Arrive in Georgetown, where you’ll be met at Cheddi Jagan International Airport and transferred to your hotel. Settle in and take in the city’s colonial charm as you prepare for your Guyanese adventure.

Your accommodations for the night, Cara Lodge, are steeped in history. Built in the 1840s, this elegant wooden colonial home once belonged to Georgetown’s first Lord Mayor. Over the years, it has hosted an array of distinguished guests, including King Edward VIII in 1923, President Jimmy Carter, King Charles III, and even Mick Jagger. Today, the hotel preserves the grandeur and nostalgia of a bygone era while offering modern comforts in a setting rich with character.

Start the day early with a true taste of Georgetown, enjoying breakfast at a local stand alongside your host and culinary guide, Chef Delven Adams. As you sip on freshly made local juice, Chef Adams will lead you through Bourda Market, the city’s largest and most vibrant marketplace. Begin at the Guyana Shop, where you’ll find an array of locally produced and packaged goods, before diving into the bustling market itself. Meet the vendors who supply Chef’s kitchen daily as you explore the fish market, meat section, and haberdashery stalls—offering everything from bolts of fabric to thread. You’ll also browse dry goods like Demerara sugar, sample exotic tropical fruits, and visit the bush medicine stalls for a fascinating glimpse into traditional remedies.

After selecting ingredients for your upcoming meal, Chef Adams returns to his kitchen while you embark on a guided tour of Georgetown. As you explore by vehicle and on foot, gain insight into the city’s rich history, legends, and cultural heritage. Highlights include the National Museum, where beautifully preserved taxidermy showcases the country’s diverse wildlife, and the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology, home to an impressive collection of indigenous artifacts. Stroll past Stabroek Market, a historic trading hub once described as a “bizarre bazaar,” and admire iconic landmarks such as City Hall, the Victoria Law Courts, St. Andrews Kirk, and St. George’s Cathedral, one of the world’s tallest free-standing wooden buildings.

At the Botanical Gardens, discover an impressive collection of tropical flora, and visit a nearby pond—either here or in the National Park—to feed the endangered West Indian Manatees.

For lunch, return to Chef Adams’ hidden gem, Backyard Café. True to its name, this intimate space is tucked away in his backyard, where fresh market finds are transformed into a flavorful Guyanese feast. If you wish, join Chef in the open kitchen as he prepares each dish, or simply relax under the arbour with a cold beer or a unique juice blend. As the meal unfolds course by course, savor every bite—but be sure to pace yourself, as you won’t want to miss a single dish.

Rise early for a morning immersed in nature, beginning with a transfer to Georgetown Botanical Gardens at 5:45 AM. (If an afternoon tour is needed, pick-up time will be  3:00 PM.) These lush grounds offer an excellent opportunity to spot the blood-colored woodpecker, a striking species found only in the Guianas, primarily along the narrow coastal plain. As you explore the gardens and surrounding trails, look out for a variety of birdlife, including snail kite, gray hawk, pearl kite, carib grackle, red-bellied and red-shouldered macaws, and the rare festive parrots. The shaded pathways may also reveal yellow-chinned spinetail, black-crested antshrike, silver-beaked tanager, buff-breasted wren, golden-spangled piculet, and ashy-headed greenlet. Between sightings, take a moment to visit a nearby pond, where you can feed the endangered West Indian manatees.

Return to your hotel for a brief rest before transferring to Eugene F. Correia International Airport, where you’ll board a scheduled flight that soars over the Demerara and Essequibo Rivers, passing miles of unbroken tropical rainforest en route to Kaieteur Falls—the world’s highest free-falling waterfall.

Located deep within the heart of Guyana, Kaieteur Falls plunges 741 feet—nearly five times the height of Niagara Falls—in a breathtaking, uninterrupted cascade. First seen by a European explorer in 1870, Kaieteur is steeped in Amerindian legend. According to the Patamona people, the falls were named after Kai, a tribal chief who sacrificed himself by canoeing over the edge to appease the Great Spirit Makonaima, hoping to protect his people from invading warriors.

Beyond its raw beauty, Kaieteur Falls is home to a unique micro-ecosystem. The tank bromeliads, the largest in the world, serve as the lifelong habitat of the tiny golden frog, while the elusive Guianan cock-of-the-rock nests nearby. If you’re lucky, you may even witness the breathtaking flight of the Kaieteur swifts, also known as Makonaima birds, which roost beneath the rock overhangs sculpted over millions of years by the Potaro River.

