Natural Wonders of Guyana

12 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
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Small Group Tour
Few people even know where Guyana is, let alone travel there. This trip to the lost corner of South America is a fascinating exploration of pristine rainforest, staying in eco lodges in the heart of indigenous communities, spotting caiman by torchlight along moonlit rivers and eating delicious Guyanese food at a small local 'backyard cafe'. Kaieteur Falls ...
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$8,930
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • Stay in indigenous-run jungle lodges while exploring Guyana's wild and unspoilt nature
    • Taste fresh fruits and food with a Caribbean flair at the \ Backyard Cafe\ of a local chef
    • Take a bird's-eye view of the mighty Kaieteur Falls and get closer to them on the ground

What's this trip about?

    Few people even know where Guyana is, let alone travel there. This trip to the lost corner of South America is a fascinating exploration of pristine rainforest, staying in eco lodges in the heart of indigenous communities, spotting caiman by torchlight along moonlit rivers and eating delicious Guyanese food at a small local 'backyard cafe'. Kaieteur Falls - Feel the spray from this mighty cascade, the world's largest single-drop waterfall Iwokrama Rainforest - Search for wildlife from canopy walkways and along the river bed, including many different bird species as well as monkey Georgetown - Explore Bourda market with a local chef, and taste Indian and Caribbean flavours in his backyard eatery

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityGeorgetown
End CityGeorgetown

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

  • North America

Attractions

  • Georgetown
  • Niagara Falls

Activities

  • Hiking

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Join trip in Georgetown

Arrive in Georgetown, Guyana's capital city and by far its largest settlement. Originally chosen as a site to guard the early Dutch settlements of the Demerara River, the city has a largely Dutch design, and is laid out in a rectangular pattern with wide tree lined av...

Day 2 Discover Georgetown; visit Bourda Market with a local chef and eat a homecooked lunch in his backyard cafe

The early part of the morning is the best time to visit Georgetown's markets, and today we'll do just that. Bourda Market is Georgetown's largest, and is stuffed with local produce from tamarind balls to cassava bread, with fish, meat, vegetables and everything in bet...

Day 3 Trip to the magnificent Kaieteur Falls

An exciting day lies ahead as we travel to the domestic airport this morning for our flight on light aircraft to the majestic Kaieteur Falls. This long-drop waterfall, first seen by a European on April 29, 1870, is the world's highest single-drop falls, and is situat...

Day 4 Drive into the interior to the Iwokrama River Lodge

It's an early departure from Georgetown today, as we drive through the Bauxite Mining township of Linden and into the rainforest. The laterite road is easy traveling to Mabura Hill and then it becomes an adventurous drive on rainforest trails to the Essequibo River, w...

Day 5 Hike up Turtle Mountain for panoramic rainforest views; explore the lodge trails

For those who wish, there's the opportunity (at an additional cost) to take a pre-dawn boat trip around the nearby Indian House Island. It takes around one hour to circumnavigate the island, and with your wildlife-spotting driver, you'll look for butterflies, snakes, ...

Day 6 Drive to Atta Lodge; spot wildlife over the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway

After a morning walk at Iwokrama, we set out in our vehicle along a forest trail that is one of the best places to catch a glimpse of the elusive jaguar. Of course, there's no guarantee of spotting these enormous cats, but occasionally they do make their way down to t...

Day 7 Bird-watching from the canopy walkway and on-site trails

Today will be fairly relaxed. We may head out before dawn to the canopy, where we can bird-watch more easily. Howler monkeys are also spotted more frequently at this time in the morning. The rest of the day will be spent at the lodge and will be very flexible to ex...

Day 8 Travel to the indigenous community of Surama; night walk in the forest

We'll depart Atta Lodge this morning, travelling through the rainforest to a small place called Corkwood. Here we have a short trail through pristine rainforest, with the end goal of hopefully seeing the brilliant Guianan cock-of-the-rock. Along the way, the guides ma...

Day 9 Walk up Surama Mountain and paddle on the Burro Burro River

Today we rise before dawn for a nature walk across the savannah with our Tour Leader. This is a good time to observe birdlife along the trail. We'll return to the lodge for breakfast, and our Leader will give us the option to hike up the nearby Surama Mountain. The cl...

Day 10 Travel to Rock View Lodge on the edge of the savannah

Our final night in the interior is spent a 45 minute drive from Surama, at the Rock View Lodge in nearby Annai. This is where the foothills of the Pakaraima mountain range meets the tropical rainforest, and the transition zone between savannah and rainforest. We'll sp...

