Guyana Rainforest

Arrive at Cheddi Jagan International Airport and transfer to Georgetown, Guyana's seaside capital. This morning, join a local chef for a tour of bustling Bourda Market, meeting the vendors he buys from daily and tasting fruits and vegetables unique to this corner of the world. Continue with a guided tour of the city, taking in the National Museum, the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology, landmarks like Stabroek Market and St. George's Cathedral, one of the world's tallest free-standing wooden buildings, and the Botanical Gardens, where you can help feed the endangered West Indian manatees. Sit down to a market-fresh lunch at the chef's hidden backyard restaurant before settling in for the night at a historic colonial-era lodge.

Transfer to the city airport and board a scheduled flight over the Demerara and Essequibo Rivers and hundreds of miles of rainforest to Lethem, then travel by vehicle to Surama, a Macushi village set in savannah ringed by the forested Pakaraima Mountains. The eco-lodge here is owned and run by the whole community, with tourism profits shared across the village.

After a warm welcome, set out with a guide on a short trail walk to spot forest birds, followed by a tour of the village as the afternoon cools. After dark, head out on an educational night walk, flashlight in hand, to catch the eyeshine of the forest's nocturnal creatures. Overnight at the Surama eco-lodge, with all meals.

Rise before dawn for a walk across the savannah and a climb up Surama Mountain, rewarded with incredible views over the village and savannah to the Pakaraima Mountains; it is not a technical climb but can be arduous, and your guides will gladly offer alternatives. Return to the village for lunch, then in the cool of late afternoon set out on a three-mile (5 km) walk across the savannah and through the rainforest to the Burro Burro River.

Tonight, sleep out in a hammock at a riverside camp, surrounded by the sounds of the forest.

At dawn, your guides paddle you quietly along the Burro Burro River, the still early hours offering the best chance to spot wildlife along the banks. Return to the lodge and depart Surama with a packed lunch, transferring to Lethem for your flight back to Georgetown. Settle in for the night at your colonial-era lodge in the city.

Enjoy a free morning to relax before transferring to Eugene F. Correia International Airport. Fly over the Demerara and Essequibo Rivers and hundreds of miles of unbroken tropical rainforest to land at Kaieteur Falls. Situated on the Potaro River, a tributary of the Essequibo, the falls flow over a sandstone conglomerate tableland into a deep gorge. This drop of 741 feet makes it five times the height of Niagara Falls and the world’s highest free-falling waterfall.

First seen by Europeans in 1870, the falls hold deep cultural significance. Learn the legend of Chief Kai of the Patamona tribe, who committed self-sacrifice by canoeing over the edge to encourage the Great Spirit Makonaima to save his people from the Caribishi. Explore the unique micro-environment here, including the world's largest tank bromeliads, which house the tiny golden frog. Look for the Guiana Cock-of-the-rock and the Kaieteur Swifts (Makonaima Birds) nesting under the vast rock shelf carved by the black water of the Potaro.

Return to the airport and transfer back to your hotel in Georgetown. You can choose to add an optional rum tasting session or dinner this evening.

Tour Options:
El Dorado Rum Tasting: Explore the history of Demerara sugar and rum production at the Patio Bar at Cara Lodge. Demerara Distillers operates the last remaining distillery in Guyana, using original wooden heritage stills from the 18th and 19th centuries. A guide leads you through samples of El Dorado’s award-winning 8, 12, 15, and 21-year-old rums.
 
Rum Inspired Dinner: Enjoy a three-course rum-infused dinner in the Bottle Restaurant at Cara Lodge. This meal includes a glass of house wine, beer, or soft drinks.
 
Note: Flights to Kaieteur operate on a schedule (primarily weekends) and require a minimum number of passengers. If the minimum is not met, the flight may be rescheduled to another day during your stay. If rescheduling is not possible, a flight is guaranteed with a minimum of two passengers to Kaieteur Falls only.

Enjoy a final breakfast before your transfer to Cheddi Jagan International Airport for your departing flight, carrying a rainforest's worth of memories with you.