After an unforgettable experience at Kaieteur Falls, return by air to Georgetown and transfer back to your hotel.

Note: Flights to Kaieteur Falls are operated on a scheduled basis, primarily on weekends, and require a minimum of 12 passengers. If the required number of passengers is not met, your flight may be rescheduled or modified. In the event of cancellations due to weather, alternative excursions or a full refund will be provided.

Begin your day with a transfer to Eugene F. Correia International Airport, where you’ll board a scheduled flight, soaring over vast expanses of untouched tropical rainforest before landing at Fair View Airstrip. (Check-in: 7:30 AM, Departure: 9:00 AM).

From here, embark on a journey along a remote jungle trail renowned as one of the best places to spot the elusive jaguar. While sightings can never be guaranteed, many travelers have been fortunate enough to witness this magnificent predator in its natural habitat. As we travel along the only north-south road in Guyana, which connects the country to Brazil, we’ll keep a lookout for a diverse array of wildlife. Agoutis, tayras, tapirs, and black curassows are often spotted along the forest edges, while vibrant birdlife flits through the treetops.

Our journey leads us to Atta Rainforest Lodge, the gateway to the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway. Nestled within the heart of Guyana’s rainforest, the walkway features suspension bridges stretching between towering trees, offering a breathtaking perspective from over 30 meters above the forest floor. (Please note: Two bridges and one platform are currently undergoing maintenance.)

The lodge clearing itself is a wildlife hotspot and one of the best places to glimpse the striking crimson fruitcrow, a true treasure for bird enthusiasts. A resident family of black curassows also frequents the area, providing excellent opportunities for close encounters and photography.

Just 500 meters from the base of the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway, Atta Rainforest Lodge offers comfortable private accommodations with en-suite bathrooms, delicious home-cooked meals, and warm Amerindian hospitality. The open-sided communal area provides panoramic views of the surrounding jungle, while hammocks and garden benches invite relaxation. The vibrant gardens, filled with heliconias, attract an array of hummingbirds—offering the perfect setting for nature lovers.

Rise before dawn for an unforgettable morning at the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway, where birdwatching is at its finest. From this elevated vantage point, keep your eyes peeled for the vibrant Rufous-throated sapphire, green Aracari, pygmy Antwren, and Guianan streaked-Antwren. With a bit of luck, you may also catch glimpses of the elusive Guianan toucanet, the striking pompadour Cotinga, buff-cheeked greenlit, and other species that frequent the towering canopy. Beyond the birds, the treetops often reveal movement—watch for red howler monkeys and agile black spider monkeys as they navigate the branches.

Beyond the canopy walkway, the surrounding rainforest trails offer abundant opportunities for wildlife and birdwatching. The lodge grounds are home to an impressive variety of species, from dazzling insects to lively amphibians and curious primates. Tapirs, deer, and agoutis are regular visitors, and for the dedicated birders, the undergrowth may hide one of the region’s most elusive species—the rufous-winged ground-cuckoo.

As the sun sets, venture back to the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway to witness the enchanting white-winged potoo emerging from the darkness. For those eager to explore the mysteries of the night, a guided night walk offers the possibility of spotting some of the six wild cat species that inhabit the rainforest along the transnational road near the lodge. With nature’s surprises always unfolding, there’s no telling what may appear under the cover of night.

Greet the day with the symphony of the rainforest as you take in the dawn chorus from the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway one final time. After breakfast at the lodge, set off on your journey through Guyana’s diverse landscapes.

Your first stop is Pakaraima Mountain Inn, nestled in the Aranaputa Valley, just outside Yakarinta Village. Here, you’ll enjoy a home-cooked lunch on the veranda while soaking in the stunning scenery and engaging stories from your charismatic host, Charlie De Freitas. His wealth of local knowledge brings the region’s history and culture to life.

After lunch, continue deeper into the Rupununi Savannah, arriving at Waikin Ranch, a working ranch just a short drive from Lethem. This expansive property offers an authentic taste of ranch life, with activities such as horseback riding, fishing, birdwatching, and farm-to-table meals. Settle into one of the spacious cabins, each with its own veranda and hammock—perfect for unwinding in the peaceful surroundings.

