The Guianas Experience

Itinerary

Day 1 – Georgetown
Arrive in Georgetown, Guyana’s capital and transfer to your hotel. Overnight Status Hotel or similar.

Day 2 – Karanambu Ranch
Fly to Karanambu Ranch, home to Diane McTurk who is widely known for her work in rehabilitating orphaned giant river otters. In the late afternoon we take a boat out on the river to look for wild giant otters and other species. Overnight Karanambu Ranch. (BLD)

Day 3 – Karanambu Ranch
Explore the area surrounding Karanambu Ranch. If there are any orphaned otters here you may be able to help Diane as she tends to them. You can also explore Simoni Pond, which offers some of the best fishing in Guyana, explore the flooded forest and savannah and look for Guyana’s rich birdlife. Overnight Karanambu Ranch. (BLD)

Day 4 – Karanambu Ranch – Surama
This morning travel out onto the savannah to search for a giant anteater. Explore the Rupununi River in search of wild giant river otters, black caiman and other species. After reaching Ginep Landing we transfer by vehicle to the Amerindian village of Surama. We take a tour through the village to learn about the local way of life, and accompanied by our local guides explore the surrounding forest. Overnight Surama Eco-Lodge. (BLD)

Day 5 - Surama
Walk across the savannah and climb Surama Mountain for incredible views across the village to the Pakaraima Mountains. This afternoon we walk to the Burro Burro River to take a canoe trip, hoping to spot giant otters, tapir and spider monkeys amongst other wildlife. Overnight Surama Eco-Lodge. (BLD)

Day 6 – Iwokrama
Travel through Guyana’s rainforest to Iwokrama, an incredible region of rainforest with a breathtaking diversity of species. Iwokrama is one of the best places to see jaguar in the wild. En route we take a walk into the forest to look for one of Guyana’s most spectacular birds, the Guianan cock-of-the-rock. We then head to the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway, 30 metres up into the canopy, for a different perspective of the forest. Overnight Atta Rainforest Lodge. (BLD)

Day 7 – Iwokrama – Rock View Lodge
Experience the dawn chorus from the canopy walkway, and visit an area renowned for sightings of one of Guyana’s most intriguing birds, the cock of the rock. We then continue by 4wd vehicle to Rock View Lodge, situated in a region where the savannah meets the forest covered foothills of the Pakaraima Mountains. With its tropical gardens and flowering trees, the lodge resembles an oasis in the savannah and attracts many species of birds. Overnight Rock View Lodge. (BLD)

Day 8 – Rock View Lodge - Georgetown
At dawn take a hike in the foothills of the Pakaraima Mountains to search for birds. We then return to Georgetown by air, and have an afternoon city tour of this unusual South American capital. In the evening you can take an optional tour to the Roy Geddes Musical Museum for a taste of local culture. Overnight Status Hotel or similar. (B)

Day 9 – Georgetown
Today is free to explore Georgetown further or take an optional excursion to Kaiteur Falls, where the Potaro River thunders 741 feet into the gorge below, and Orinduik Falls, located on the border with Brazil, before returning to Georgetown for the evening. Overnight Status Hotel or similar. (B)

Day 10 - Paramaribo
Transfer to the airport and fly to Paramaribo, the capital of neighbouring Suriname. In the afternoon take a walking tour of the capital, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with beautiful architecture, interesting markets and historical buildings. Overnight Eco-Resort Inn or similar. (B)

Day 11 – Commewijne Plantations
Drive into district Commewijne for an idea of how life must have been on the plantations during their booming period in the colonial times. We explore the plantations of Meerzog, Marienburg and Peperpot to learn about the history of Suriname. Later we take a boat on the Suriname River to look for freshwater dolphins, which can often be spotted in groups of up to twenty. Overnight Eco-Resort Inn or similar. (BL)

Day 12 – Anaula
Head south from Paramaribo by road to Atjoni, and then travel by boat to Anaula Nature Resort, situated at the foot of the Ferulassi falls, passing various Maroon villages, breathtaking scenery, and the tempestuous Jaw Jaw rapids. After some relaxation time we will take a dugout boat and go to an island in the Ferullasi rapids which has a sandy beach where we can relax, swim and enjoy a natural Jacuzzi. In the evening we head out on the river in search of caiman. Overnight Anaula Nature Resort. (BLD)

Day 13 – New Aurora
Travel by boat to the village of New Aurora to learn about the customs and culture of the local Maroon groups. We then head to Gunsi to take a forest walk and learn about traditional medicinal uses of the plants here, and in the evening experience local culture in the form of Awasa and Bandamba dances. Overnight Anaula Nature Resort. (BLD)

Day 14 – Paramaribo
This morning is free to relax or explore the surrounding area further. This afternoon we travel back to Paramaribo for our final night. Overnight Eco-Resort Inn. (BL)

Day 15 – Paramaribo
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)