Uncovering the Guianas

Discover Latin America's Best-Kept Secrets

Embark on an exploration of three of Latin America’s least travelled destinations on an enthralling 16-day adventure taking in historic capitals, endless Amazonian rainforest, phenomenal natural wonders and an abundance of exotic wildlife. Whilst undeniably influenced by colonial rule, each has a firm stamp of individuality and Caribbean flair waiting to be discovered.

Beginning in Suriname, venture from the UNESCO World Heritage Site listed capital Paramaribo down the Suriname River and deep into the Amazonian jungle. Discover French Guiana’s eerie, deserted penal colonies of the Îles du Salut before finishing in Guyana engaging with Amerindian communities and observing natural wonders. All three have incredibly rich biodiversity and wildlife-spotting opportunities will be plentiful throughout this encompassing adventure.

Highlights

• Stay with Amerindian communities deep in the Amazonian Rainforest
• Observe wildlife in their natural habitat on boat trips, canopy walks and short hikes
• Explore colourful, colonial Caribbean capitals
• Witness the sheer power of the world's largest single-drop waterfall

Quick Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in Paramaribo

Days 2 & 3 - Danpatti

Days 4 & 5 - Paramaribo

Day 6 - Cayenne

Day 7 - Kourou

Day 8 - Paramaribo

Day 9 - Georgetown

Day 10 – Kaieteur Falls

Day 11 & 12 – Iwokrama Rainforest

Days 13 - Burro Burro River

Day 14 - Georgetown

Day 15 - Depart Georgetown

Day 16 - Arrive back in the UK

Day 1 - Paramaribo

Arrive in Paramaribo, Suriname’s historic capital on the banks of the Suriname River. Transfer to your downtown hotel, which is ideally situated to spend the rest of the day familiarizing yourself with the heart of the city.

Days 2 & 3 - Danpatti

A vast proportion of Suriname is made up of vast dense jungle terrain with communities and villages connected by the sprawling Suriname River. This morning board a motorized canoe and travel through remarkable scenery on the Upper Suriname River to Danpatti. Spend two nights in a wonderful River Lodge, a tranquil oasis and a fantastic base to explore the Amazonian rainforest and observe colourful wildlife. Take a gentle cruise on the river, spotting caiman on the river banks and the fathomless array of exotic birdlife.

The next day provides the opportunity to learn about the rural communities that flourish far away from modern-day development. Meet welcoming villagers and see how African influence has impacted daily life in the untamed jungle before paying a visit to the cultural heritage museum dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Saramak Maroon population.

After a traditional lunch, be led deep into the jungle by expert naturalists on a wildlife experience before partaking in an evening cultural dance performance with dinner.

Days 4 & 5 - Paramaribo

Head back to the capital to spend a further two nights in Paramaribo and to embrace the rhythm of the city. Immerse yourself in the beating heart of Suriname on a guided tour, observing colonial architecture, Dutch forts, Presidential Palaces and of course the vibrancy of its population and its rich culinary traditions.

Day 6 - Cayenne

After a beautiful journey along Suriname's coastal road, reach the border station before a ride across the Maroni River to St. Laurent du Maroni in French Guiana. As part of France, the region has a European atmosphere, well-maintained roads, and use of the Euro. St. Laurent offers a glimpse into its history, take a tour of the Transportation Centre, a former arrival station for convicts bound for penal colonies. Then continue to Cayenne, the creole town and administrative hub, exploring its cultural landmarks.

Day 7 - Kourou & Salvation Islands

A short distance of just 15km from Kourou is the trio of volcanic islands of Îles du Salut, better known in English as the Salvation Islands. The islands have a sad but fascinating history and played a central role in French history as the imprisonment point for slaves and political prisoners. Hop between the islands on a catamaran to develop an understanding of the conditions that the inmates endured. After the tour, spend the night in Kourou.

Day 8 - Paramaribo

Today head back to Suriname. Whilst the day is largely spent travelling, short walking tours of Cayenne and the border town of St. Laurent du Maroni are included to further develop your understanding of French Guiana history. Spend one final night in Paramaribo before your morning flight to Guyana.

Day 9 - Georgetown

Land in Guyana’s Caribbean capital Georgetown in the morning and embark immediately on an exploration through its vibrant streets. Accompanied by culinary master Chef Delven Adams, your host for the guided tour, the best place to start is in the bustling markets where you will pick up fresh ingredients from friendly vendors for your lunch later in the day.

Georgetown has a laid-back ambience, and the rest of the morning is spent strolling through the colourful alleyways taking in the bright if not somewhat dilapidated colonial buildings.

After an expertly prepared lunch by Chef Adams continues to the tropical Botanical Gardens before embarking on an immersive ferry experience on the Demerara River. Disembark at a mangrove forest to reflect on the day whilst the sun sets idyllically to the calls of the birds who roost in their roots.

Day 10 - Kaieteur Falls

Whilst beginning and ending in Georgetown, the day is spent at the utterly beautiful Kaieteur Falls, reached by a short scenic flight. At over five times the height of Niagara Falls, Kaieteur is the world’s highest free-falling waterfall and the surrounding tropical rainforest only adds to its tranquillity.

Day 11 - Iwokrama Rainforest

Travel to the heart of Guyana’s Amazonian interior. After settling into the lodge, take the short climb through the well-preserved paths to the peak of Turtle Mountain, offering breathtaking views of above the forest canopies.

After lunch, experience the rainforest in a different way, reaching the higher levels of the canopies by way of a maze of suspended platforms. The Ikokrama Canopy Walkways are set some 30 metres above ground and bring you truly closer to nature, multiplying your chances of spotting Curassows, Aracaris, Fruitcrows and hummingbirds.

Days 12 & 13 - Burro Burro River & Surama

Wake early to experience the same canopy walkways at dawn, providing a totally different experience and a greater opportunity to spot Red Howler and Black Spider Monkeys swinging from the treetops. You'll then leave through jungle roads in the direction of Surama, home to an indigenous Amerindian community in the heart of Guyana. The village is set in a savannah oasis fringed by mountains. An evening educational tour provides an additional chance to spot wildlife after dark!

The next day, climb Surama Mountain at dawn. The early start and the somewhat moderate climb will inevitably prove worthwhile as you observe the sunrise majestically over the canopies accompanied by a dawn chorus.

Return to the lodge for an early lunch before partaking in a leisurely river excursion, where guides/naturalists will paddle you down the Burro Burro River helping you identify the many wildlife species.

Day 14 - Georgetown

There is still time for one last wildlife experience this morning that the lodge will be able to tailor and organise depending on interests. You'll then head back to Georgetown for one final night in the capital. 

Day 15 - Depart Georgetown

Breakfast at your hotel before your onward flight. 

Day 16 - Arrive back in the UK

Today you will land back in the UK from Guyana.

From £7,799 per person

(Valid for 2024 departures, based on 2 people sharing a room on a group tour.)

If you would like to do this itinerary on a private basis, please contact our Travel Specialists today.

Includes:

• International flights

• 14 nights’ accommodation

• 29 meals; 14 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 5 dinners

• City tours of Paramaribo, Georgetown and Cayenne

• Full-day tour of Kaieteur Falls

• Catamaran tour of Îles du Salut

• All wildlife excursions as per itinerary

• All domestic flights & transfers including boat 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