Coq of the Rock: Trailblazing the Guianas
16 days from £5,917
Explore the tour day by day, from the highlights to the quieter moments in between. Here’s how each day unfolds and what to expect along the way.
Day time flight to Rio de Janeiro, the most romantic, intriguing and beautiful city on the continent. Sumptuous apartments overlook the sparkling bays against the backdrop of half-built slum dwellings, favelas, which cling precariously to the hillsides. Rio has an awesome bay-side location among near-vertical granite mountains.
Here, tropical foliage swoops down to white-to-toffee coloured sandy beaches in turn battered by the huge waves of Atlantic surf. The drive into the city gives a fleeting glimpse of the docks and commercial centre as you head towards the magnificent stretch of sand at Copacabana; your hotel is a couple of blocks inland from the beach.
On your full day there is a tour to familiarise yourself with this most iconic of cities. As part of this, you’ll board a steep rack-and-pinion railway which glides up through tropical Tijuca National Park, the largest urban forest in the world dripping with fruit and flowers, to reach the summit of Corcovado Mountain. Here the famous 40m art deco Christ the Redeemer statue soars above the city, arms outspread benevolently. On a clear day, the views over the city and out across the ocean and outlying islands are stupendous.
We also include a trip to Pão de Açucar (Sugar Loaf Mountain). Ride the cable-car up the twin granite mountains protruding from the ocean and enjoy the magnificent views back over the beaches, Botafogo Bay with its bobbing yachts and into the mountains beyond. There’s a lovely (and safe) nature walk round the foot of the mountain, or you could pop for a beer into the nearby villagey quarter of Urca, leafy home of artists and TV stars.
Today we fly to the northern city of Boa Vista (due to current flight schedules this may involves changes). There’s a frontier-town feel to Boa Vista, and its population has grown from 55,000 inhabitants in 1975 to a quarter of a million today. Spend the night in Boa Vista.
Depart by bus for Guyana, crossing the newly-constructedTakutu River Bridge. Brazil drives on the right and Guyana on the left, and there’s a nifty little crossover bridge to cope with this idiosyncrasy.
Continue into the Iwokrama, with stops in the forest along the way. Jaguars, jaguarundi, tayras, as well as striking bird life, including the coq of the rock, and the harpy eagle, are often seen among the trees. Spend 2 nights at the Atta Camp, a block of eight small cabins. From here there is access to a fantastic canopy walkway, built out from a steep escarpment, which gives access to the creatures of the forest
Travel along an unpaved roads to Annai, which lies on the edge of the transition zone between the savannah and the Iwokrama forest reserve. This small village is a mixture of brick and wattle-and-daub cottages, all thatched with palm fronds. There are no roads or even tracks, just grassy thoroughfares between cottages, shops, school and church. They speak English here, as elsewhere in Guyana, and people are friendly and welcoming. 2 nights’ accommodation is in Rock View, a comfortable lodge, from which you can enjoy the beauty of the savannah, and explore the beguiling settlement.
Fly north to the capital Georgetown with an included excursion to Kaieteur Falls en route. We fly to the small airstrip at the top of the falls. The pilot usually does a fly-past first, to give some perspective on the Potaro river and the canyon below the falls. There’s no tourist infrastructure, just a tiny settlement of 3 huts, one of which serves as an airport lounge.
On arrival there is an easy walk and then a scramble in a loop through the rocky forest, past copses of giant bromeliads – home to microscopic frogs – to a number of viewpoints. The first, at around 200m from the cataracts, gives a face-on view of a prodigious quantity of water, which is stained chestnut brown with tannins. At the third viewpoint you are literally on the edge of the falls, on a rock platform less than a metre away from the torrent as it plunges 226m into the canyon. Most people inch towards the rock’s lip on their bellies. Some prefer to stand well back.
Continue onto Georgetown in the same plane.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, the Guyanas swapped hands between the European sea powers. The city still shows an interesting amalgam of cultural heritage, its population mostly a mixture of African and Asian descent, commingled with wai-wai Amerindians from the south. Its architecture too is a fusion of Dutch and colonial Brazilian, with the latter predominant.
There’s plenty to see here: riverside Stabroek market is fun, bustling and chaotic; there are manatees and lots of birds in the botanical gardens; and the legendary Bourda Cricket Ground.
