Guyana - unknown as a tourist destination is home to stunning waterfalls, virgin rainforest, vast river systems and savannah teeming with wildlife. Jaguars still roam the rain forest, and the unearthly cries of troupes of howler monkeys echo through the trees. The Giant River Otter, Black Caiman and Arapaima (the largest freshwater fish in the world) swim in the rivers of the Rupununi. More than 700 indigenous species of birds adorn Guyana's forests, including toucans, macaws and the Harpy eagle. Accessing the interior by light aircraft you will experience the extraordinary natural heritage and indigenous culture of Guyana by vehicle, small boat and on foot.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Guyana. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel, located in the center of the Capital Georgetown.
Day 2: Georgetown City Tour. Georgetown was called Longchamps by the French , and Stabroek by the Dutch. It is a city full of historical monuments, many of them gracious colonial buildings which are still used today. It is known as the 'Garden City of the Caribbean '. Wide tree lined avenues and beautiful architecture, ranging from Gothic to Elizabethan, are evident as you drive along Main Street , High Street and Brickdam. St Georges Cathedral is the tallest freestanding wooden building in the world and was consecrated on 1892. Picturesque City hall was completed in 1889. St Andrew's Kirk is the first church built in Guyana over 139 years ago (completed in 1818). The Victorian Law courts built in 1887, Stabroek Market, Parliament building (built in 1834) are also many of the fine examples of colonial architecture. Our visit also includes the Umana Yana, Prime Minister's Residence, and State House built in 1845 as the governor's residence, the Walter Roth Museum with its display of Amerindian artifacts, the national museum, the Botanical and zoological gardens . The bustling and colorful markets of Bourda, Stabroek and Kitty are some of the city's prized landmarks. We will stop for a light snack at the breezy resort along the Atlantic ocean before continuing to the longest floating bridge in the world.
Includes: (B, L)
Day 3: Kaieteur/Orinduik Falls. After breakfast take a flight to Kaieteur and Orinduik Falls with our chartered flight. Kaieteur falls is a majestic 741 ft waterfall ( 5 times the height of Niagara falls) which tumbles into a gorge below. The Kaieteur National Park is situated on the Guiana Shield, a plateau that is one of the world's oldest and remotest geological formations. The entire National Park is located within one of the largest and most biodiverse rainforests in the world. The park is home to the tiny golden frog which spends it entire life in the large tank bromeliads; white-chinned and white-collared swifts; red and green macaws Morpho hecuba, South America's largest butterfly, the Ocelot, the Cock-of-the Rock, tapirs, otters, agoutis, bush dogs, and many more. This natural wonder has a sheer drop of 741 feet and is 5 times the height of Niagara Falls . After an extremely fascinating tour of Kaieteur Falls, we will fly to the jasper lined Orinduik Falls located in the Rupununi savannahs and at the foothills of the Pakaraima Mountains . The falls is ideal for swimming. Late afternoon return to Georgetown and to your hotel .
Includes: (B, L)
Day 4: Karanambu Ranch. After breakfast, transfer to Ogle Airstrip for a flight across vast rainforest and savannah to Karanambu Ranch. Your hostess here is Diane McTurk, famous for her work in rehabilitating orphaned, giant river otters to the wild. She has been filmed by National Geographic and visited by the Calgary Zoo. Overnight at Karanambu Ranch.
Includes: (B, L, D)
Day 5: Karanambu Ranch. Karanambu is one of Guyana 's leading eco tourism destinations, popular because of the well-publicized interest of its owner, Diane McTurk, in conserving the endangered giant river otter. Located in the Rupununi, Karanambu offers that sense of serenity and is a home away from home. The facilities of the lodge are rustic but comfortable. You are welcomed to sample the outdoor activities such as: bird watching, canoeing, caiman spotting and wildlife viewing. Even a swim with the 'Diane's otters' can give a sense of pure satisfaction. Birdlife is rich and varied; both on the savannah and more along the rivers and ponds. On your guided tours you will most likely see the big birds- Jabiru stork, the Great Egret, the Agami Heron and the Great Blue Heron- as well as different species of Kingfishers. You may be able to spot the Green Ibis, Snowy Egrets, Boatbill heron, the Purple Gallinule and the Wattled Jacana and see the large Victoria Amazonian lilies. Overnight at Karanambu Ranch.
Includes: (B, L, D)
Day 6: Surama Village. After breakfast boat transfer to Ginep Landing and by 4x4 to Surama where you will be welcomed by the village counselor. Afterwards you will explore the village with your local guide. You will visit the local school, medical centre and church along with some of the village houses. Overnight at Surama Guest House.
Includes: (B, L, D)
Day 7: Surama Village. Before dawn you will enjoy a leisurely climb up the Surama Mountain. Enjoy the fantastic views and observe the large number of bird life along the trail. Return to village for lunch and then take a three-mile walk across the savannah and through the rainforest to the Burro Burro River for a canoe trip and opportunities to observe Giant River Otters, Tapir, Tira, Spider Monkeys and many more species. Return to village for sunset and overnight at Surama Guest House.
Includes: (B, L, D)
Day 8: Iwokrama. After breakfast depart Surama to Iwokrama Field Station a centre which promotes the conservation, sustainable and equitable utilisation of tropical rainforest in a manner that leads to lasting ecological, economic and social benefits. In the afternoon you will be free to explore the trails around the field station with an Iwokrama Ranger. Accommodation is in timber cabins under thatched roofs, on the banks of the Essequibo River, each cabin has it's own bathroom facilities, and meals are served in the main dining hall, where you can mingle with the rangers, administrative and scientific staff. Overnight at the Iwokrama Field Station.
Includes: (B, L, D)
Day 9: Iwokrama. Today you will be up before dawn to hit the trail to seek the elusive Jaguar. The Iwokrama forest is rapidly gaining an international reputation for its healthy jaguar populations that seem not to be troubled by the appearance of curious humans. No promises, but many have been lucky! Later that morning, you will leave the field station for the journey to Turtle Mountain, and a leisurely stroll up the mountain to its summit at 935ft (approx. 360m). It takes an hour to walk up the mountain, but the effort is more than worth it for the breathtaking views over the forest canopy when you get there. The rest of the afternoon will be spent setting up camp and exploring the area near to the Turtle Mountain Satellite Camp.
Includes: (B, L, D)
Day 10: Iwokrama. After breakfast, you will travel back to the Field Station along the Essequibo River, spending the rest of the morning on a wildlife walk near the field station with an Iwokrama Ranger. The afternoon is free for you to relax, and then after dinner, take a boat ride to spot caiman and other nocturnal wildlife in the river after dark. Overnight at the Iwokrama Field Station.
Includes: (B, L, D)
Day 11: Rock View Lodge. Departure after breakfast by 4 x 4 back to Rock View Lodge, a beautiful facility which has a swimming pool and located at the foothills of the Pakaraima mountains. You will visit the surrounding village and experiment with horse back riding*. Overnight at Rock View Lodge.
Includes: (B, L, D)
Day 12: Georgetown. Return to Georgetown in the afternoon. Overnight at your hotel.
Includes: (B, L)
Day 13: Departure. Transfer to the airport for your return flight.
* Add $15 for horseback riding.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
- Package includes international flights (from Trinidad or Barbados)
- All departures are guaranteed!
Also see tour packages in:
South America
Guyana
Wildlife Viewing
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