Hike to a harpy eagle nest

Seek out the rare harpy eagle at a nesting site and visit a Cock-of-the-Rock lek to see the vibrantly coloured male’s mating display.

The settlement of Surama is set in grassland surrounded by forest-clad hills in Guyana. The people are mainly from the Macushi tribe and still observe many of the traditional practices of their ancestors.

This area is a habitat for the elusive harpy eagle, a highly prized sighting for any bird watcher. An hour-long hike leads to a nest where, from a distance that will not disturb the birds, you can observe fluffy chicks and adults with their impressive crown of feathers.

We’ll also visit a Cock-of-the-Rock lek – the name for the chosen place where a male performs his mating display to attract the duller brown female. With bold reddish-orange plumage and a wonderful fan-shaped crest rising up like a headdress, the male Cock-of-the-Rock is a spectacular sight.

Activity Rating: easy