Departing Georgetown by minibus along a coastal road wending eastwards towards the Corentyne river, which forms the frontier between Suriname and Guyana; a region of sugarcane and rice plantations, threaded by canals (built by the Dutch to drain the low-lying land, and to access the cane for market).
Cross the estuary by ferry and continue by road, hugging the coast to Paramaribo. Suriname was Dutch territory, and modern-day Paramaribo has inherited not only the language, and the attractive clapboard architecture, but also its melting pot of cultures. Thousands of indentured labourers were shipped in from the Dutch East Indies to work the plantations, and they brought their Indonesian cuisine with them, as well as their religion: mosques are a common sight, and the largest in Paramaribo is right next to the synagogue.
There is an included excursion on the Suriname and Crommewijne river. You will spot local seabirds en route to visit one of the former plantations and the open air museum at New Amsterdam, which will give you a fascinating insight into Suriname’s former colonial history. Spend the rest of the time at leisure.
Depart by bus towards Albina, and another river border, the Caroni. From here shuttle canoes make the short trip across to St Laurent, in French Guiana, once the receiving station for new inmates bound for the notoriously brutal penal colony maintained by France until the mid-20th century. Continue on a smart paved road to Kourou.
Guiana is a département of France. They send deputies to parliament, the currency is the euro, its citizens are members of the EU and enjoy the full protection of the French labour law. It’s expensive: lots of things are imported from France. Kourou is home to many of France’s top scientists and astrophysicists, because this is the base of the Ariane space rocket programme.
Full-day excursion to the former penal colony on the Iles du Salut. The archipelago lies about an hour out into the Caribbean and consists of 3 islands: Ile Royale, Ile St Joseph and Devil’s Island. The cells, guards’ quarters and administration blocks on Ile Royale have been converted into accommodation and dining facilities, and there’s an excellent small museum that recounts the history of the place, and the privations that both the convicts and the guards had to endure. There’s a small church, the remains of a hospital, and a cemetery with memorials to the prison staff. At Ile St Joseph work is underway to clear the jungle from many more of the prison cells.
A morning excursion to the Centre Spatial, where there is a fascinating museum, and there may be an opportunity for a tour of the space centre itself. Depart by road for Cayenne, French Guiana’s main city. It’s a hotchpotch of building styles, some glorious belle époque, others more modern and on the shabby side. This is a pleasant place to spend some time; sipping a cold drink in one of the bars in the Place des Palmistes, you could almost be on the Riviera. The busy market is worth a visit, and there is a footpath up to the remains of the old fort that overlooks the town.
The places you’ll stay and explore on this tour. Here’s a closer look at each one and what makes it worth the trip.
Guyana - The Interior
Guyana Interior holidays open onto South America’s last great wildernesses: vast rainforest, savannah and swampland barely touched by human hands, criss-crossed by rivers that gave the country its name, “Land of Many Waters”. Over 80% of Guyana is rainforest, and getting around in boats and light aircraft rather than roads, keeping this corner untouched.
Guyana - Georgetown and Kaieteur Falls
Georgetown & Kaieteur Falls holidays combine Guyana’s Caribbean-flavoured capital, with its colonial architecture, temples and canals, and the awe-inspiring Kaieteur Falls, which plunges 226 metres into the rainforest. Together, they offer an unforgettable introduction to one of South America’s most fascinating destinations.
Brazil - Rio de Janeiro
Waking up to your first view of Copacabana Beach is one of Brazil’s great travel moments, and Rio only builds from there. Granite peaks, rainforest-covered hills and golden sand meet a city that never quite sits still: samba spilling out of bars, football on the beach, Carnival taking over the streets once a year.
This is a trip which emphatically goes off the beaten track, taking in some of the rarely-visited highlights of Suriname and the Guianas. You won’t find a group tour like this offered by anyone else: the logistics of researching and organising such a trip are daunting but as South America experts we relished the challenge. You’ll scramble through dense jungle; surround yourself with wildlife in a rainforest canopy and drive through sweeping savannah punctuated by ancient sandstone plateaux.
You’ll stay in sweltering frontier settlements; visit the French space station and an old penal colony; take boat rides down jungle-fringed rivers and lap up the atmosphere of colonial towns and brash, bold capital cities. You’ll have to be prepared for delays, for things not going quite to plan, but you’ll be rewarded by an unforgettable trip.
