transferred to Fair View airstrip, where you will be picked up and taken to Atta Rainforest Lodge. The journey along the trail is one of the best opportunities to spot the elusive Jaguar. While sightings aren't guaranteed, many visitors have been lucky! Along the way, you'll watch for a variety of bird species that frequent the forest edge. This road, which connects Guyana to Brazil, sees very little traffic, making it a prime area for spotting wildlife like Agouti, Tayra, Tapir, and Black Curassow.

The journey concludes at Atta Rainforest Lodge, home to the famous Iwokrama Canopy Walkway. The walkway is located near the southern boundary of the Iwokrama Reserve in central Guyana and features four suspension bridges leading to three platforms, the highest of which is over 30 metres above the ground.

The clearing around the lodge is another excellent spot for birdwatching, particularly for the Crimson Fruitcrow, one of Guyana's “must-see” birds. You might also spot the growing family of Black Curassow, which have become accustomed to visitors and frequently pass through the clearing.

Before dawn, head back to the canopy for some prime birdwatching. Here, you might spot the Rufous-throated Sapphire, Green Aracari, Pygmy Antwren, and Guianan Streaked-Antwren. With a bit of luck, Guianan Toucanet, Pompadour Cotinga, Buff-cheeked Greenlet, and other crown specialists could also make an appearance. From this treetop vantage point, Red Howlers and Black Spider Monkeys might be visible.

In addition to the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway, there are various trails around the area for wildlife and birdwatching walks. The forest is home to numerous bird species, stunning insects, noisy amphibians, and playful primates. Deer, Tapir, and Agouti frequently visit the lodge. Serious birders might want to search the undergrowth for the elusive Rufous-winged Ground-cuckoo.

As night falls on the canopy walkway, keep an eye out for the White-winged Potoo. Night walks offer a chance to discover something new, with the possibility of encountering one of the six different cats found along the transnational road near the lodge.

Welcome the dawn chorus from the canopy walkway and then return to the lodge for breakfast before departure. Transfer to Ginep Landing, with a stop en route at the Cock of the Rock trail. This short trail at Corkwood offers a chance to see the brilliantly coloured Guianan Cock-of-the-rock. As you walk through the pristine rainforest, guides will explain how local plants are used for medicines and other purposes.

Continue your transfer to the Peanut Butter Factory. Visit the village of Aranaputa and their community-operated factory, which provides a market for local peanut farmers. Operated by a co-operative of local women, the factory produces organic peanut butter and cassava bread for local schools. Proceed to Pakaraima Mountain Inn, located in the Aranaputa Valley, just outside the village of Yakarinta. Enjoy a home-cooked lunch on the veranda and hear fascinating stories from your host, Charlie De Freitas.

After lunch, transfer to Ginep Landing and take a boat trip on the Rupununi River to Karanambu Lodge. Depending on the river level, look out for Giant Otters along this stretch of the river. Karanambu Lodge, a 110-square-mile former cattle ranch in the North Rupununi, was once home to conservationist Diane McTurk. The area is renowned for its biological and cultural diversity, with expansive wetlands, savannah, marshy ponds, and a 30-mile stretch of the Rupununi River. It boasts over 600 bird species and 200 mammal species, along with 700 fish species.

Rich in history, Karanambu is the homeland of the Makushi people and has been explored by notable figures like Robert and Richard Schomburgk, Charles Waterton, Evelyn Waugh, and Gerald Durrell. David Attenborough also documented his experiences here in “Zoo Quest to Guiana”.

Enjoy guided excursions twice daily — in the early morning and late afternoon — to explore the river, savannahs, and forest trails. Activities include riverboat trips, 4×4 excursions on the savannahs, and walks to different ponds.

In the late afternoon, take a boat trip to search for wild Giant River Otters and visit the ponds at dusk to see the giant Victoria amazonica waterlily bloom. On the return trip, spot Black Caiman and nocturnal wildlife.