As the day winds down, embark on a scenic journey to a lookout point in the savannah, where you can witness the sun dipping below the horizon in a breathtaking display of color. Alternatively, visit the fascinating “Termite City,” where the towering termite mounds offer an unexpected marvel of the natural world.

In the evening, enjoy the vast open skies of the Rupununi, where millions of stars twinkle overhead. Whether lounging on the ranch’s lawns or gathering around a fire in the savannah, the night breeze and the tranquility of the wilderness make for a truly magical end to the day.

Start the day with a guided walk along the trails of Waikin Ranch, meandering through the natural beauty of the ponds and bush islands. As you explore, take the time to observe the local wildlife, flora, and fauna at your own pace. The area is home to several bird species that nest year-round, including Muscovy Ducks, Great Horned Owls, Buff-necked Ibises, Herons, and Sun Parakeets. The serene environment offers the perfect opportunity to connect with nature before your next adventure.

Afterward, transfer from Waikin Ranch to Lethem Airport for your scheduled flight to Eugene F. Correia International Airport in Georgetown. Upon arrival, you will be picked up and transferred back to the city.

This afternoon, embark on a unique cultural experience with a drive through the heart of Georgetown, heading toward the Stabroek Market area. Here, join the local commuters as you board the river taxis at the old ferry stelling. This faster alternative to the Demerara Harbour Bridge offers a unique perspective of the city from the water. Your guide will share fascinating stories about the historic buildings lining the waterfront as you cruise along the Demerara River.

As you approach the Demerara Harbour Bridge, once the longest floating bridge in the world, you’ll cruise underneath it and make your way to a nearby mangrove, the nightly roost for a variety of birds. As the sun sets over the river, enjoy cold drinks and local snacks (or cutters) while watching flocks of Scarlet Ibis, Snail Kites, Herons, and Egrets settle into the mangroves for the evening. The serene atmosphere of the river and the city lights provide the perfect backdrop to this peaceful moment.

After the sun sets, return to the ferry stelling, cruising back along the river while enjoying the sights and sounds of the city at night.

This evening, indulge in a culinary experience like no other. You’ll dine in the charming garden of Chef Eon John, the “Singing Chef,” who will prepare an unforgettable feast before your eyes. Starting with a refreshing rum cocktail (or mocktail), enjoy a meal crafted from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, including delectable bush fish like hassar or the sweet Gilbaca catfish. The evening is further enhanced by the starry sky, the aroma of herbs from the garden, and Chef Eon’s serenade, making this a truly memorable experience.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Eugene F. Correia International Airport for your scheduled flight to Suriname, landing at Edward Gummels Airport. Upon arrival, your guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Paramaribo, the vibrant capital city of Suriname. Known for its unique blend of cultures, Paramaribo has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2002, thanks to its well-preserved colonial architecture.

Your exploration of the city begins with a visit to Fort Zeelandia, an ancient building complex that offers an extensive guided tour. From there, you will walk through the heart of Paramaribo, passing through Independence Square, surrounded by historical buildings including the Presidential Palace, Palm Gardens, and Lim a Po Street, one of the most beautiful streets in the city. Next, you will drive along the city’s most iconic landmarks, making a photo stop at the Synagogue and Mosque, which are located side by side, a testament to the harmonious coexistence of different cultures. Continue your journey to the Cathedral, the highest wooden building in the Western Hemisphere, before ending the tour at the Waterkant along the Suriname River, a favorite gathering place for locals. (Note: covered clothing is required when entering the cathedral)

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and then head across the Suriname River to Commewijne, a region known for its former colonial plantations. You will visit Plantation Peperpot, now home to a nature park, where you can spot a variety of birds and small rainforest animals. Afterward, travel to Fort Nieuw Amsterdam, a strategic fortress located at the meeting point of the Commewijne and Suriname River. The fort, built by the British, was a defense structure for the plantations. Today, it serves as an outdoor museum, where you can explore several restored buildings and see the famous Victoria Amazonica, the giant water lily.

In the late afternoon, you will transfer to the pier at Leonsberg for a Sunset Dolphin Tour. As you cruise along the river with a refreshing drink in hand, the captain will search for playful dolphins, often seen swimming in groups of up to 20. After this delightful encounter, head to the Rust & Werk plantation, where you’ll take a stroll through the village, home to the descendants of Javanese contract workers. As the sun sets, enjoy a local snack before returning to Leonsberg for the transfer back to your hotel.