Jim Ashworth
All of our experts have lived or travelled extensively in Latin America, so you will receive unrivalled advice based on unique personal experiences.
The practical detail for this tour, all in one place. Transport, accommodation, what’s included and what to pack, so you know exactly what to expect before you go.
- Nature Of The Trip
The Coq of the Rock Journey is guaranteed to be a thrilling off-the-beaten track adventure, and will take you to places where very few other tourists visit. However, it’s important from the outset to be fully aware of the nature of the trip.
Although we’ve run the trip more than a dozen times, transport; accommodation and infrastructure do still present a number of practical difficulties. Things do go wrong; short bus rides will turn into marathons; border crossings and immigration bureaucracy will frustrate. Air and land transport is intended for local people, who often don’t have the rigid timetables we are accustomed to live by in our world.
On top of this, it is hot and some of the days have early starts and long days of travel, so there will be some tiring days, but this is part of the nature of travel in such an undeveloped region. Accommodation is no frills in some areas, and ‘day-to-day’ itineraries do occasionally have to be seen as a guide to intentions rather than cast-iron promises of what the future holds: the best example of this being the European Space Centre, which we aim to visit on every trip, though in the event of a launch schedules can change at a moment’s notice, and are completely beyond our control.
We’ve considered making the trip more comfortable, however we feel that by doing so we risk losing some of what makes the trip memorable: that heady mix of excitement and adventure in visiting an area so few get to experience. If you don’t relish that, please don’t book this trip.
- Tour Leader
On this tour, you’ll be accompanied from start to finish by one of our exceptional Journey Latin America tour leaders. From the moment you land in Latin America until the day the tour ends they will deal with all the practicalities, expertly adapting to the circumstances and individual needs of the group. Rather than different guides in different cities, your leader will get to know the group and keep you informed and entertained as you go.
- About Our Group Tours
To find out more about how our group tours including group sizes, solo travellers and why to choose us. Please click here.
- Travelling Alone
There is no extra cost for single travellers who are willing to share a room. You will be accommodated with another same-sex member of the group who is also travelling solo. For single travellers who wish to have their own room there are a limited number of single rooms available, which carry a surcharge but you may be asked to share for a few nights when the accommodation is particularly restricted.
- Transport
2 flights; 5 land journeys (longest 13 hrs but this includes one of the ferries and the border formalities); 2 sea crossings; 2 river ferries.
- Accommodation
For this tour we aim to use good quality, value-for-money accommodation, in a mix of larger more modern, smaller family run hotels and lodges. All the properties we use are well maintained and rooms will have a private bathroom.
The focus of these trips is on getting outside, seeing the sights, and experiencing local restaurants and cafes, therefore a few hotels may not have evening dining facilities.• Rio de Janeiro: Windsor Copa
• Boa Vista: Hotel Uiramutam
• Guyanese Interior: Rock View and Atta Lodge
• Georgetown: El Dorado Inn
• Paramaribo: Eco Torarica
• Kourou: Hotel Atlantis
• Cayenne: Hotel AmazoniaThese hotels are subject to change and are dependent on availability. Address and contact details will be sent out with your final documents.
- Meals
Breakfast daily; full board days 4,5,6 and 7.
- Summary of Nights
16 days, 15 nights: Rio de Janeiro 2, Boa Vista 1, Atta rainforest 2, Rock View 2, Georgetown 2, Paramaribo 3, Kourou 2, Cayenne 1.
- Optional Excursions
Due to the nature of this tour there are a only a handful of optional excursions available.
- Money
Take cash in US$ (and for French Guiana, euros) up to the total limit your insurance will allow. Travellers’ cheques are difficult to cash. ATMs which give access to cash are available in cities, but it’s worth having plastic for both Visa and Mastercard. Tell your bank in advance where and when you’re going. We recommend a daily budget of $35-40 USD per person per day to cover the cost of meals and daily expenses including tips and taxes.
- Visas
British passport holders (and almost all others) will need an e-visa for Suriname. We will send details of how to apply nearer the date of travel.
Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa for the other countries, although passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Clients with a different nationality enquire or check with the relevant consulate.
APIS and ESTA – important flight information:
ESTA – if flying to the US, or via the US you will need to fill in your application to ESTA online.
This costs $14 per person. This must be done by you personally.Passports must also be machine-readable (MRP). Avoid locking suitcases if transiting the USA, as their customs authorities retain the right to break into them.
