Discovering The Hidden Guianas

Day 1

Transfer to your hotel in Georgetown

Touch down in Guyana’s vibrant capital, Georgetown – a city where colonial charm meets Caribbean flair. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. Settle in and enjoy your first glimpse of this lively riverside city, known for its wooden architecture, colourful markets, and warm hospitality.

Stay at - Cara Lodge

Day 2

Fly south to Kaieteur Falls in the deep interior.

This morning, there is an optional birdwatching visit to the Botanical Gardens, home to one of the Caribbean’s most extensive collections of tropical flora and fauna. Later, take a scenic flight over the Demerara and Essequibo rivers and vast stretches of unbroken rainforest to reach Kaieteur Falls – the world’s highest single-drop waterfall.

First sighted by a European on 29 April 1870, Kaieteur plunges 225 metres over a sandstone and conglomerate escarpment into a deep gorge – a drop five times the height of Niagara. The falls support a unique micro-environment that shelters a diverse range of wildlife, including the elusive Guianan Cock-of-the-rock. After time to explore the area, you’ll return to Georgetown by air.

Stay at - Cara Lodge

Day 3

Fly to Iwokrama, hike up Turtle mountain, go jaguar spotting.

Fly across the forest to Fair View airstrip from where you will be escorted to Iwokrama River Lodge. From here, depart by boat, birdwatching along the way, for a hike up Turtle Mountain. A well-maintained trail winds through the forest before an exhilarating climb to its summit at 360 metres above sea level. It takes a couple of hours, but the effort is more than worth it for the breathtaking views over the forest canopy and chances of spotting green aracari, white bellbird and five species of eagle. This trail is also a great place to see black spider and red howler monkeys. Alternatively, take a boat trip to Lake Stanley to search for giant river otters and black caimans.

Later, transfer by 4WD along a trail frequented by jaguars, to your accommodation.

Stay at - Atta Rainforest Lodge

Day 4

Explore the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway.

Traverse the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway, which has four suspension bridges leading to three platforms, the highest of which is over 30m above the ground. Keep your eyes peeled for canopy species which would not be visible from the forest floor. (Please note that some bridges may close periodically for maintenance).

Then enjoy wildlife and birdwatching walks on the ground-based forest trails. Many bird species, stunning insects, noisy amphibians, and playful primates make the forest their home and you can be fairly certain to spot some as you move through the trees. Deer and agouti are also regular visitors to the lodge.

Stay at - Atta Rainforest Lodge

Day 5

Canopy walk and transfer to Karanambu

Begin the day by returning to the forest walkway to experience the jungle’s dawn chorus – a symphony of birdsong as the rainforest stirs to life. Afterwards, follow a short trail through Corkwood, where your guide will help spot birdlife and explain the traditional uses of native plants, from natural remedies to textiles and other ingenious applications.

Your journey continues to Aranaputa, where you’ll visit a peanut processing facility operated by a local women’s co-operative. Lunch is served at the Pakaraima Mountain Inn, hosted by the charismatic Charlie De Freitas. From Ginep Landing, board a boat for the trip along the Rupununi River to Karanambu. When water levels are right, this stretch offers a chance to glimpse giant river otters – a species championed by the late conservationist Diane McTurk. The surrounding landscape, a mosaic of wetlands, gallery forests and open savannah, is among the most biodiverse in South America, supporting over 600 bird species, 200+ mammals and around 700 types of fish. Archaeological evidence also points to human presence here for more than 7,000 years.

Later in the day, take to the river again in search of giant otters. As dusk falls, the giant Amazonica waterlilies begin to bloom – their luminous pads unfurling in the fading light. On the return journey, use spotlights to scan for black caiman and other nocturnal wildlife.

Stay at - Karanambu Ranch

Day 6

Savannah and river or birdwatching excursions.

Spend the early morning exploring the savannah in search of giant anteaters, often seen foraging among the termite mounds scattered across these sweeping grasslands.

Later in the day, you can opt for another river outing or venture into a variety of terrestrial habitats. These areas are excellent for spotting birdlife, including the elusive agami heron, seven species of nightjar, and the distinctive double-striped thick-knee.

Stay at - Karanambu Ranch

Day 7

Morning savannah or river excursion and flight to Georgetown

This morning you have another chance to go in search of giant anteaters or otters before departing overland to Letham, from where you will fly back to Georgetown for another overnight stay.

Stay at - Cara Lodge

Day 8

Tour of Georgetown and flight to Paramaribo

Start your day with breakfast at a local food stand alongside your host and guide, Chef Delven Adams. He’ll lead you through Bourda Market – Georgetown’s largest – beginning at the Guyana Shop, which showcases locally made products. As you explore the market, you’ll meet vendors Chef Delven buys from daily and discover everything from fresh fish and meat to bush medicine, fabrics and tropical produce. You’ll even help choose ingredients for your lunch.

While the chef prepares your meal, continue on a guided city tour. Highlights include the National Museum, Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology, and historic landmarks like Stabroek Market, City Hall and St. George’s Cathedral – one of the tallest wooden buildings in the world. You’ll also visit the Botanical Gardens.

