Itinerary summary

Georgetown and Kaieteur Falls

Days 1-2: Arrive in Georgetown on the edge of the Demerara river with its attractive wooden buildings, particularly St George’s cathedral, and stay two nights. Take a small plane to the impressive Kaieteur Falls, where you can land and walk to the river's edge for fantastic close-up views.

Iwokrama: jungle and jaguars

Days 3-6: Fly to Fairview and met for the short transfer to the Iwokrama Forest Reserve. Two nights are spent in comfortable cabins on the banks of the mighty Essequibo river in the reserve, where guided tours take you into the surrounding rainforest. The Iwokrama canopy walkway allows the opportunity to view a range of canopy species, many of which you would struggle to see from the forest floor, and a night at the lodge is a unique experience. 

Surama: community tourism in action

Days 7-9: Continue south by road (about an hour, unless you spot a jaguar) to the village of Surama for two nights. The women of the village have a successful cassava (yuca) factory and you can visit the school. Daily walks or boat rides are arranged into the forest and across the savanna. Continue South to hike the Panorama Trail and stay a night in the small town of Annai.

The Rupununi: rivers and savanna

Days 10-12: Continue south by boat for two nights at Karanambu, with the chance to see some orphan otters, or their wild cousins. A boat excursion to see the Victoria Amazonica lily at dusk is magical and giant anteaters are often seen in the early morning. Travelling further along the river, with wildlife viewing on the way, arrive to the local village of Yupukari and stay a night. During your stay visit the village and learn about an ongoing Black Caiman project.

Georgetown

Days 13-14: Driven (about 2 hours) to Lethem and fly back to Georgetown for a final night. The following day driven to the airport for international connections.

Go Further - virgin rainforest and wildlife

If you have time, the following add-on would fit neatly just after Surama:

Travel by boat to Rewa to experience virgin forest and spot wildlife, including river turtles and giant arapaima fish. We suggest two nights in this pristine area, before returning to Annai for a night.

Add adventure - drive your own 4x4

If you are happy driving on dirt roads then we can adapt any Guyana itinerary so that you can drive yourself for part of the journey in a comfortable double cabin 4x4 pick-up. The main Georgetown to Lethem highway passes through primary rainforest and across open savanna and driving yourself can add extra flexibility, and reduce dependence on scheduled air services, quite apart from the fun. Ask us for details - prices will be similar. Not advisable in the wet season (particularly June to August).