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Iwokrama River Lodge and Research Centre

Customer Ratings
This is a Satisfaction Rating based on our own customer feedback

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Locally run wildlife lodge with impeccable environmental credentials, offering the chance to enjoy the area’s rich flora and fauna and learn about the work of local researchers and conservationists.

While terms like ‘eco-conscious’ and ‘sustainable’ are increasingly overused, Iwokrama River Lodge is the real deal. Not only is this pristine rainforest environment protected, but its local inhabitants – the Makushi people – have hands-on involvement in all aspects of the project, including scientific research, conservation and tourism.

Set on the Essequibo River are eight beautifully constructed wooden, thatch-roofed cabins raised on stilts, each with a veranda and hammock. The main building includes labs and a roomy semi-open lounge/dining area where you can mingle with the researchers and hear about work taking place at the lodge.

The whole area is fantastic for wildlife – expect to see macaws, toucans and howler monkeys, and if you’re very lucky, a wild cat. Don’t miss the hike to the top of Turtle Mountain from where the views over the jungle are simply breathtaking.

To reach the lodge you can fly from Georgetown to an airstrip a half-hour drive away, or travel overland from the capital across the unpaved red earth in a 4WD journey of about six hours.

Bartolome, Galápagos

What our clients say

  • Thank you for arranging my holiday in Guyana. It was a real adventure and a wonderful experience including, meeting and staying with Diana McTurk. She is a legend, The trip…

    DT, Crowborough
  • Most memorable experience: “We have lots. Thoroughly enjoyed the river trips, meeting local guides, Karanaumba and Rock View. We met very few tourists which helps to explain why the visits…

    NN, South Uist
  • Thoroughly enjoyed the river trips, meeting local guides, Karanaumba and Rock View. We met very few tourists which helps to explain why the visits are expensive. The 3 eco lodges…

    NN, South Uist
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Our Expert's Opinion

This was my favourite rainforest lodge in Guyana. The lodge itself is comfortable with an idyllic breezy riverside setting. However, the real draw is the outstanding guides and the variety of excursions by dugout canoe, on foot and by 4x4 on offer. The hike up Turtle Mountain was tough going but watching a troop of spider and howler monkeys playfully chasing each other around in the canopy right below us made it well worth the effort!

Ben
Ben Line Travel Expert Ben fell in love with Latin America on a six month backpacking trip from Colombia to Mexico in 1995. Since then he has explored most of South America, including living in Peru for a year. He is now Head of Sales.

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Bartolome, Galápagos

Meet our team

Real Latin american experts

  • Kathryn
    Kathryn Rhodes - Travel Expert

    Kathryn backpacked across Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Peru before joining us. She has a degree in Philosophy and French and is a keen netball player.

  • Sophie
    Sophie Barber - Travel Expert

    Sophie lived in Chile before joining us and has travelled extensively across Latin America, from Mexico to the furthest tip of Patagonia and beyond to Antarctica.

  • Juliet
    Juliet Ellwood - Travel Expert

    After graduating with a degree in Anthropology and History and having been fascinated by Latin America since childhood by the book featuring photos of Nazca, Juliet first visited the region in 2003. Since then, Juliet has visited the majority of countries in Latin America but has particularly extensive experience with Peru, a country she loves for many reasons but not least, its incredible archaeological richness and delicious food!

  • Charlotte
    Charlotte Daubeney - Travel Expert

    Charlotte's fascination with Latin America began with a family holiday to Belize. She went on to study Spanish in school and at university before spending a year living in Santiago, Chile.

  • Mary
    Mary Anne Nelson - Travel Expert

    Born in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, Mary’s insider knowledge and dry sense of humour make her a highly valued member of the Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tour sales team.

  • Heloise
    Heloise Buxton - Travel Expert

    Heloise started her Latin American journey as an exchange student in Santiago, Chile. With extended summer holidays this was the perfect opportunity to backpack through Bolivia, Peru, Argentina and Brazil.

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