Signature Guyana – Wildlife and Waterfalls
12 days from £6,350
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.
Fly from London to Georgetown (via a short touchdown in St Lucia) and transfer to your hotel.
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.
Rise early and join a neighbourhood celebrity chef for breakfast at one of the local food stands. Afterwards he will guide you around Bourda Market, the largest in Georgetown, where you will meet some of the vendors and learn about the customs, flavours and medicines of this extraordinary corner of South America. You will have an opportunity to see, touch and taste a variety of fruits and vegetables, some of which are unique to the region, and select a few ingredients for the chef to take away and start preparing your lunch, while you continue with the rest of your guided walking tour.
Glimpses of Guyana’s complex and intriguing history can easily be found in its bustling capital, Georgetown. You will visit the Stabroek Market – known as a “bizarre bazaar”, St George’s Cathedral – one of the world’s tallest freestanding wooden buildings and the city hall. Then head to the national museum – which is home to the remains of a now extinct giant sloth, and the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology – where you will find a large number of artefacts and relics that help tell the story of the country’s indigenous population.
After your specially prepared lunch, head to the botanical gardens to see an extensive collection of tropical flora, and the zoo – which has evolved into a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre for hundreds of species of tropical fauna. Finally, pay a visit to one of the nearby ponds, where it is possible to feed endangered West Indian manatees.
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 the Demerara and Essequibo rivers and extensive unbroken rainforest, 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 perfect postcard 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 – before your flight back to Georgetown.
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 south to Fair View Airstrip and transfer by 4×4 vehicle to your Lodge. Keep your eyes peeled as, despite providing the only land based north/south access in Guyana, this road is rarely used by vehicles, making it a popular trail for wildlife including agoutis, tayras, tapirs, black curassows and the elusive jaguars that inhabit the region.
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.
Before dawn, head to the canopy walkway, located near the southern boundary of the Iwokrama Reserve. The walkway consists of four suspension bridges which perch approximately 30 metres above the ground, giving you an incredible close encounter with some of the creatures that live amongst the tree branches. Bird watchers should be on the lookout for the rufous-throated sapphire, green aracari, pygmy antwren, Guianan toucanet, buff-cheeked greenlet, and many other rare and magnificent species. Apes are also present here, with red howler and black spider monkeys often visible from the walkway’s vantage points.
Away from the elevated bridges, there are many nature trails you can follow to search for more wildlife at ground level. As darkness envelops the forest, you can also head out on a night walk to see some of the animals that become more active after the sun goes down, including the six different cat species that occupy the reserve.
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 to await the dawn chorus from the waking jungle, then enjoy a short trail at Corkwood, where your guide will be helping search for birdlife and will explain how native plants are used by the locals as medicines, fabrics and for other ingenious applications.
Continue to Aranaputa, where you will stop at a peanut factory run by a co-operative of local women. This is followed by lunch at the Pakaraima Mountain Inn, hosted by local character Charlie De Freitas. Upon reaching the Ginep Landing, 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, with at least 600 species of birds, over 200 species of mammals and approximately 700 species of fish, all found here. There is also a 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 again head out 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.
This morning you have another chance to go in search of giant anteaters or otters before departing by boat to the nearby Amerindean village of Yupukari. Here you will visit the Caiman House Field Station which plays an important part in the community. Not only is it the hub for several participatory development projects (funding school libraries and teaching and showcasing key craft skills), but it is also heavily involved in a number of research and conservation programs along the river. Among these is a scheme in which rangers dig up turtle eggs that would otherwise have been vulnerable to the changing environmental conditions and rebury them at the field station where they hatch, are nurtured for a few months and then released by local children back into the river. You will also have the opportunity to support and participate in a study into the endangered black caiman – the largest member of the alligator family.
Caiman House, located at the edge of Yupukari Village in the central Rupununi region of Guyana, is an important field station for the research of local species and a hub for several participatory community development projects. To help fund its endeavours, there are 7 modest, but comfortable guest rooms on site, 6 with private bathrooms and all run with power from the lodge’s own solar panels. All meals are included and sourced from the nutrient rich surrounds. The accommodation is operated as a non-profit organisation, with all proceeds going towards achieving its environmental and social project goals.
Travel overland to Lethem on Guyana’s western border for a guided tour and a chance to cross the Takatu Bridge into Brazil. Then continue for a further 30 minutes to Waikin for an opportunity to experience life on a working ranch.
The Waikin Ranch offers a refreshing taste of comfort in a location made remarkable by the thriving and varied ecosystems that surround it. With just 4 cosy cabins, guests feel like part of the family, especially when they are invited into the kitchen to learn local cooking techniques and help prepare the occasional meal. The site is a working farm, meaning all ingredients are local, fresh and totally organic. When not out spotting some of the 200 bird species or ample other creatures that roam the nearby savannah and wetlands, guests can take a splash in the swimming pond, go souvenir hunting at the local craft village or even head out on horseback.
Enjoy a guided walk around the ponds and bush islands that are strewn across the ranch’s many trails, searching for birds such as: Muscovy ducks; great horned owls; buff neck ibis; herons; sun parakeets; and many others. You can then join the kitchen staff to learn some local cooking skills and help prepare a meal. Later you can take an optional excursion to Nappi (at additional cost). Known for its highly skilled craftsmen and women, the village is the perfect place to purchase some gifts and souvenirs, or simply peruse the shops and admire the traditional artisan techniques being used.