Your evening will be filled with a delightful dinner at Mirosso, an Indonesian restaurant offering a unique fusion of Javanese flavors. Suriname’s rich cultural history is reflected in its cuisine, and at Mirosso, you’ll experience this fusion firsthand.

The Torarica Resort is located along the Suriname River, near the very heart of the bustling city life and historic centre. Torarica is the ideal location for business, relaxing getaways, and family holidays, and offers everything the modern traveller looks for in a perfect holiday experience.

This morning, you will depart from Paramaribo and embark on an unforgettable journey to the village of Atjoni, located approximately 190 km away. Upon arrival at the Atjoni port, you will board a motorized canoe, where skilled personnel will guide you through the famous rapids of the Upper Suriname River, a breathtaking experience through the dense rainforest. The river’s dramatic scenery, coupled with the wild terrain, offers a truly immersive nature adventure as you make your way to Danpaati River Lodge, a serene and remote haven located deep within the rainforest.

Nestled in a peaceful and untouched part of the Surinam River, Danpaati River Lodge offers the ultimate escape from modern life, combining tranquility with a rustic yet comfortable atmosphere. The lodge’s breezy lounge faces the river, where you can unwind and relax. There is also a large pool surrounded by a hardwood yoga deck, perfect for moments of stillness or reflection. The surrounding nature provides an idyllic setting, and the lodge is one of the few places along the Suriname River where swimming is safe.

Your accommodations are in spacious A-frame style cabins, designed with comfort in mind. Each cabin offers excellent views of the surrounding rainforest and comes equipped with mosquito nets, fresh morning coffee service, and other amenities to enhance your stay.

In the afternoon, embark on a thrilling river cruise to spot caimans basking along the riverbanks as the sun begins to set, a perfect way to end the day in this wild and unspoiled part of Suriname.

Today’s adventure begins with a visit to Pikin Slee, one of the 12 villages affiliated with Danpaati River Lodge. A 30-minute boat ride from the lodge will bring you to this charming village, where you will embark on a guided tour to experience the unique way of life of the local community. The villagers, descendants of African ancestors, still maintain wonderful traditions brought over from Africa. During the tour, you will learn about their lifestyle, customs, and the remarkable cultural heritage that has been preserved over generations.

Next, we will visit the Maroon Museum Saamaka, which is dedicated to the cultural heritage of the Saramak Maroonpeople. The museum offers an insightful look into the history of the Maroons, their customs, and traditional crafts. After exploring the museum, we will return to Danpaati River Lodge for a delicious lunch, enjoying a well-deserved rest.

In the afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to discover the secrets of the surrounding rainforest. A guided walk will reveal the rich flora and fauna that call this vibrant ecosystem home. If you’re looking for additional relaxation, you may opt for a soothing massage, which blends traditional techniques with Western practices. For those interested in more activities, there are options to go fishing or explore the area by dugout canoe, paddling around the island.

As the evening settles in, enjoy a cultural dance performance by the local community. Traditional dances such as the Seketi, Awasa, and Bandamba will be performed, and your guide will explain the significance of each dance in the cultural context of the Maroon people. This is a perfect way to connect with the local traditions and experience the spirit of the community.

After a peaceful morning enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Danpaati River Lodge, we will take a final opportunity to capture the stunning landscapes with some photos. Once we say our goodbyes to the wonderful staff, we will journey back to Atjoni by dugout canoe. From there, we will continue our scenic return trip to Paramaribo by vehicle.

Option:
For those looking to enhance the evening with a special culinary experience, we offer the Cabana Sunset Dining service at Torarica Resort (not included in the package). This exclusive gastronomic dining experience is a true highlight of Surinamese cuisine, which blends diverse cultural influences into a rich array of flavors. Executive Head Chef Sherwin Alexander and his talented team will curate a modern, seasonal menu using the freshest local ingredients. Each dish is a work of art, thoughtfully crafted to tantalize your taste buds.

Enjoy this exquisite meal in a private cabana by the poolside, set amidst lush gardens, as you watch the sun set over the horizon. The dining experience includes a 3-course meal consisting of an appetizer, main course, and dessert.

