15-Day Hidden Guianas Tour: Guyana, Suriname & French Guiana

Few journeys explore the three Guianas, the least-visited region of South America, where rainforests, rivers, and a complex colonial history converge. This 15-day expedition crosses all three. In Guyana, fly to Kaieteur, the world's tallest single-drop waterfall, drive a famous jaguar trail through the Iwokrama forest, and track giant otters and anteaters across the Rupununi savanna. In Suriname, wander UNESCO-listed Paramaribo, then travel up the Upper Suriname River to stay with Maroon communities whose ancestors escaped slavery to build their own world in the forest. In French Guiana, tour Europe's spaceport at Kourou and sail to the notorious prison islands of Devil's Island. Three countries, three cultures, one unforgettable frontier.

Highlights

Witness the majestic Kaieteur Falls from above the Demerara River
Experience the thrill of a canopy walkway at Atta Rainforest Lodge
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage city of Paramaribo
Go on river excursions to spot elusive nocturnal creatures
Search for Giant Anteaters in the rolling grasslands of the Rupununi.

Activities

Places Visited

Amazon
Guyana
South America
Atta Rainforest Lodge
Cayenne
Danpaati River Lodge
Devils Island
Eco Torarica
French Guiana
Georgetown
Iwokrama Forest
Iwokrama River Lodge
Kaieteur Falls
Karanambu Ranch
Kourou
Paramaribo
Rupununi Savannah
Suriname

Activity Level: Variable

Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.

Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Georgetown

Accommodation

Arrive at Cheddi Jagan International Airport and transfer to Georgetown, Guyana's seaside capital. Settle in for the night at a historic colonial-era lodge from the 1840s before your journey across the three Guianas begins

Day 2: Kaieteur Falls by Air

Accommodation
1 Breakfast

Fly over the Demerara and Essequibo Rivers and hundreds of miles of rainforest to Kaieteur Falls, the world's tallest single-drop waterfall, where the Potaro River plunges 741 ft (226 m), about five times the height of Niagara. Take in the thundering falls and their micro-world of giant tank bromeliads, golden frogs, and nesting swifts, before flying back to Georgetown for the night.

Day 3: Into the Iwokrama Rainforest | Atta Rainforest Lodge

Accommodation
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Fly to the heart of the million-acre Iwokrama Forest and transfer to a riverside lodge on the Essequibo River, the homeland of the Makushi people. Travel a forest road known as one of Guyana's best places to glimpse the elusive jaguar, and climb the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway, whose suspension bridges reach platforms more than 30 m (98 ft) above the forest floor. Continue to a comfortable rainforest lodge beside the walkway for the night.

Day 4: Dawns in the Iwokrama Canopy

Accommodation
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Return to the canopy before dawn to birdwatch from the treetops, where toucanets, cotingas, and canopy specialists may appear, along with red howler and black spider monkeys. Spend the day on the surrounding trails among stunning insects, amphibians, and primates, with deer, tapir, and agouti often near the lodge. A night walk may reveal the white-winged potoo or one of the cats found along the nearby road. Overnight at the rainforest lodge.

Day 5: Across the Savanna to the Rupununi | Karanambu Lodge

Accommodation
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Leave the deep forest and travel south to Genip Landing, then on to a former cattle ranch turned lodge on the Rupununi River, set among the wetlands and grassland of the North Rupununi. This is giant otter country, home to one of Guyana's richest concentrations of wildlife. Late in the day, head out by boat to look for otters, and as dusk falls, the giant Victoria amazonica water lilies on the ponds, spotlighting the black caiman on the way back. Overnight at the Rupununi lodge.

Day 6: Giant Otters and Anteaters

Accommodation
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Make an early start for the rolling grasslands, home to a population of giant anteaters, where, with luck, you'll see one digging its breakfast from a termite mound. Spend the rest of the day on the river and savanna in search of more wildlife, from capybaras and black caimans to the giant arapaima and a wealth of birds. Overnight at the Rupununi lodge.