The Waikin Ranch offers a refreshing taste of comfort in a location made remarkable by the thriving and varied ecosystems that surround it. With just 4 cosy cabins, guests feel like part of the family, especially when they are invited into the kitchen to learn local cooking techniques and help prepare the occasional meal. The site is a working farm, meaning all ingredients are local, fresh and totally organic. When not out spotting some of the 200 bird species or ample other creatures that roam the nearby savannah and wetlands, guests can take a splash in the swimming pond, go souvenir hunting at the local craft village or even head out on horseback.
Journey through the savannah to the airfield – being sure to look out for ocelots, anteaters, armadillos, capybaras, deer and jaguars on the way – then fly back to Georgetown for your final night in Guyana.
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.
If you are flying with British Airways, you may wish to add a few days of relaxation in Saint Lucia.
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.
This private journey is ideally suited to those looking for adventure and wildlife on the path less trodden. The accommodation may be simple, but the experiences are world class and much of the nature is found only in this extraordinary corner of South America. With visits to varied eco-systems, including the rainforest and savannah, birdwatchers and animal lovers will have their cameras clicking with joyful abandon as they take in species like West Indian manatees, giant river otters, giant anteaters, jaguars, black caimans and of course, the iconic cock-of-the-rocks. History and culture buffs will also find inspiration from the influences of India, Africa, the native Amerindians and the European colonialists, while witnessing how these different forces have shaped the country into a nation quite unlike anything else in Latin America. And there is even a visit to Kaieteur, Earth’s largest single drop waterfall, thrown in for good measure. Thanks to the relatively recent discovery of off-shore oil, Guyana is by far the world’s fastest growing economy – making now the best time to travel to this currently well-kept secret gem.
British Airways fly between London and Georgetown via Saint Lucia, opening up the opportunity to extend your trip for a few days to explore and relax on this beautiful Caribbean island.
Lina Fuller
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.
- Trabsport
4 flights (longest 1 hour), numerous 4×4 road journeys, 2 boat transfers. (Road and river transfers include wildlife spotting so durations will vary).
- Accommodation
Accommodation in Georgetown is in a mid-range hotel. Elsewhere, stays are in simple properties with private facilities and extraordinary locations.
- Meals
Breakfasts and 1 lunch (day 2) are included in Georgetown. All other stays are on a full board basis.
- Guides
We carefully select our local partners, some of whom we have worked with for over 25 years. Their English-speaking guides understand the expectations of our clients very well, and are consistently singled out for praise by the latter on their return.
- Summary of Nights
12 days, 11 nights: 4 Georgetown; 2 Iwokrama region; 2 Karanambu region; 1 Yupukari; 2 Waikin region.
- Money
The unit of currency in Guyana is the Guyanese dollar.
- Daily Spend
Most of your expenses are covered on this holiday, but you will need some Guyanese dollars for any alcoholic drinks at the lodges, souvenirs and craft work, snacks and tips. Your meals in Georgetown restaurants are also best paid for in cash.
- How to Take It
Take your currency needs in the form of US dollars cash (no more than is covered by your insurance), which you can exchange into local currency. Dollar bills should be in good condition, soiled or torn bills may be refused.
There are one or two ATMs (Scotia Bank) in Georgetown which accept international cards. At most of the lodges you can pay your ‘extras’ bill in US or Guyanese dollars, but not by credit or debit card (this situation may change of course). Some shops and restaurants in Georgetown accept credit cards.
- Tipping
Tips are expected and local guides often rely on their tip as a significant proportion of their income.
Most service industry workers will expect a tip of some kind and so it is useful to have spare change for guides, hotel and lodge staff, taxi drivers and waiters in Georgetown. It is common practice to leave 10 – 12% in restaurants.
Tipping guidelines can be found in our Briefing Dossier.
- Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential. Details of our recommended policy can be found on our Travel Insurance page.
- Airport Taxes
An international departure tax is payable at Georgetown airport on departure (around US$12 – subject to change).
- Trip Suitability
This holiday is suitable for all able, reasonably fit visitors.
There are some jungle walks which can be challenging if it is raining. Some walks involve steep stretches and some scrambling.
- Climate
Equatorial Guyana’s temperatures range from 25-30°C throughout the year. Along the coastal strip, there are two distinct rainy seasons: May to mid-July, and mid-November to mid-January. In the south (Rupununi), there’s a single rainy season: May to July. Humidity can be as much as 90% at these times. August – October are the hottest months.
- Clothing and Special Equipment
The hot and humid climate dictates that you should bring lightweight, loose-fitting clothing including tee-shirts, and long-sleeved shirts combined with quick-drying trousers to avoid being bitten by insects. You should have a rain jacket, fleece or light jacket for cooler evenings, hat, good walking boots (preferably waterproof), and trainers or sandals. Don’t forget your binoculars and camera, and a light daypack to carry on excursions. Mosquito repellent and sun protection lotion are essential. Bear in mind that internal flights have strict weight restrictions, which can be as low as 9kg.
Please get in touch with the office before departure if you have any doubts. Good equipment is very important and hard to come by in South America.
- Vaccinations
Preventative vaccinations are recommended against the following: yellow fever; typhoid; polio; tetanus; hepatitis A. You should consult your GP for specific requirements such as malaria prophylactics.
You can also find helpful information on the Masta Travel Health website.
- 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.
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.
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.
Take to the water in search of giant river otters, black caimans and Victoria Amazonica waterlilies.
Head out into the savannah in search of giant anteaters.
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
A working ranch with simple cabins, offering high comfort and a location absolutely bursting with wildlife.
Atmospheric guesthouse influenced by the tastes of Guyana’s Victorian colonial elite, housed in a wonderfully historic wooden building.
Papagaio
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