The culinary themes for this unique dining experience range from Javanese, Cantonese, Creole, and Fusion, with optional Chef’s Local Surprise or International Surprise menus for a small additional charge.

For those seeking an extra special experience, the Cabana Sunset Dining offers a unique Surinamese gastronomic dining experience, where you can enjoy a beautifully curated multi-course meal with optional wine pairings, served in a private cabana by the poolside at Torarica Resort.

We begin our journey early, heading eastbound along Suriname’s coastal road to the Albina border station. The formalities at the border are quick, and soon we find ourselves crossing the Maroni River by canoe, making our way to French Guiana (Guyane). Upon arrival in St. Laurent du Maroni, we will be greeted by our French guide, who will assist with the necessary customs and immigration procedures. As we enter French Guiana, we are instantly reminded of its connection to France, with modern cars, well-maintained roads, and an abundance of espresso cafes. You have technically entered the EU upon landing here.

Our tour of St. Laurent includes a visit to the well-preserved Camp de la Transportation, a historic site that once served as a transit point for slaves, indentured servants, and political prisoners sent to French Guiana. Afterward, we transfer to Kourou, where we will check into the Hotel Atlantis, a modern business hotel overlooking Bois Devil Lake. Enjoy the comfortable air-conditioned rooms and relax in the trendy restaurant that offers a blend of French and Creole cuisine.

After an early breakfast we will transfer to the dock in Kourou for our departure for the Iles du Salut. What is commonly referred to as “Devils Island” is really a triangle of three islands – Îles du Salut, or the Salvation Islands – seven miles off the coast of Kourou.

We set sail aboard a catamaran towards Île Royale, the largest and most developed of the three islands. This island features well-preserved buildings, including an old church, administration buildings, officers’ quarters, and today, a restaurant and lodging facilities. We will explore the island’s history, including its role as a notorious prison, home to many infamous inmates, including Alfred Dreyfus, who was isolated on Île du Diable (Devil’s Island), which remains inaccessible to visitors due to dangerous conditions.

We will then continue our journey to Île Saint-Joseph, known as the ‘silent island.’ It is said that prisoners here were forbidden from speaking to either guards or fellow inmates, and the island earned a reputation for its harsh conditions. Papillon, the famous convict, claimed to have spent two years in solitary confinement here.

During our visit to Île Royale, you will have the opportunity to explore the well-preserved prison buildings, including cell blocks, dormitories, and other historical structures. One poignant stop is the children’s cemetery behind the old hospital. After exploring, take some time to relax in the shade of the trees near the dock or keep an eye out for sea turtles, which are often spotted near the rocks.

In the afternoon, we will return to Kourou by catamaran and transfer back to your hotel.

After breakfast, we will transfer to the Centre Spatiale Guyanaise (Guiana Space Center) for an exciting tour of this world-renowned space launch facility. While launch schedules are typically confidential, the usual tour takes you on a motor coach journey through the expansive complex, with stops at various assembly buildings, launch pads, and control centers. The tour is conducted in French, but your guide will provide translations whenever possible.

Please note that while we have a general schedule for rocket launches, these dates can change due to weather or technical reasons, and there may be last-minute adjustments. On launch days, the Space Centre may close, and Devil’s Island will also be inaccessible. Should there be any schedule changes, we will do our best to reschedule visits or offer alternative activities. The good news is that you might even be fortunate enough to witness a rocket launch firsthand!

Following our visit to the Space Centre, we will enjoy a tour of Cayenne, the vibrant administrative and commercial hub of French Guiana. This charming Creole town is home to about 50,000 people and offers a mix of cultural and historical landmarks. Highlights include Fort Cépérou, Place Léopold Heder, Place des Palmistes, the colonial hospital, the Franconie Museum, and the town hall.

After the tour, we will transfer to the Royal Amazonia Hotel & Resort, located just five minutes from the center of Cayenne. This modern resort combines design, nature, and luxury, offering a refined atmosphere with oriental accents. The hotel boasts 134 rooms, including spacious suites, two restaurants, and a spa. Enjoy a relaxing evening at the hotel.

After a relaxing breakfast, you’ll be transferred from your hotel to Félix Eboué Airport for your onward journey. As we bid you farewell, we say, “Ayo!” – the local way of wishing you a safe and pleasant journey ahead.