APIS – Many countries now oblige airlines to provide additional information about passengers prior to the flight departure. This Advance Passenger Information (APIS) must be supplied to us promptly in order to issue tickets and avoid fare increases. We will provide the airlines with the relevant details if we are booking your international flights. If the information is not provided you may be denied boarding. - Insurance
Travel insurance is essential. Details of our recommended policy can be found on our Travel Insurance page.
- Climate
The Journey enters 4 countries, but we travel within a fairly thin band between 10 and 5 degrees N of the equator. So it’s tropical, i.e. hot and humid throughout. Along the Caribbean coasts of Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana, October is statistically one of the driest months in the year.
Cayenne’s annual rainfall is over 3,600mm, but October’s is 74mm – i.e. only 1/60 of the yearly total. But it’s all tropical – it can rain anytime, often in short and very heavy bursts.
- Vaccinations
Preventative jabs or tablets are recommended for: malaria, typhoid, polio, tuberculosis, tetanus and hepatitis A. Consult your local GP, or health clinic – he or she will probably refer you to the NHS fitfortravel website.
Take precautions against being bitten -by applying insect repellent, especially in the evenings out of cities. A valid yellow fever certificate or official doctor’s note stating why you cannot be vaccinated must be produced when crossing some borders, so it is essential that these are carried. There are several brands of gel or foam which can be used for washing your hands where no clean water is available.
- Clothing and Special Equipment
Clothing should be casual and comfortable – plenty of light cotton (or light-weight wicking fabric which controls perspiration and dries quickly). Light colours are beneficial against sun and bugs. Dark clothes attract mosquitoes.
For wildlife viewing, the best colours to wear are pastel tones, like brown, beige and green, which don’t highlight your silhouette in the landscape and camouflage you in foliage. Avoid strong colours like yellow, bright blue and red.
Shorts and short-sleeve shirts should be avoided in the evenings, especially away from cities. Air-conditioning in rooms and restaurants is the closest you’ll get to being cold, so a light sweater or “layers” will suffice.
Other items worth packing are: Swim suit and towel, sun hat, trainers, lightweight raincoat, Insect repellent, sun tan lotion, sunglasses and torch.
For some excursions to the jungle and/or local flights you may be restricted to a maximum baggage allowance of 10kg (owing to limited space on light aircraft). In addition, some of the mini buses we use have limited baggage space.
A backpack or soft holdall (ideally with some degree of waterproofing) is the most comfortable way to carry your belongings, along with a small day-use backpack (25-40l capacity).
- Do I need a yellow fever vaccination for Suriname?
The Ministry of Health in Suriname advises passengers travelling to Suriname to be vaccinated against Yellow Fever. This is also valid for travellers departing from Suriname towards countries in the Caribbean region. You will be required to present your ’International Certificate of Vaccination’ booklet, which will be checked before departure. You may be denied entree to any country if you fail to present this document. You should be vaccinated at least 10 days before departure.
For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.
- When is the best time to visit Suriname?
Suriname has a tropical humid climate. There is a short rainy season from Dec-Jan and Apr-Jul. The most pleasant times to visit are the dry seasons Feb-Apr and Aug-Nov. Throughout the year the average daily temperature varies between 21 and 32°C. Suriname lies outside the hurricane zone and the most extreme weather condition is the “sibibusi” (forest broom), a torrential rain shower which passes quickly.
- What is the official language of Suriname?
The official languages of Suriname are Dutch, English and Sranan Tongo, originally the language of the creoles.
- What is the official currency of Suriname?
The official currency of Suriname is the Suriname guilder. Currently, only one bank, the Royal Bank of Trinidad and Tobago (RBTT) has ATMs which accept foreign ATM Visa cards. You can exchange currency at banks, hotels, and official exchange houses; in no circumstances change money on the street. Only a few tourist-inclined establishments accept credit cards.
- What is the time difference between Suriname and the UK?
The time difference between the UK and Suriname is GMT-4 hours.
- Do I need a visa for Suriname?
Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Anyone with a different nationality should enquire with us or check with the relevant consulate. If flying to the US, or via the US you will need to fill in your online ESTA application.
- What vaccinations do I need for Suriname?
Please check Travel Health Pro for information on health recommendations and vaccinations for the destinations you are visiting. Please note that many Latin American countries require proof of vaccination against Yellow Fever if you have recently travelled to another country where Yellow Fever is present.
