Makonaima: Discover the Three Guianas
13 days from £7,359
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.
Beyond a few bland modern properties, Georgetown does not offer much choice of hotels, but if you are after somewhere with a bit of history and faded elegance look no further than Cara Lodge. The 19th century building was originally two aristocratic residences (one belonging to the city’s mayor) and it has since hosted various dignitaries such as King Edward V11, ex-president Jimmy Carter, Prince Charles and Mick Jagger.
In spite of the elevated status of some of its guests, it isn’t luxurious or glamorous: more an atmospheric guesthouse than a first class hotel, a reflection of Victorian colonialist taste and design with Demerara shutters and polished wooden floors. The informal restaurant has a very good reputation locally.
The décor of many of the higher category rooms is based on a busy, lavish style. The suites in particular have different and rather elaborate themes: one takes its inspiration from Africa while another, the Walter Raleigh Suite, recalls the captain’s quarters of the 18th century ships which used to visit the shores of Guyana in search of gold. Some of the standard rooms, while spacious enough, are quite dark, which keeps them cooler. Executive rooms overlook a patio dominated by a giant mango tree.
Take a flight over extensive unbroken rainforest and the Demerara and Essequibo rivers to Kaieteur Falls, the world’s largest single drop waterfall. First “discovered” by Europeans in 1870, the falls drop 741 feet (5 times the height of Niagara), down into a deep gorge and combine with the surrounding woodland to create a postcard-perfect scene that has long been the subject of local myths and legends. You will have plenty of opportunity to listen to some of these tribal tales, as well as explore, take photos and search for some of the plentiful wildlife – including the golden rocket frog (found no-where else on Earth), Kaieteur swifts and the iconic cock-of-the-rock bird.
Re-board the aircraft and continue to Fair View airstrip then transfer along a treelined road to Atta Rainforest Lodge, home of the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway and your base for the first two nights in the interior of Guyana.
Atta Rainforest Lodge is a modest property totally immersed in the surrounding rainforest, offering an intimate experience of the region’s rich flora and fauna.
There are three simple buildings: one thatched and open-sided, in which you’ll find the bar, kitchen, lounge and eating area; the other two housing the accommodation. This consists of brick and tiled cottages with eight basic but private guestrooms with net-protected beds, in which you’ll drop off to a symphony of nocturnal insects and perhaps be awakened by the booming call of howler monkeys. All rooms now have private bathrooms but there are also extra facilities in separate open-roofed blocks, allowing the unusual experience of showering beneath a view of the rainforest canopy.
The lodge is just 500m from the celebrated Iwokrama Canopy Walkway, offering the chance to observe the exuberant wildlife from observation platforms at sunrise and sunset when it is usually at its most active. It’s also a good area for spotting jaguars and the birdwatching opportunities can be very satisfying, as are the wholesome, home-cooked meals.
Traverse the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway, which has four suspension bridges leading to three platforms, the highest of which is over 30m above the ground. Keep your eyes peeled for canopy species which would not be visible from the forest floor.
Then enjoy wildlife and birdwatching walks on the ground-based forest trails. Many bird species, stunning insects, noisy amphibians, and playful primates make the forest their home and chances are you will be able to spot some as you move through the trees. Deer and agouti are also regular visitors to the lodge.
Atta Rainforest Lodge is a modest property totally immersed in the surrounding rainforest, offering an intimate experience of the region’s rich flora and fauna.
There are three simple buildings: one thatched and open-sided, in which you’ll find the bar, kitchen, lounge and eating area; the other two housing the accommodation. This consists of brick and tiled cottages with eight basic but private guestrooms with net-protected beds, in which you’ll drop off to a symphony of nocturnal insects and perhaps be awakened by the booming call of howler monkeys. All rooms now have private bathrooms but there are also extra facilities in separate open-roofed blocks, allowing the unusual experience of showering beneath a view of the rainforest canopy.
The lodge is just 500m from the celebrated Iwokrama Canopy Walkway, offering the chance to observe the exuberant wildlife from observation platforms at sunrise and sunset when it is usually at its most active. It’s also a good area for spotting jaguars and the birdwatching opportunities can be very satisfying, as are the wholesome, home-cooked meals.