This morning, head out early to an area of rolling grasslands known for its population of giant anteaters. With a bit of luck, you might spot one of these impressive six-foot-long animals foraging for breakfast from the termite mounds scattered across the savannah. Though these creatures typically have overlapping home ranges, they are mostly solitary except during mother-offspring bonding, aggressive male interactions, and mating. Notably, mother anteaters carry their young on their backs until they are weaned.

In the evening, you have the option of a river excursion or exploring woodland patches and gallery forests along the river, where you'll aim to spot various bird species, including the Agami Heron. For those keen on birdwatching, an evening walk along the airstrip provides the chance to see seven species of nightjar, while the grasslands might reveal the Double-striped Thick-knees.

If you didn't spot a giant anteater the previous morning, you have another chance to search the savannah. Alternatively, explore the Rupununi River for wild Giant River Otters, Black Caiman, and Arapaima, while enjoying a tranquil boat journey along the river.

After enjoying breakfast at Karanambu Lodge, depart for Lethem with a scenic drive across the expansive savannah. The journey by vehicle offers a final opportunity to appreciate the vast, open landscapes of the region. Later take a flight to Georgetown.

Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Georgetown, where you can relax and prepare for the next phase of your adventure. Experience an unforgettable meal at The Secret Garden, where Guyanese cuisine meets fine dining in a stunning garden setting. Enjoy a delicious rum cocktail (or mocktail) while Chef Eon John prepares an exquisite menu featuring local ingredients.

Chef John, known as the Singing Chef, combines his culinary expertise with a rich musical background for a truly memorable evening. Eon John, born in Guyana and trained internationally, brings a unique touch to Guyanese cuisine. His career includes stints in Germany, France, Spain, and the UK, and he's currently showcasing his skills on Guyanese TV. Enjoy a feast under the stars with fresh local produce, accompanied by Chef John's serenades.

At 0430-0445hrs, you will be picked up by your guide and driver at Cara Lodge. Travel eastward from Georgetown along the Atlantic coast to the Mahaica River. The narrow winding road to the landing runs parallel to the river, taking you through areas primarily used for rice and crop cultivation.

This well-preserved area along the river supports a rich riverfront ecosystem, home to egrets, herons, ibis, marsh tyrants, and Guyana's national bird, the Hoatzin. Look out for Howler Monkeys and Giant River Otters as well. Upon arrival at the river landing, enjoy a cup of coffee or tea before embarking on your river tour. This is an excellent opportunity to spot the range-restricted Blood-coloured Woodpecker and the Hoatzin (Opisthocomus Hoatzin), a unique tropical bird.

After the river tour, enjoy breakfast before returning to Georgetown. En route, you will make a brief stop to observe shore birds on the mudflats beyond the seawall, where you might see flocks of Scarlet Ibis, Herons, Egrets, and the rare endemic Rufous Crab-Hawk.

Continue to your hotel to freshen up. Pickup and transfer to Cheddi Jagan International Airport for your Surinam Airways flight departing at 1830hrs. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your selected hotel.

Welcome to Suriname! This morning, you begin your nature and cultural experience as you depart from Paramaribo. After travelling approximately 190 km, arrive at the village of Atjoni. At the port, board a motorised canoe, where your skilled personnel will navigate the breathtaking rapids of the Upper Suriname River to the Danpaati River Lodge.

The Danpaati River Lodge is a remote and tranquil oasis nestled in the heart of the rainforest. This serene retreat offers a breezy lounge facing the river, a large pool with a hardwood yoga deck, and access to one of the few safe swimming spots in the Suriname River. Accommodation is in spacious A-frame style cabins, featuring fresh coffee service, mosquito nets, and stunning views of the surrounding nature.

Your day concludes with an exciting cruise on the river, searching for caiman resting on the riverbanks.

Today, explore one of the 12 villages affiliated with Danpaati. Located just 30 minutes by boat from Danpaati, Pikin Slee offers a guided tour through its unique village life. You'll experience the traditions and customs brought from Africa by the ancestors of the local population.