- What other countries combine well with Suriname?
A visit to the two other Guianas, which sit alongside Suriname on the coast: Guyana, the former British Guiana and Guyane, still a French overseas département. It’s not easy to do independently: we recommend you join our annual small group guided tour, named Coq of the Rock.
- How long is the flight from the UK to Suriname?
Average flight time to Paramaribo is 12 hrs. There are no direct flights from the UK to Suriname; popular routes involve a change in Amsterdam.
- What are the festivals, cultural events in Suriname?
The religious festivals of all the main religions represented by the population are celebrated, Christian Christmas and Easter; Hindu Diwali; Muslim Eid al-Adha and Amerindian Mashramani.
Suriname Jazz Festival, Paramaribo; Oct.
Surifesta, Paramaribo; mid Dec-Jan. A festival of shows, street parties, parades and flower markets.
- When is the best time to visit Guyana?
The climate in Guyana is typically hot with average daily temperatures of 27oC and it stays warm throughout the night. The north of the country experiences two wet seasons – May-Jun and Dec-Feb. The south and the Rupununi has only one wet season, May-Aug. The best months to visit for wildlife viewing and exploring the interior are Feb-Apr and Oct-Dec.
For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.
- What is the official language of Guyana?
The official language of Guyana is English.
- What is Guyana's official currency?
The official currency of Guyana is the Guyanese dollar. Notes can be withdrawn from ATM at the Scotia bank in Georgetown (protect your PIN number) using a UK credit or debit card. Some other banks will offer advances on a credit card. Otherwise you can change cash at hotels and money exchanges. Never change money on the street. Guyana is largely a cash economy though credit cards are accepted in some establishments used by tourists.
- What is the time difference between the UK and Guyana?
The time difference between the UK and Guyana is GMT-4 hours.
- Do I need a visa for Guyana?
Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Anyone with a different nationality should enquire with us or check with the relevant consulate. If flying to the US, or via the US you will need to fill in your online ESTA application.
- What vaccinations do I need for Guyana?
Please check Travel Health Pro for information on health recommendations and vaccinations for the destinations you are visiting. Please note that many Latin American countries require proof of vaccination against Yellow Fever if you have recently travelled to another country where Yellow Fever is present.
- Which countries combine well with Guyana?
A visit to the two other Guianas, which sit east of Guyana along the coast: Suriname, colonised by the Dutch, and Guyane, still a French overseas département. It’s not easy to do independently: we recommend you join our annual small group guided tour, named Coq of the Rock.
- What are the festivals, cultural and sporting events in Guyana?
The religious festivals of all the main religions represented by the population are celebrated, Christian Christmas and Easter; Hindu Diwali; Muslim Eid al-Adha and Amerindian Mashramani.
- When is the best time to visit French Guiana?
Temperatures are tropical and consistent, averaging 27°C throughout the year, although it can be cooler at night in the highlands than on the coast. The rainy season is Nov-Jul with substantial rainfall beginning in May.
For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.
- What's the official language of French Guiana?
The official language of French Guiana is French.
- What is the official currency in French Guiana?
The official currency in French Guiana is Euro. Rates are better if you buy the currency in the UK but € notes can be withdrawn from ATMs in Cayenne using a UK credit or debit card. Some banks will offer advances on credit cards, which are widely accepted. ATMs outside Cayenne are intermittently out of action.
- Do I need a visa for French Guiana?
Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Anyone with a different nationality should enquire with us or check with the relevant consulate.
If flying to the US, or via the US you will need to fill in your online ESTA application. - What vaccinations do I need for French Guiana?
Please check Travel Health Pro for information on health recommendations and vaccinations for the destinations you are visiting. Please note that many Latin American countries require proof of vaccination against Yellow Fever if you have recently travelled to another country where Yellow Fever is present.
- What is the time difference between French Guiana and the UK?
The time difference between the UK and French Guiana is GMT-4 hours.
- What places combine well with French Guiana?
A visit to the two other Guianas, which sit west of Guyane alongthe coast: Suriname, colonised by the Dutch; and Guyana, the former British Guiana. It’s not easy to do independently: we recommend you join our annual small group guided tour, named Coq of the Rock.
- What are the festivals and cultural events in French Guiana?