Day 7: Return to Georgetown

Accommodation
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

After a final morning in the Rupununi, fly back to Georgetown and settle in at your colonial-era lodge. The rest of the day is yours to relax in the capital.

Day 8: A Taste of Georgetown

Accommodation
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

Spend your last day in Guyana getting to know Georgetown, touring its bustling markets with a local chef and taking in colonial landmarks such as Stabroek Market, St. George's Cathedral, and the Botanical Gardens, where you can help feed the manatees. Sit down to a market-fresh Guyanese lunch before your final night in the city.

Day 9: Into Suriname and Historic Paramaribo

Accommodation
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

Fly east to Paramaribo, the capital of Suriname and a UNESCO World Heritage city of Dutch colonial architecture. On a city tour, visit the riverside fortress of Fort Zeelandia and Independence Square, see the synagogue and mosque that stand side by side, and see the wooden cathedral that is the tallest timber building in the Western Hemisphere. Cross the river to the Commewijne district to explore former colonial plantations now returning to nature. Overnight at a riverside hotel in Paramaribo.

Day 10: Up the Suriname River | Danpaati River Lodge

Accommodation
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Travel inland by road roughly 190 km (118 miles) to the village of Atjoni, then board a motorized dugout canoe for the journey up the Upper Suriname River, famous for its rapids, to a remote river lodge deep in the rainforest. Run in partnership with the local Maroon communities, the lodge sits on one of the few stretches of the river safe for swimming. As the day ends, set out on a river cruise to look for caimans along the banks. Overnight at the river lodge.

Day 11: Maroon Culture on the River

Accommodation
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Today, visit one of the Maroon villages affiliated with the lodge, home to descendants of Africans who escaped slavery and built their own culture deep in the forest, along with the Saamaka Maroon museum. After lunch, take a rainforest walk, with time to fish, paddle a dugout, or simply relax. After dinner, the local community performs traditional Seketi, Awasa, and Bandamba dances, with your guide explaining the meaning of each. Overnight at the river lodge.

Day 12: Back to Paramaribo

Accommodation
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

Enjoy a last morning by the river before taking the dugout canoe back to Atjoni and continuing by road to Paramaribo. The evening is free to explore the capital's lively dining scene, shaped by Suriname's Javanese, Hindustani, Creole, and Maroon communities. Overnight at your riverside hotel in Paramaribo

Day 13: Into French Guiana | St. Laurent du Maroni | Kourou

Accommodation
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

With a packed breakfast, set off east along the coast to the Albina border and cross the Maroni River by ferry into French Guiana, a department of France and part of the European Union. In St. Laurent du Maroni, visit the well-preserved Camp de la Transportation, once the arrival point for convicts shipped from France. After lunch, tour the Guiana Space Centre at Kourou, Europe's spaceport, riding through its vast facilities past assembly buildings and launch pads. Overnight at a hotel in Kourou.

Day 14: Devil's Island and Cayenne

Accommodation
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

After an early breakfast, sail by catamaran to the Iles du Salut, the trio of islands seven miles (11 km) off Kourou that history remembers as Devil's Island. Land on Ile Royale to wander the remarkably preserved prison buildings, church, and cemetery, with views to Ile Saint-Joseph, where prisoners were held in silence, and Ile du Diable, the islet where Alfred Dreyfus was once confined. Watch for sea turtles among the rocks before returning to Kourou and transferring to Cayenne. Overnight at a hotel in the heart of Cayenne.

Day 15: Return Home

1 Breakfast

Your journey across the three Guianas comes to a close. With time before your flight, you might add a tour of Cayenne, French Guiana's capital, before your transfer to the airport for your departure.

Accommodations

Cara Lodge

One of the oldest and grandest structures in Georgetown, the Cara Lodge is a favorite among travelers. Stay in one of their rooms reminiscent of colonial Guyana with internet access and polished wooden floors. Enjoy the region's best restaurant treating you to fresh Caribbean food, or linger over drinks on the Mango Patio under the leaves of a giant 80-year-old mango tree.