Next, visit the Maroon Museum Saamaka, dedicated to the cultural heritage of the Saramaka Maroon population. The museum provides insight into the history, ancient traditions, and crafts of the Maroons.

In the afternoon, embark on a rainforest walk to uncover its secrets. Afterwards, you have the option to enjoy a massage combining traditional and Western techniques. Other activities include fishing or a dugout canoe ride around the island.

After dinner, immerse yourself in a traditional cultural dance performance. Enjoy dances such as the Seketi, Awasa, and Bandamba, performed by the local population, with explanations of their cultural significance provided by your guide.

This morning, enjoy some time at leisure to take in your beautiful surroundings and take photos. After bidding farewell to the staff, depart by dugout canoe from Danpaati to Atjoni. From there, continue your journey back to Paramaribo by vehicle.

This evening, you will be transferred to the stylish Indonesian restaurant “Mirosso” for dinner.

Today, you'll explore Paramaribo, Suriname's capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2002. Enjoy a guided tour, both by car and on foot, of the city's prominent historic locations. The tour will showcase unique architecture, including the former Fort Zeelandia, the Presidential Palace, Independence Square, and other significant monuments that reflect Suriname's colonial history. Stroll along the Waterkant by the Suriname River, visit the Palm Gardens, and see a mosque located next to a synagogue. After the tour, return to your hotel.

Set off early to ensure a relaxed journey eastbound along Suriname's coastal road to the Albina border station. From there, board a Piaka or Pirogue canoe for a crossing of the Maroni River, heading towards St. Laurent. Once in St. Laurent, enjoy a mini city tour, including a visit to the well-preserved Camp de la Transportation, a historical transit point for slaves, indentured servants, and political prisoners.

Continue the transfer to Kourou and check into your selected hotel.

After an early breakfast, you'll transfer to the dock in Kourou for your departure to the Îles du Salut, also known as “Devil's Island.” This intriguing group of three islands—Îles du Salut—is located seven miles off the coast of Kourou. You'll embark on a catamaran journey to your first stop, Île Royale.

 Rich in history, the islands have served various roles since 1762, including as a transit point for explorers, slaves, and political prisoners. Île Royale features the oldest and most extensive buildings, including an old church, administrative offices, and officers' quarters. The island also hosts a restaurant and lodging facilities. Note that Île du Diable (Devil's Island) is off-limits to visitors due to hazardous shoreline conditions; it is famously known for housing Alfred Dreyfus and being the escape site of Papillon.

The southernmost island earned its reputation as the ‘silent island,' where inmates were prohibited from speaking. This island is infamous for its severe conditions, earning it the grim nickname ‘man-eater.'

Once at Île Royale, you can explore the well-preserved prison structures, including cell blocks and dormitories, and visit the children's cemetery behind the old hospital. If you finish early, relax under the shade by the dock and keep an eye out for sea turtles near the rocks. Return to Kourou by catamaran and transfer back to your hotel.

Begin your day with a transfer to the Guiana Space Centre, located in Kourou, French Guiana. The centre is a major spaceport and plays a pivotal role in European space missions. Enjoy a motor coach tour of the facility, which includes visits to various assembly buildings, launch pads, and control centres. Note that the tour is typically conducted in French, but your guide will provide translations where possible.

Be aware that tour schedules and access may be subject to last-minute changes due to rocket launches or technical reasons. Rocket launches can lead to the closure of the centre and Devil's Island, which lies beneath the launch trajectory.

After your tour, transfer to Cayenne, the capital city of French Guiana. It serves as the administrative and commercial hub of the country.

Enjoy a tour of Cayenne, the administrative and commercial centre of French Guiana. It is a typical Creole town with about 50,000 inhabitants, half of the entire population of the country. The Fort Cépérou, the Place Léopold Heder, the hotel of the Jésuites, the Place de Grenoble, the Place des Palmistes, the colonial hospital, the Franconie Museum, the town hall and the city centre are the gems of Cayenne.

The day is at your leisure until it is time to transfer to your departing flight.