Head back to the walkway this morning to await the dawn chorus from the waking jungle, then enjoy a short trail at Corkwood, where your guide will help you search for birdlife and explain how native plants are used by the locals as medicines, fabrics and for other ingenious applications.
Continue to Ginep Landing, where you will take a boat trip on the Rupununi River to Karanambu. When river conditions are favourable, this journey offers a chance to see some of the giant otters that have benefitted from the work of famous local conservationist Diane McTurk. The region’s location, which encompasses vast wetlands, large riparian forests and an expansive savannah, mean that it is one of the most ecologically diverse places on the continent, boasting at least 600 species of birds, over 200 species of mammals and approximately 700 species of fish. There is also rich human history, with evidence that people have been part of this thriving eco-system for more than 7,000 years.
In the late afternoon you will head out once more by boat, keeping watch for giant otters. But as the light begins to fail it is the giant Amazonica waterlilies that will likely capture your attention. Their mesmerising colourful pads will bloom incongruently into life while dusk slowly falls around you. On your way back, use spotlights to aid your search for black caiman and other creatures of the night.
Karanambu Ranch has a long history of welcoming naturalists and television crews, and both David Attenborough and Gerald Durrell are among previous guests. The ranch was formerly home of Diane McTurk, widely acclaimed for her work rehabilitating orphaned giant river otters to the wild.
Accommodation is in five basic clay cottages with twin beds and a shaded veranda; most have private bathrooms with refreshing cold-water showers. Meals are served communally around a large dining table in the living room of the main ranch house.
On occasions, you can see otters at the lodge, and boat visits are available to nearby ponds to spot birds and admire the enormous Victoria Amazonica water lilies. Other excursions include opportunities to fish, watch caiman patrolling the lake at night, or explore the savannah on foot or by 4WD vehicle in search of wildlife.
Karanambu is dedicated to conservation of the Rupununi savannah and wetlands, and continues the pioneering work of Diane McTurk in rehabilitating orphaned giant river otters.
Spend the morning in the savannah trying to locate one of the giant anteaters that will be excavating its breakfast from the termite mounds that dot these rolling grasslands.
In the evening you can either choose to do another river excursion or explore a number of land-based habitats in search of birds such as the agami heron, seven different species of nightjar, and the double-striped thick-knee.
Karanambu Ranch has a long history of welcoming naturalists and television crews, and both David Attenborough and Gerald Durrell are among previous guests. The ranch was formerly home of Diane McTurk, widely acclaimed for her work rehabilitating orphaned giant river otters to the wild.
Accommodation is in five basic clay cottages with twin beds and a shaded veranda; most have private bathrooms with refreshing cold-water showers. Meals are served communally around a large dining table in the living room of the main ranch house.
On occasions, you can see otters at the lodge, and boat visits are available to nearby ponds to spot birds and admire the enormous Victoria Amazonica water lilies. Other excursions include opportunities to fish, watch caiman patrolling the lake at night, or explore the savannah on foot or by 4WD vehicle in search of wildlife.
Karanambu is dedicated to conservation of the Rupununi savannah and wetlands, and continues the pioneering work of Diane McTurk in rehabilitating orphaned giant river otters.
After breakfast, depart Karanambu and travel across the savannah to Lethem where you will board your flight back to Georgetown.
There will be a guided city tour including highlights such as the State House, a typical Demerara-shuttered colonial home with large gardens. Walk along the avenues with an experienced guide who will narrate the history and anecdotes about Georgetown and its people. Other places of interest on the tour include St. George’s Cathedral, one of the world’s tallest free-standing wooden buildings; the public library housed in the Carnegie Building; the gothic town hall; Victoria Law Courts and the National Museum. Visit Stabroek Market where stalls sell everything from household goods and gold jewellery to fresh meat and vegetables. The excursion usually ends with a visit to the Botanical Gardens and zoo.
Beyond a few bland modern properties, Georgetown does not offer much choice of hotels, but if you are after somewhere with a bit of history and faded elegance look no further than Cara Lodge. The 19th century building was originally two aristocratic residences (one belonging to the city’s mayor) and it has since hosted various dignitaries such as King Edward V11, ex-president Jimmy Carter, Prince Charles and Mick Jagger.