Day 11 Drive to Lethem; fly by light aircraft to Georgetown

We'll have our final chance to watch dawn breaking across the interior this morning, opting to walk through the forest for another bird-watching session, or relaxing around the lodge before breakfast. We will then drive for several hours south across the savannah t...

Day 12 Trip ends in Georgetown

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Georgetown. For those who wish, there is the option to take a pre-dawn excursion up to the Mahaica River, one of the best places in Guyana to spot the country's national bird - the hoatzin. Driving out of Georgetown, the r...

Day 1 Join trip in Georgetown

Arrive in Georgetown, Guyana's capital city and by far its largest settlement. Originally chosen as a site to guard the early Dutch settlements of the Demerara River, the city has a largely Dutch design, and is laid out in a rectangular pattern with wide tree lined av...

Day 2 Discover Georgetown; visit Bourda Market with a local chef and eat a homecooked lunch in his backyard cafe

The early part of the morning is the best time to visit Georgetown's markets, and today we'll do just that. Bourda Market is Georgetown's largest, and is stuffed with local produce from tamarind balls to cassava bread, with fish, meat, vegetables and everything in bet...

Day 3 Trip to the magnificent Kaieteur Falls

An exciting day lies ahead as we travel to the domestic airport this morning for our flight on light aircraft to the majestic Kaieteur Falls. This long-drop waterfall, first seen by a European on April 29, 1870, is the world's highest single-drop falls, and is situat...

Day 4 Drive into the interior to the Iwokrama River Lodge

It's an early departure from Georgetown today, as we drive through the Bauxite Mining township of Linden and into the rainforest. The laterite road is easy traveling to Mabura Hill and then it becomes an adventurous drive on rainforest trails to the Essequibo River, w...

Day 5 Hike up Turtle Mountain for panoramic rainforest views; explore the lodge trails

For those who wish, there's the opportunity (at an additional cost) to take a pre-dawn boat trip around the nearby Indian House Island. It takes around one hour to circumnavigate the island, and with your wildlife-spotting driver, you'll look for butterflies, snakes, ...

Day 6 Drive to Atta Lodge; spot wildlife over the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway

After a morning walk at Iwokrama, we set out in our vehicle along a forest trail that is one of the best places to catch a glimpse of the elusive jaguar. Of course, there's no guarantee of spotting these enormous cats, but occasionally they do make their way down to t...

Day 7 Bird-watching from the canopy walkway and on-site trails

Today will be fairly relaxed. We may head out before dawn to the canopy, where we can bird-watch more easily. Howler monkeys are also spotted more frequently at this time in the morning. The rest of the day will be spent at the lodge and will be very flexible to ex...

Day 8 Travel to the indigenous community of Surama; night walk in the forest

We'll depart Atta Lodge this morning, travelling through the rainforest to a small place called Corkwood. Here we have a short trail through pristine rainforest, with the end goal of hopefully seeing the brilliant Guianan cock-of-the-rock. Along the way, the guides ma...

Day 9 Walk up Surama Mountain and paddle on the Burro Burro River

Today we rise before dawn for a nature walk across the savannah with our Tour Leader. This is a good time to observe birdlife along the trail. We'll return to the lodge for breakfast, and our Leader will give us the option to hike up the nearby Surama Mountain. The cl...

Day 10 Travel to Rock View Lodge on the edge of the savannah

Our final night in the interior is spent a 45 minute drive from Surama, at the Rock View Lodge in nearby Annai. This is where the foothills of the Pakaraima mountain range meets the tropical rainforest, and the transition zone between savannah and rainforest. We'll sp...

Day 11 Drive to Lethem; fly by light aircraft to Georgetown

We'll have our final chance to watch dawn breaking across the interior this morning, opting to walk through the forest for another bird-watching session, or relaxing around the lodge before breakfast. We will then drive for several hours south across the savannah t...

Day 12 Trip ends in Georgetown

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Georgetown. For those who wish, there is the option to take a pre-dawn excursion up to the Mahaica River, one of the best places in Guyana to spot the country's national bird - the hoatzin. Driving out of Georgetown, the r...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $7,260
Price per day$605
Last Updated: 4/26/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
07 Nov 2024
18 Nov 2024
$7,260
14 spots left
07 Nov 2024
18 Nov 2024
$7,260
14 spots left

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Explore!.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
6,540
Great
2,172
Average
377
Disappointing
116
Terrible
53
J

Jill Butt

Oct 2023

Written on

Natural Wonders of Guyana

Visiting the various reserves. Enjoyed the various walks and trips looking for birds and wildlife.o

P

Patrick

Oct 2023

Written on

Natural Wonders of Guyana

Well planned and great customer service from the UK. A great trip with a fantastic amount of natural history to explore. A really good guide in Guyana who knew so ...

