History & Cultures of the Guianas

Embark on an immersive journey through the rich cultural and historical landscapes of French Guiana, Suriname and Guyana.

This adventure combines poignant history and diverse culture, providing a deep understanding of the complex past and vibrant present of the Guianas. Discover thriving communities, delve into the transformative emancipation narratives, and witness the breathtaking beauty of Guyana’s Kaieteur Falls, the world’s highest free-falling waterfall. This tour highlights the sombre legacy of the Salvation Islands in French Guiana, where stories of slavery and political imprisonment echo through time. Experience the diverse cultures of each region, from the remnants of ancient plantations in Suriname to the living traditions of the Maroon villages.

Highlights 

• Discover diverse cultures and communities, from ancient plantations to Maroon Villages.
• Uncover sombre penal colony history on a Salvation Islands catamaran tour
• Explore Jodensavanne, an ancient Jewish settlement recently awarded UNESCO World Heritage status
• Full-day tour of the magnificent Kaieteur Falls
• Stay on a former coffee and cocoa plantation
• Learn about slave history on an inspirational emancipation tour
• Visit the Guiana Space Centre

Days 1 & 2 - Georgetown, Guyana

Arrive on your international flight into Georgetown and transfer to Cara Lodge to relax and unwind. The following morning a street food breakfast kick of this adventure, with a market and city tour to introduce the cultures, customs and sights of the Guyanese capital. Lunch is served at the famous Backyard Café and in the afternoon, board a river cruise for views of historic waterfront buildings and the Demerara Harbour Bridge. The journey culminates with a sunset view of Scarlet Ibis, Snail Kites, Herons, and Egrets as they roost in the mangroves.

Hotel: Cara Lodge

Meals: (Day 2): B, L

Days 3 & 4 - Kourou, French Guiana

Just off the coast of Kourou lies Îles du Salut, a volcanic island trio known as the Salvation Islands. A catamaran tour reveals these islands, which have a sombre yet fascinating history, having served as a prison for slaves and political prisoners. Île Royale houses the oldest buildings, including a church, administration offices, and officers' quarters. Île Saint-Joseph, infamous for its silence, held inmates in strict isolation, and the inaccessible Devil's Island, where Alfred Dreyfus was exiled, completes the historic trio. Return to hotel in Kourou.

Hotel: Mercure Ariatel

Meals: (Day 3):B, (Day4) B,L

Day 5 - Cayenne, French Guiana

Explore Cayenne, the administrative heart of French Guiana, on a guided tour. Discover its vibrant history and culture through landmarks museums and cultural centres. Then, visit the Guiana Space Centre for a motor coach tour of its vast facilities, including assembly buildings, launch pads, and control centres.

Hotel: Hotel Ker Alberte

Meals: B

Day 6 - Plantation Frederiksdorp, Suriname

Heading along the coast to the boarder, make a stop at St. Joseph Church in Iracoubou, hand-painted by a convict, then in St. Laurent du Maroni. Visit Camp de la Transportation, once a transit point for slaves, convicts, and political prisoners. After crossing the border to Albina, continue to Plantation Resort Frederiksdorp, a former coffee and cocoa plantation on the Commewijne River, for an overnight stay.

Hotel: Plantation Frederiksdorp

Meals: B,L,D

Day 7 - Plantation Frederiksdorp, Suriname

Begin the day with a historic tour of the estate, followed by a village walk and a bike ride to Plantation Kronenburg with a stop at Plantation Marienbosch. In the afternoon, a stroll to the village of Margarita leads to the coastal swamp, showcasing the typical wetland mangrove biodiversity, birdlife, and the Atlantic seashore. A swamp tour (or a turtle tour February – August) is included, concluding with a dolphin spotting tour later in the day.

Hotel: Plantation Frederiksdorp

Meals: B,L,D

Day 8 - Paramaribo, Suriname

Today, visit Santigron, a traditional Saramaccan Maroon village near the Saramacca River, where a walk through the village offers insights into local history, culture, daily life, and the Maroon community’s influence.

Hotel: Royal Torarica

Meals: B,L

Day 9 - Paramaribo, Suriname

South of Paramaribo, on the right bank of the Suriname River, lies Jodensavanne, a former Jewish settlement established around 1680. A tour of this historic site includes the ruins of the oldest synagogue in the Americas and a Jewish cemetery, now preserved with a small museum.

Hotel: Royal Torarica

Meals: B,L

Day 10 - Georgetown, Guyana

Paramaribo, the capital of Suriname, has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2002. A tour begins at Fort Zeelandia, followed by a walk through Independence Square, surrounded by historical landmarks such as the Presidential Palace, Palm Gardens, and Lim a Po Street. A drive showcases the city's unique architecture, with stops at the Synagogue, Mosque and the Cathedral, the tallest wooden structure in the Western Hemisphere. Fly to Georgetown this afternoon.

Hotel: Cara Lodge

Meals: B

Day 11 - Kaieteur Falls, Guyana

Take a scheduled flight over the tropical rainforest to Kaietuer Falls, the world’s highest free-falling waterfall, with a drop of 741 feet. Kaieteur supports a unique microenvironment in which the tiny golden frog can be found and the rarely seen Guiana cock-of-the-rock nests nearby. After visiting the falls you’ll return to Georgetown for the night.

Hotel: Cara Lodge

Meals: B

Day 12 - Georgetown, Guyana and Departure

The day begins with visits to the 1763 monument honouring Cuffy, leader of the first slave uprising, and the 1823 Rebellion Monument. A journey along the Eastern Coast includes a stop at Victoria, the first village purchased by freed ex-slaves. At Buxton Train Station, hear the story of the freed women who protested against high taxes, meeting Auntie Gloria, a third-generation herbalist. At the Secret Garden partake in a cooking session of traditional dishes, followed by a drumming workshop. Transfer to Georgetown Airport for your onward flight.

Meals: B,L

Suggestion: For further exploration of Guyana, you might like to add our ‘Living Colours’ Itinerary to explore the Rupununi and Iwokrama Rainforest, or ask your specialist about other adventures.

Price from £9,799 per person

(2025 departures, based on 2 people sharing a room)

Includes:

• 11 nights accommodation

• 20 meals: 11 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 2 dinners

• All tours as detailed in itinerary

• All domestic flights and transfers

Excludes:

• Meals not indicated in your itinerary

• Local departure taxes payable locally

• Items of a personal nature such as laundry and drinks etc

• Tips for guides and drivers (discretionary)

• Camera or video fees at any sites