Lunch is served at the Backyard Café – Chef Delven’s hidden gem of a restaurant. You’re welcome to join him in the kitchen or simply relax under the arbour with a fresh juice or cold beer as the flavours of your market-to-table meal come to life.

After lunch, you will transfer to the airport and fly to Paramaribo, Suriname’s laid-back capital. Though home to over half the country’s population, Paramaribo retains a relaxed, small-town charm.

A former Dutch colony, the city grew during the 17th and 18th centuries and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002. Its historic centre still follows the original street plan, with elegant wooden buildings that blend Dutch design with local materials and techniques. Today, Paramaribo’s vibrant culture and cuisine reflect a rich mix of Indigenous, African, Asian and European influences – a truly unique introduction to South America.

Stay at - Eco Torarica

Day 9

Guided tour of Paramaribo

Today’s the day for a guided tour of the capital by car and on foot, exploring the most prominent historic locations. There are 291 listed monuments in Paramaribo and only a few have been replaced by new developments. Your guide will tell you about the history of Fort Zeelandia, built in 1667, the presidential palace, and Independence Square, among other places of interest.

After a stroll along the bank of the Suriname river and through the extensive public park, known as the Garden of Palms, you will view other fascinating sites such as a mosque which sits harmoniously next to a synagogue. Cross the Suriname river and make a stop at Peperpot, one of the oldest plantations in Suriname, which was established by the English before Suriname was conquered by the Dutch in 1667. Thereafter, stop at a mini sugar plantation museum, before enjoying lunch in a typical Javanese restaurant. Travel on to the confluence of the Commewijne and Suriname rivers at Nieuw Amsterdam, before finishing the tour with a visit to the outdoor museum in its large fortress.

In the early evening you can opt to join an optional sunset dolphin-spotting tour. Enjoy the cool breeze and river views while the captain scans the horizon for the dolphins. Groups of up to 20 dolphins may be seen – they can be very curious and jump and play close to the boat. Afterwards you’ll visit a former plantation to savour freshly made local snacks while

Stay at - Eco Torarica

Day 10

Transfer by road and motorised canoe to your riverside lodge.

Depart Paramaribo by road and arrive at the tiny village and river port of Atjoni. Motorised canoes are lined up on the beach, painted in bright primary colours, and you climb aboard one for the next stage of your adventure. A skilled crew will navigate up the rainforest-fringed upper Suriname river – which is famous for its breathtaking rapids – to your lodge. Your day comes to an end back on the water with a trip looking for caiman sprawling out on the riverbanks.

Stay at - Danpaati River Lodge

Day 11

Visit indigenous village and the Maroon museum.

Today you will visit one of the 12 villages that are affiliated with Danpaati. There will be a guided tour through the village where you will be introduced to the way of life of the local population and to the traditions brought from Africa by their ancestors. Afterwards, visit the Maroon museum Saamaka, which is dedicated to the cultural heritage of the Saramak Maroon population. In the museum you will learn about the history of the Maroons, their ancient traditions and crafts.

In the afternoon, take a rainforest walk, then choose to enjoy a massage, go fishing or take a dugout canoe around the island. After dinner you can enjoy a traditional and cultural dance performance.

Stay at - Danpaati River Lodge

Day 12

Return to Paramaribo by river and road.

This morning depart by dugout canoe from Danpaati to Atjoni. From Atjoni you continue your journey back to Paramaribo by road. In the evening there is an optional dinner at a popular Indonesian restaurant.

Stay at - Eco Torarica

Day 13

Travel over land and water from Paramaribo to Kourou

Today you’ll travel from Paramaribo to Kourou in French Guiana, setting off early to ensure a relaxed journey before nightfall. The route follows Suriname’s coastal road to the border town of Albina, where formalities are usually swift.

From there, cross the Maroni River by ferry into French Guiana. On arrival in St. Laurent du Maroni, your guide will assist with customs – you’re now officially entering the European Union. The change is immediate: smooth roads, modern cars, espresso cafés, and the euro as currency.

Continue to the Guiana Space Centre for a guided tour. Please note that launch schedules are not publicly released and always subject to change. If a launch is due to take place around the time of your arrival, this may result in the visit being rescheduled or cancelled at short notice. When available, the tour includes a coach ride through the vast complex, with stops at assembly buildings and control centres. Tours are conducted in French, but your guide will provide translations throughout.

Stay at - Hotel Atlantis

Day 14

Devil's Island and Cayenne

After an early breakfast, transfer to the dock in Kourou for your catamaran journey to the Îles du Salut – a trio of islands often collectively referred to as “Devil’s Island.” Your first stop is Île Royale, once part of a notorious French penal colony dating back to 1762. The islands served as a transit point for explorers, enslaved people, and later, political prisoners. Île Saint-Joseph, known as the “silent island,” was infamous for solitary confinement, while the real Devil’s Island – where Alfred Dreyfus was held – remains off-limits due to hazardous surf.

On Île Royale, explore well-preserved prison buildings, an old church, officers’ quarters, and a small museum. Don’t miss the children’s cemetery behind the hospital or the chance to spot sea turtles near the dock. After your visit, return to Kourou by catamaran and continue on to Cayenne.

Day 15

Transfer to the airport for your international flight.