Arrive in Guyana. Transfer to Georgetown.


This morning enjoy a Georgetown city tour highlighting the architecture, markets and botanical Gardens (see full description below). This afternoon visit Demerara Distillers Limited to see how rum is processed in their plant at Diamond. The tour also includes a visit to the Rum Heritage Museum. (B,L,D)


Today enjoy a trip to Kaieteur and Orinduik Falls (B,L)


0730 depart Georgetown by 4x4 for a trip through the rain forest into the heart of Guyana. Take a short transfer by boat on the Essequibo River to the Iwokrama River Lodge. Afternoon free to explore the trails around the River Lodge with an Iwokrama Ranger. After dinner, we will take you out on to the river to spot caiman and other nocturnal wildlife. (B,L,D)


This morning we will take you on an early morning boat ride near the River Lodge. After breakfast, you will leave the river lodge for the journey to Turtle Mountain, and a exhilarating climb up the mountain to its summit at 935ft (approx. 360m). It takes 1 ¾ hours to walk up the mountain, but the effort is more than worth it for the breathtaking views over the forest canopy when you get there. Return to the river lodge for lunch. As the afternoon cools we set out on a boat trip for a visit Kurupukari Falls to see the Amerindian petroglyphs (dependent on the water level). Then visit the small Amerindian village of Fair View before returning to the River Lodge. (B,L,D)


At dawn take a wildlife walk with an Iwokrama Ranger close to the River Lodge. After breakfast we will transfer you by 4 x 4 or Bedford truck (convert with forward facing seats and roof) along the trail that is one of the best places to see the elusive Jaguar. The Iwokrama forest is rapidly gaining an international reputation for its healthy jaguar populations that seem not to be troubled by the appearance of curious humans. No promises, but many have been lucky! The journey ends at the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway which allows you to view the forest from 35 M up in the canopy. Experience the activity in the mid and upper canopy of the forest and see darkness settle over the forest. (B,L,D)


Welcome the dawn chorus from the canopy walkway. After breakfast travel to a trail in the Iwokrama Forest to hopefully see the amazingly brilliant Guianian Cock-of-the-rock. Continue your trip onto the Amerindian village of Surama. On arrival in Surama receive a welcome from a village counsellor and settle into your accommodation. A local guide will escort you for a short walk on trails to observe the forest and bird life. As the afternoon cools your guide will take you on a tour of the village. Visit the local school, medical centre and church along with some of the village houses. Tonight enjoy an educational walk to observe wildlife and experience the mystique of the forest after dark. (B,L,D)


Rise before dawn for a walk across the savannah and then the gentle climb up Surama Mountain in the cool morning air. This is the best time to observe bird life along the trail. Breakfast will be served at a look out point which affords incredible views across the village and savannah to the Pakaraima Mountains. Return to village for lunch and then take a three mile walk across the savannah and through the rain forest to the Burro Burro River. Your guides will then paddle you on the Burro Burro River for opportunities to observe Giant River Otters, Tapir, Tira, Spider Monkeys and many more species. Return to village for sunset. (B,L,D)


After breakfast depart Surama by 4x4 for Rock View Lodge at Annai. Rock View Lodge is located where the savannah meets the forest-covered foothills of the Pakaraima Mountains. With its tropical gardens and flowering trees, the lodge resembles an oasis in the savannah, and attracts many species of birds, particularly nectar feeders and frugivores. Nearby patches of light forest are home to certain ant birds and flycatchers, and of course the grasslands support an avifauna of their own. Visit the village of Aranaputa to see their Peanut Butter Factory and a visit to the school for a short cultural presentation. (B,L,D)


Early morning excursion to a nearby trail, which facilitates access high into the Pakaraima Foothills and panoramic views out into the vast savannahs. You may simply relax in the refreshing waters of the Rupununi only pool. (B,L,D)


After breakfast we will travel to Ginep Landing and then by boat up the Rupununi River by boat, birdwatching along the way, to the Amerindian village of Yupukari and Caiman House. Caiman House is the hub of several participatory development projects, including the introduction of classroom libraries in all three village schools and an internet-enabled public library. Visitors may have the opportunity to meet local craftspeople, including the furniture builders at Yupukari Crafters, a nonprofit venture to create village jobs and generate income to sustain educational development. We will have some time to visit the village, to learn about their way of life. After dinner take a boat trip with experienced guide to spotlight along the banks for wildlife. You will most certainly see Black Caiman, as this river has South America’s second largest population f the species. You may also see tree boas, frogs and even sleeping monkeys. (B,L,D)


After breakfast transfer by 4x4 to Ginep Landing for a boat trip on the Rupununi River to Karanambu Ranch. This is the home of Diane McTurk, widely known for her work in rehabilitating orphaned, giant river otters to the wild. Diane and her otters have appeared on National Geographic, Jeff Corwin Experience, Really Wild Show (BBC) and the Calgary’s “Zoo World”. Karanambu has a long history of visiting naturalists and Diane’s father, Tiny McTurk, has welcomed David Attenborough and Gerald Durrell (Three Singles to Adventure). Dinner with Diane will include stories on the history of the family and the Rupununi Savannahs. (B,L,D)


Diane sometimes has resident orphaned otters and you can help her as she tends to them. You can visit Simoni Pond for some of the best inland fishing (add US$15.00) in Guyana including Peacock Bass or explore the flooded forest or savannah. Visits can be made to nearby ponds for birdwatching and to view the Victoria Amazonica, the world’s largest water lily and Guyana’s national flower. Explore the Rupununi River in search of wild Giant River Otters, Black Caiman and Arapaima. An evening visit to Crane Pond to see hundreds of Ibis, Anhinga, Heron and Egret roosting is a highlight. (B,L,D)


This morning travel out onto the savannah to search for a Giant Anteater. After an early lunch take a flight back to Georgetown. Late this afternoon visit the home of Roy Geddes for a cultural evening and local dinner. Roy is Guyana’s most famous steel pan player and maker. He will demonstrate how steel pans are made and discuss their history and a rendition of pop, rock, soca, classical and jazz numbers of the pans. (B,L,D)


Thursday Morning free to relax or shop. Afternoon transfer to the airport for your departing flight. (B)