A solitary jaguar steps out from the jungle, giant anteaters saunter across the savannah and monkeys swing through the rainforest. Delicate butterflies flutter above giant lilies and nectar birds hover in the fragrant blossom laden trees. A chorus of birdsong greets you at dawn and the rhythm of a steel band makes your hips sway. Guyana was the setting for Conan Doyle’s Lost World; it is still uncharted territory and a true delight for any intrepid traveller.
- Travelling - 1 to 2
Fly to Georgetown, arriving on the morning of day 2. Please note that each departure is limited to 12 places so book early to avoid disappointment. You will stay in rainforest lodges that tend to be simple but comfortable and ideal bases for exploring this relatively undiscovered country. They are small and friendly, full of character and charm.
- Welcome To The City - 1 to 2
Discover vibrant Georgetown, the capital of a country that refuses to be pinned down. It’s in Latin America but English, not Spanish, is spoken and the slow pace of life is more akin to the West Indies. Buildings from the 18th and 19th century line the streets revealing a past of Dutch and British colonisation. Stand in the shade of St George’s Cathedral as your guide reveals its history. Familiarise yourself with indigenous plants at the Botanical Gardens and visit the National Museum for a glimpse into the past. Stroll around the ‘bizarre bazaar’ that is Stabroek Market; just about everything is for sale and the stalls groan with fresh vegetables and exotic fruit. Ask your guide about typical handicrafts and maybe delve into the gold and diamond market.
- An Evening Of Steel - 1 to 2
Take a musical journey and spend some time with Roy Geddes, Guyana’s most famous steel pan player. Visit his home and the museum which chronicles his life in ‘steel’. Learn how a tuneless oil drum turns in to a tuned musical masterpiece and watch the maestro in action with a rendition of classic tunes. Take a crash course in the ways of the steel pan; you should be able to play a few notes before the evening ends. Join Roy for a casual dinner and hear more about local music. Overnight Georgetown.
- A Day Of Discovery - 3
Choose between two optional tours today. Travel by air to spectacular Kaieteur Falls, the worlds’ tallest single drop waterfall, or tour the sugar cane fields along the Demerara River.
- Heritage Dinner - 3
Enjoy Guyanese cuisine at a private Heritage dinner at your hotel. Typical dishes could include garlic pork or pepperpot followed by split pea or crab and calalloo soup. A local guest speaker will join you. Overnight Georgetown.
- Rainforest And Wild Birds - 4
Fly across lush rainforest to Annai. The vast wilderness of Iwokrama stretches across 1,000,000 acres and is one of the last untouched tropical forests on earth. This is the homeland of the Makushi people; today the forest is dependent on their skills and commitment to the ecosystem. An afternoon along the trails with a ranger reveals a prolific birdlife; you may even catch a glimpse of a magnificent puma. After dark set out on the river in search of caiman (alligators) and night birds like the spectacled owl and white-winged potoo. Overnight Iwokrama.
- A Walk Up Turtle Mountain - 5
Rise early for a boat trip on the Essequibo River. Marbled wood-quail and black-collared swallows serenade you as the boat drifts in and out of the shade of the trees. A good breakfast will set you up for the exhilarating two hour guided walk to the top of Turtle Mountain. As you ascend look out for eagles, monkeys and the elusive jaguar. Your reward at the summit is breathtaking views over the forest canopy. A boat ride in search of giant river otters is available for those who choose not to trek. Then, everyone will want to head to the cool waters of Kurupukari Falls for a boat trip. If the water is low look out to the rocks for petroglyphs; these are the ancient drawings of Amerindian people dating back over 7000 years. At a village learn about the cassava, a staple of the local diet and a key ingredient in many dishes. Watch species of all colours and size at a butterfly farm and maybe treat yourself to a refreshing fruit punch. Overnight Iwokrama.
- Jaguars And Treetop Walkways - 6
Wake before dawn and take to the trails. Early morning is the best time for animal sightings and this route is well known for jaguars. There are no guarantees, so keep your fingers crossed and your camera ready. Walk across suspension bridges and across decks high above the forest at the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway. On the upper deck pause and watch flocks of birds as they drift past. Talk with local rangers and explore jungle trails; as darkness falls look and listen as forest life moves from day to night. Overnight Atta.
- Macushi Villages And Traditions - 7
Toucans yodel and falcons call, this is your early morning alarm. As you journey through the forest you may need the sharp eyes of your guide to spot the brilliantly named cock-of the-rock. Receive a warm welcome from the village counsellor at Surama and tour the village. Meet pupils at the school, see the church, visit the medical centre and chat with families. Look at the forest through the eyes of an indigenous guide and learn about medicinal plants and ancient cures. Join your Macushi hosts this evening as they entertain you with a show of culture and tradition. Overnight Surama.
- Lunch With The Locals - 8
Arise early for a three mile trail through the rainforest where the animals feel curiously Jurassic. The world’s largest ants, otters and anteaters all live locally. As your guide paddles you along the Burro Burro River in a dugout canoe look out for giant species and listen to the chatter of the spider monkeys. Visit Jean and Glenn Allicock, walk through their amazing kitchen garden and help pick vegetables for your lunch. Join Jean in the kitchen and pick up some cooking tips or just relax in a hammock in the peaceful garden. After lunch watch your hosts as they make woven handicrafts, why not try out your skills too.
- An Evening In The Forest - 8
Take a nocturnal walk with your guide and experience the mystique of the forest after dark. Overnight Surama.
- Surama Mountain And The Savannah - 9
Another early start as the cool morning air greets you at the start of an exhilarating climb up Surama Mountain. Enjoy breakfast from a lookout point with incredible views across to the mountains beyond. If you prefer stay in the village and spend time with the local women as they prepare for the day. Journey across the vast Rupununi Savannah, the grassland is scattered with termite mounds and riparian woodland. The birdlife is markedly different here; white-bellied antbird and fork-tailed flycatchers inhabit this landscape. At Rock View the savannah meets the foothills of the Pakaraima Mountains. Tropical gardens and flowering trees filled with nectar feeding birds surround the lodge. Tour the farm and orchards, visit the carpentry centre and browse in the shop. Take a dip in the pool and relax with a beer or a potent rum and coconut water. Overnight Rock View.
- A Sunrise Walk - 10
Join the Panorama Trail for a dawn hike in the foothills of the Pakaraima Mountains. Listen to morning birdsong, you may be entertained by reddish hermit and green and yellow tailed jacamar. As the sun rises the views across the savannah are quite spectacular.
- Local Skills And History - 10
At Aranaputa visit the school and meet with the Junior Wildlife Club. Learn how peanuts are processed and taste roasted cashews. Try your hand at cotton spinning and round off the afternoon with a whip cracking lesson with a vaquero. Join Colin Edwards, your host at the lodge, for drinks around the pool and an informal talk on local history. This evening enjoy the unique Rock View hospitality and their famous BBQ. Overnight Rock View.
- Return To Georgetown - 11
Return by air to the capital where you are free to explore Georgetown. Ask your Tour Guide and local guide for their favourite recommendations. Maybe visit the Hibiscus Craft Market for some last minute shopping; carvings of purple heart wood are a great memento. An optional visit to the Demerara Distillers will introduce you to the processing of rum. Overnight Georgetown.
- Travelling - 12 to 13
Return to the UK, arriving on Day 13.