Karanambu Ranch

Karanambu Ranch, settled in 1927 by Tiny McTurk, has been in the McTurk family ever since. True to its origins, Karanambu remains a working cattle ranch on its 125 square miles of savannah land, worked by traditional vaqueros. The meat produced is completely organic and is either sold locally or consumed on the ranch.

Atta Rainforest Lodge

The lodge offers complete immersion into the rainforest experience

Atta Rainforest Lodge

Atta Rainforest Lodge is located in close proximity to the Iwokrama Canopy walkway, and is completely surrounded by tropical rainforest which offers a complete immersion in the rainforest experience. Guests find comfortable accommodation in the enclosed rooms with private bath.

Eco Torarica

Discover tranquility at Eco Torarica in Paramaribo. Enjoy convenience and comfort with well-appointed rooms, on-site dining, and round-the-clock service. Explore nearby attractions like the historic Fort Zeelandia Museum and our lush tropical garden

Danpaati River Lodge

Discover the perfect blend of relaxation and exploration at Danpaati River Lodge. Nestled in the heart of the Amazon rainforest on an island near the culturally rich village of Dan, our comfortable cabanas offer breathtaking river views and all the amenities you need for a memorable stay. Relax in a hammock on your private balcony, take a dip in the pool, or find your zen on our yoga deck overlooking the river. Indulge in delicious local cuisine at our lounge restaurant, knowing that your visit contributes to the social and economic development of the area. With a range of accommodation options to suit every traveler, Danpaati River Lodge is your gateway to the wonders of the rainforest.

Central Hotel Cayenne

Explore Central Hotel Cayenne nestled in the heart of Cayenne, offering a warm ambiance and modern amenities. With family rooms, a vibrant bar, and a 24-hour front desk, your stay is tailored for comfort and convenience. Enjoy complimentary WiFi and stunning city views from your balcony. Wake up to a hearty buffet or continental breakfast before exploring nearby attractions. The attentive staff ensures a seamless experience, catering to your every need. Whether for business or leisure, Central Hotel Cayenne provides a welcoming retreat in this vibrant city.

Hotel Atlantis

Hotel Atlantis in Kourou is a modern oasis nestled between the European Space Center and Devil Lake. Just a 10-minute walk from the beach and city center, it offers well-equipped rooms, leisure facilities like an outdoor pool and tennis court, and nearby outdoor adventures. Enjoy warm hospitality and contemporary comforts for a memorable stay.

Dates & Prices

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Per person starting at

$9,690 2-3 travelers

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Included

14 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches, 6 Dinners
14 Nights Accommodations
12 Days Locally Hosted Guide Service
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Local guide
Limited local bar at Karanambu Lodge
All road and river transfers
Internal flights in Guyana
Kaieteur National Park Fee
Iwokrama Forest User Fee
Iwokrama Canopy Walkway Fee
VAT
Tourism Development Fund donation (US$5)

Excluded

Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Visa
Departure taxes

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Discovering the Hidden Guianas

Highlights

Activities

Places Visited

Activity Level: Variable

Full Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Georgetown

Day 2: Kaieteur Falls by Air

Day 3: Into the Iwokrama Rainforest | Atta Rainforest Lodge

Day 4: Dawns in the Iwokrama Canopy

Day 5: Across the Savanna to the Rupununi | Karanambu Lodge

Day 6: Giant Otters and Anteaters

Day 7: Return to Georgetown

Day 8: A Taste of Georgetown

Day 9: Into Suriname and Historic Paramaribo

Day 10: Up the Suriname River | Danpaati River Lodge

Day 11: Maroon Culture on the River

Day 12: Back to Paramaribo

Day 13: Into French Guiana | St. Laurent du Maroni | Kourou

Day 14: Devil's Island and Cayenne

Day 15: Return Home

Accommodations

Cara Lodge

Karanambu Ranch

Atta Rainforest Lodge

Eco Torarica

Danpaati River Lodge

Central Hotel Cayenne

Hotel Atlantis

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