In spite of the elevated status of some of its guests, it isn’t luxurious or glamorous: more an atmospheric guesthouse than a first class hotel, a reflection of Victorian colonialist taste and design with Demerara shutters and polished wooden floors. The informal restaurant has a very good reputation locally.
The décor of many of the higher category rooms is based on a busy, lavish style. The suites in particular have different and rather elaborate themes: one takes its inspiration from Africa while another, the Walter Raleigh Suite, recalls the captain’s quarters of the 18th century ships which used to visit the shores of Guyana in search of gold. Some of the standard rooms, while spacious enough, are quite dark, which keeps them cooler. Executive rooms overlook a patio dominated by a giant mango tree.
Fly from Georgetown to Paramaribo in neighboring Suriname.
Suriname was Dutch territory, and modern-day Paramaribo has inherited not only the language, and the attractive clapboard architecture, but also its unique 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.
The eco-conscious hotel is located within walking distance of the historic centre and close to a district famed for its fashionable restaurants. Formerly a townhouse, the Eco Torarica has been renovated while maintaining the authenticity of its Dutch colonial architecture. There’s a country-style terrace restaurant serving local dishes and international fare, a bar, and a separate hut on the grounds for breakfast. The leafy tropical grounds host an outdoor swimming pool with decking.
The standard guest rooms are bright and modern, each equipped with air-conditioning, complimentary Wifi, cable TV, fridge, iron, hairdryer, safe and a private bathroom with eco-friendly amenities. Meanwhile the Riverside rooms also feature a balcony with views over the river or the tropical garden.
You’ll be escorted to the Commewijne district, east of Paramaribo across the Suriname river, travelling through former colonial plantations, most of which are now abandoned. Here, you’ll stop at Peperpot, one of the oldest plantations in Suriname, established by the English before Suriname was conquered by the Dutch in 1667. This is one of the last former plantations still in its former original state: you can still see coffee and cocoa plants as well as an ancient shed and factory, the manager’s residence and a kampong (workers’ living area). Peperpot is also renowned for the many birds which can be spotted in the grounds.
Later you’ll make a stop at Nieuw Amsterdam to visit the outdoor museum, a fortress which was built as a defence for the crop fields which were situated along the upper parts of both rivers.
The eco-conscious hotel is located within walking distance of the historic centre and close to a district famed for its fashionable restaurants. Formerly a townhouse, the Eco Torarica has been renovated while maintaining the authenticity of its Dutch colonial architecture. There’s a country-style terrace restaurant serving local dishes and international fare, a bar, and a separate hut on the grounds for breakfast. The leafy tropical grounds host an outdoor swimming pool with decking.
The standard guest rooms are bright and modern, each equipped with air-conditioning, complimentary Wifi, cable TV, fridge, iron, hairdryer, safe and a private bathroom with eco-friendly amenities. Meanwhile the Riverside rooms also feature a balcony with views over the river or the tropical garden.
Paramaribo has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2002, and today you’ll be taken on a guided tour of the capital by car and on foot, exploring the most prominent historic locations in downtown Paramaribo. There are 291 listed monuments in Paramaribo and only a few have been replaced by new developments. Many of these monuments exhibit high authenticity because of the use of traditional techniques and materials in repair and rehabilitation works. Your guide will tell you about the history of Fort Zeelandia, built in 1667, the presidential palace, Independence Square and other places of interest.
The eco-conscious hotel is located within walking distance of the historic centre and close to a district famed for its fashionable restaurants. Formerly a townhouse, the Eco Torarica has been renovated while maintaining the authenticity of its Dutch colonial architecture. There’s a country-style terrace restaurant serving local dishes and international fare, a bar, and a separate hut on the grounds for breakfast. The leafy tropical grounds host an outdoor swimming pool with decking.
The standard guest rooms are bright and modern, each equipped with air-conditioning, complimentary Wifi, cable TV, fridge, iron, hairdryer, safe and a private bathroom with eco-friendly amenities. Meanwhile the Riverside rooms also feature a balcony with views over the river or the tropical garden.