M

Marlyn

Oct 2023

Written on

Natural Wonders of Guyana

The guide who was just fantastic. The birding and river trips were excellent. Staying in the jungle lodges was a great experience particularly at Surama where ther...

T

Tony

Oct 2023

Written on

Natural Wonders of Guyana

Seeing one giant otter. Having a good guide under difficult circumstances.

Write a Review

Other Explore! Reviews

V

Veronica

Apr 2024

Written on

Very Good

Extremely helpful and friendly staff enjoyed talking to her

T

Trusted Customer

Apr 2024

Written on

Family Discover Vietnam

With all the extras we did this became a fast paced holiday. This meant that some things got duplicated, some got missed and some extras were included as the guide a...

Write a Review

Tour Operator

Explore!

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About Explore

We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.


Why we love this operator
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
What they’re known for
Famous for our expert local guides that help ease the unknowns of adventure travel while bringing a unique richness and spontaneity to each and every

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Logistics

Transportation & Flights

4WD, Boat, Flight, Minibus,

Transportation & flights

4WD, Boat, Flight, Minibus
Guides
Explore Tour Leader, Driver(s), Local Guide(s)
Cancellation policy
These conditions are applicable to Discovery & Wildlife, Cycling, Walking and Family Trips. These conditions were updated November 2022. Booked a Polar trip? Please refer to our Polar booking conditions. To make it easy to know the detail of our flexibility, we’ve put it in a grid (these terms apply to all trips apart from our Polar Voyages.) Standard cancellations or changes within 69 days of travel If you’re getting closer to your trip, cancellation charges will apply as follows: For trips confirmed by 31st December 2022: 59-42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100% For trips confirmed from 1st January 2023: 69 -42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100%
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Guyana: No visa required in Guyana for citizens of UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and USA. Valid passport required. All other passport holders please check with their local embassy or consulate. All visa information is subject to change. USA: If your flights pass through the USA, even if only in transit, you will require either a visa or an ESTA (an e-visa). Please read on for more information. Citizens of the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and passport holders from several EU countries can apply for an ESTA under certain conditions. This applies if you enter the country by sea or by air, and this must be done online via https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov, no later than 72 hours prior to travel. Travellers who have not registered before their trip are likely be refused boarding. You must have a biometric passport to apply for an ESTA. UK passports which are biometric feature a small gold symbol (camera) at the bottom of the front cover. If you have visited Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen since 2011 or are dual nationals of these countries, you cannot travel with an ESTA and instead you will need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. If you are unable to provide a valid visa before boarding flights to the US, or entering via another method, you may not be permitted to travel. You should also be aware that if you have travelled to or have been in Cuba since the 12th of January 2021, you will not be eligible for an ESTA visa waiver and will need to apply for a US visa. You should consult the US State Department website to determine which you will need. Your ESTA application will ask for Point of Contact information. Please note that if you're only transiting through the USA then this is not required. If you're visiting or staying in the USA on an Explore trip, then our USA contact information will be listed on your final documentation which you will receive approximately 3-4 weeks before departure. Entry requirements for the USA can change regularly, therefore, please ensure you have the most up to date information before you travel by checking the US embassy website. Visa applications - http://london.usembassy.gov/niv/apply.html Canada: An electronic travel authorisation (ETA) is required by British citizens transiting via Canada. For more information see the official Canadian government website: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.
Health & Safety
Nothing compulsory however, we recommend typhoid, tetanus, infectious hepatitus and polio. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on Malaria, Dengue and Zika Virus. Please take preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites - these include mosquito repellent as well as long trousers and long sleeve shirts to cover up when necessary. Please note many countries in Central America, South America and the Caribbean require a yellow fever vaccination certificates if travelling from infected areas. A detailed list of these countries can be found on the NaTHNaC website - http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries. Also on the NaTHNaC site there is a list of Countries (and specific areas within a country) which are at risk of infection and a vaccination is therefore recommended. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
    • Breakfast : 11
    • Dinner : 7
    • Lunch : 7
  • Breakfast : 11
  • Dinner : 7
  • Lunch : 7
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
Trip ID
explore-GYA

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