Carnival, Cayenne, Feb/Mar. This is very animated and involves Caribbean-influenced parades and parties. Each day has its own theme and costumes are elaborate. Originally a creole festival, it now welcomes participants from Brazil and Haiti.
Abolition of Slavery Day, Guyane, 10 Jun.
National holidays are the same as in France.
- Do I need a visa to visit Brazil?
British passport holders don’t need a visa for tourist visits of up to 90 days. Your passport should be valid for at least six months from the start of your trip. If you’re routing through the US, you’ll need an ESTA in advance. Always check the latest entry requirements before you travel, as rules can change.
- How do I get to Brazil from the UK?
British Airways flies direct from London Heathrow to both Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, taking around 11.5 hours to Rio. There are also connecting routes via Lisbon, Madrid and other European hubs. We arrange all flights and transfers, and can quote them separately based on your dates.
- What’s the best way to travel around Brazil?
The country’s size makes domestic flights the most practical way to cover long distances, with most routes connecting through São Paulo or Rio. Within regions, we arrange private transfers and guided excursions. In the Pantanal, travel is by 4×4 and boat from your lodge, and in the Amazon, river transport is part of the experience.
- What currency does Brazil use?
The official currency is the Brazilian real. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, and ATMs are available in most towns, though some have withdrawal limits. Carry some cash for tips, smaller purchases and rural areas. We’ll advise on the latest currency situation before you travel.
- How long should I spend in Brazil?
Two weeks works well for a first trip, pairing Rio with Iguazú Falls and either the Amazon or the Pantanal. To go further and add Salvador, the northeast beaches or Fernando de Noronha, allow three weeks or more. We’ll help you build an itinerary that makes the most of your time.
- What language is spoken in Brazil?
Portuguese is the official language, and Brazil is the only Portuguese-speaking country in South America. English is spoken in hotels and tourist areas, less so beyond them, so a few words of Portuguese go a long way and are always warmly received.
- Is Brazil safe for travellers?
The tourist areas of Brazil are generally safe and well visited. As in any large city, take sensible precautions in Rio and São Paulo, keeping an eye on your surroundings, avoiding flashy valuables and using licensed taxis or ride apps. We plan every itinerary carefully with trusted local partners, and our Travel Experts will advise on anything specific to your route.
- What countries can I combine with Brazil?
Brazil pairs naturally with Argentina, taking in both sides of Iguazú Falls and adding Buenos Aires or Patagonia. Peru combines well for a broader South America itinerary, and Uruguay is an easy connection from the south. Our Travel Experts can design a multi-country trip around you.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Rosie embarked on a year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. She is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others.
Finn discovered his passion for travel on an extensive 18-month trip to Latin America, experiencing the vibrant Carnaval in Rio, the end-of-the-world city of Ushuaia, trekking the Andes and volunteering on the Galápagos Islands.
Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.
Gary discovered what he had been missing with his first foray into the wilds of Latin America. In his role as Product Manager, he combines this personal obsession with years of industry experience to help ensure that travellers will fall for the region every bit as much as he has.
Things to do
We proudly offer the widest range of activities, excursions and one-of-a-kind experiences across all our destinations, tried and tested personally by our travel experts.
Soar over a remote and inaccessible waterfall in a propeller plane, landing nearby to peer over the edge as a huge volume of water plunges over a vertical cliff.
Take a guided tour of one of South America’s most unique capitals, where Dutch architecture meets diverse cultural influences.
Tour the high-tech launch facility at Kourou’s space station, incongruously planted on an impoverished stretch of equatorial coastline.
Visit a notorious penal colony spread over a trio of tropical islands, most famous as the setting for the novel and film, ‘Papillon’.
Reach the top of Sugar Loaf mountain to enjoy views over Copacabana and Christ the Redeemer over Botafogo Bay, especially glorious at sunset.
Accommodation
Browse our unrivalled portfolio of accommodation. Every option has been carefully chosen by our team of travel experts, so you can rest assured that you will relax in utter comfort
Hotel Atlantis is a cheery modern hotel with good facilities well positioned for viists to the Kourou Space Centre and former penal colonies.
Eco Torarica is a renovated colonial townhouse with modern rooms, pool and tropical garden close to the historic centre of Paramaribo.
Modest rainforest lodge offering an intimate experience of Guyana’s rich flora and fauna, with basic but private accommodation near the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway.
Papagaio
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