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.
The modern Hotel Atlantis was built in 1992 to accommodate technicians, engineers and visitors to Kourou Space Centre, and was refurbished in 2013. It’s a business-style hotel with 103 rooms set in four three-storey buildings. The reception and lounge is arranged around a patio with views over the pool and a lake in the grounds. In addition to the outdoor pool with terrace, decking and solarium there’s a tennis court car park and children’s play area. The guest rooms are air-conditioned and have satellite TV, internet, radio, fridge, and hair-dryer. Some rooms are provided with a kitchenette.
A 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.
The modern Hotel Atlantis was built in 1992 to accommodate technicians, engineers and visitors to Kourou Space Centre, and was refurbished in 2013. It’s a business-style hotel with 103 rooms set in four three-storey buildings. The reception and lounge is arranged around a patio with views over the pool and a lake in the grounds. In addition to the outdoor pool with terrace, decking and solarium there’s a tennis court car park and children’s play area. The guest rooms are air-conditioned and have satellite TV, internet, radio, fridge, and hair-dryer. Some rooms are provided with a kitchenette.
Start with a morning excursion to the French space station or Centre Spatial, where you’ll find a fascinating museum, and possibly, a tour of the space centre itself. You’ll then 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 worn. 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 - 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.
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.
A truly off-the-beaten-track itinerary, you’ll be travelling with a small escorted group as the remoteness and the nature of the wilderness terrain make the route difficult to negotiate independently – all the while getting to discover rarely-visited highlights of Suriname and the Guianas.
Specially curated by our exceptional team of South America experts, you’ll get to take an airborne adventure over dense jungle to Kaieteur Falls, the world’s largest single drop waterfall; surround yourself with wildlife in a rainforest canopy and drive through sweeping savannah punctuated by ancient sandstone plateaux.
You’ll stay in charming frontier settlements in comfortable accommodation; 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 bright, bold capital cities. While this is an adventure where flexibility is key, you’ll be rewarded by an unforgettable trip in this incredible, lesser-known part of Latin America.
Juliet Ellwood
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.
To find out more about how our group tours including group sizes, solo travellers and why to choose us. Please click here.
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.
13 days, 12 nights: Georgetown 1; Atta Rainforest Lodge 2, Karanambu 2, Georgetown 1, Paramaribo 3, Kourou 2, Cayenne 1.
3 flights; 3 land journeys; 2 sea crossings; 1 river ferry.
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.
- Georgetown: Cara Lodge
- Guyanese Interior: Atta Lodge and Karanambu Lodge
- Paramaribo: Eco Torarica
- Kourou: Hotel Atlantis
- Cayenne: Hotel Amazonia
These hotels are subject to change and are dependent on availability. Address and contact details will be sent out with your final documents.
Breakfast daily, lunch days 6,7,9 and 11 and full board days 2, 3, 4 and 5.
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 in the interior of Guyana.
Due to the nature of this tour there are a only a handful of optional excursions available.
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.
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.
Travel insurance is essential. Details of our recommended policy can be found on our Travel Insurance page.
Hot and humid but generally drier, this is a great time for wildlife viewing and exploring the countries as attractions are more easily accessible.
Preventative jabs or tablets are recommended for: malaria, typhoid, polio, tuberculosis, tetanus and hepatitis A. Consult your local GP or check Travel Health Pro for information on health recommendations and vaccinations for the destinations you are visiting.
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.
Clothing should be casual, comfortable and light weight.
Shorts and short-sleeve shirts should be avoided in the evenings, especially away from cities but long sleeves should be linen or thin cotton.
Other items worth packing are: Swim suit and towel, sun hat, trainers, lightweight raincoat, Insect repellent, sun tan lotion, sunglasses and torch.
On 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).
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.
Get a bird’s-eye view of the jungle from the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway and climb Turtle Mountain to look out across the surrounding wilderness.
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 to the water in search of giant river otters, black caimans and Victoria Amazonica waterlilies.
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’.
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.
Atmospheric guesthouse influenced by the tastes of Guyana’s Victorian colonial elite, housed in a wonderfully historic wooden building.
Papagaio
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