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Explore the untouched rainforests of South America on our 19-day adventure, taking in the hidden wonders of Guyana, Suriname & Venezuela, meeting local tribes and exploring wildlife never before seen by western eyes.
Explore South America's less-travelled regions and most peculiar histories on a thrilling 19-day escorted journey to Venezuela, Guyana and Suriname. Led by our most senior and well-travelled guides, this trip includes 6 full days of exploring the fantastic jungles of Guyana, including glorious Sloth Island Nature Reserve and the remote wilderness of Iwokrama—a 1 million rainforest preserve and Canopy Walkway.
Itineraries
Day 1
Arrive in Caracas, Venezuela
Arrive in Caracas. Reception at the airport by our representative and transfer to hotel. Depending on arrival time, take a city tour of the capital.
Overnight in Caracas Hotel
Day 2
Angel Falls, Venezuela
Transportation to airport for 6:00 a.m. departure flight to Puerto Ordaz and flight to Canaima. Boat trip to Angel Falls.
Overnight in Front of the Falls.
Day 3
Sapo and Sapito Falls, Venezuela
Return to Canaima Lagoon. After lunch excursions to Sapo and Sapito Falls.
Overnight at Anatoliy Island
Day 4
Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela
Fly back to Puerto Ordaz for flight to Caracas.
Overnight in Caracas Hotel.
Day 5
Guyana
Depart Venezuela and fly to Guyana via Port of Spain or Puerto Ordaz. (Flights based on availability.) Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel overnight.
Overnight at the Georgetown Hotel
Day 6
Rupununi and Surama Amerindian Village
Fly to Annai and transfer by 4x4 to the Amerindian community of Surama. Surama Village is located in Guyana's heart, where the forest-covered Pakaraima Mountains surround 1900 acres (8 square kilometres) of savannah.
Surama's inhabitants are mainly from the Makushi tribe, who still observe many of the traditional practices of their ancestors. Surama Eco-lodge features 4 simple cabins with ensuite bathrooms and a central dining room, bar and lounge area offering fantastic views across the savannah, rainforest, and mountains.
The village has embarked on a community tourism project, providing employment opportunities to many of its inhabitants and benefiting the village. On arrival in Surama, receive a village counsellor's welcome 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 village tour. Visit the local school, medical centre, church, and some of the village houses. Tonight enjoy an educational walk to observe wildlife and experience the forest's mystique after dark. (Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Overnight at Surama Eco-lodge.
Day 7
Surama Mountain and Burro Burro River
Rise before dawn for a walk across the savannah and then a challenging climb up Surama Mountain in the cool morning air. It is the best time to observe birds and wildlife along the trail. Breakfast at a lookout point affords incredible views across the village and savannah to the Pakaraima Mountains. Return to town for lunch. This tour is approx 3 miles (5 kilometres).
After a 1 hour siesta, you take a walk or transfer across the savannah and through the rainforest to the Burro-Burro River. Your guides will paddle you on the Burro-Burro River for opportunities to observe giant river otters, tapir, tira, spider monkey and many more species.
Return to the Eco-lodge. This trip is approximate 7 miles (12 kilometres). (Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Overnight at Surama Eco-lodge.
Day 8
Canopy Walkway tour and Atta Lodge
Depart at Dawn to the Canopy walkway. The 505 foot (154 meters) state-of-the-art Iwokrama Canopy Walkway offers a unique experience in the region and envelopes you in the jungle's mid-level canopy through a series of suspension bridges and decks from heights of up to 98 feet (30 meters).
You'll have the chance to see birds like the Green Aracari, Scarlet Macaw, Guiana Toucanette or Channel-bill Toucan, and Red howler monkeys. Also, check out the epiphytes such as orchids and bromeliads, and look for the unique parasitic ficus plant as it engulfs another tree.
The greenheart tree is also the waramadan (endemic in Guyana only to the Iwokrama Forest) and the poisonous aromata! Stop at the Harpy Eagle nesting site if it is still active.
Overnight at Atta Rainforest Lodge
Day 9
Iwokrama Rainforest Reserve
At dawn, there is another chance for you to visit the Canopy Walkway to spot those species missed on the previous day before heading off to the Iwokrama Rainforest Reserve. Along the way, you may be lucky to spot 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.
Iwokrama River Lodge, located on a one million acre reserve, was established in 1996 under a joint mandate from the government of Guyana and the Commonwealth Secretariat to manage the Iwokrama Forest "in a manner that will lead to lasting ecological, economic and social benefits to the people of Guyana and the world in general". Apart from being a research centre, Iwokrama promotes eco-tourism, a venture that sees many tourists visiting daily.
There is a possibility to see Capuchin Monkeys, red-rumped agouti, red brocket deer, and Guyana's monitor lizard in transit between lodges along the trail. In addition, we may spot such birds as Cocoi and Capped Herons, Black Skimmer, Pied Lapwing, Large-billed and Yellow-billed Terns and Anhinga. Ass we continue walking the nature trails, we may also spot Red-throated Caracara, Gray-winged Trumpeter, Spix's Guan, Collared Trogon, various woodpeckers including Chestnut, Golden-collared, Golden-green and Ringed, Eastern Slaty-Antshrike, Amazonian Antshrike, Rufous-capped Antthrush and Sooty-headed Tyrannulet. You'll stay at the River Lodge, which features comfortable cabins overlooking the Essequibo River.
After lunch, you will depart for Turtle Mountain. A trip to Iwokrama is not complete without a hike to the summit of Turtle Mountain for a stunning view of the jungle vista. After breakfast, the journey starts with a peaceful and scenic half-hour boat ride to the mountain base. The trek to the 951 foot (290 meters) Turtle Mountain summit is mildly challenging and takes about 1 1/2 to 2 hours, but the breathtaking views are more than worth the effort. Turtle Mountain provides a gorgeous view of the top of the rainforest canopy. You map spot Harpy Eagle, the Greater Yellow-headed Vulture, King Vulture, Gray-headed, Double-toothed, and Plumbeous Kites and Black-faced Hawk. In addition, the trails may reveal Little Chachalaca, Marail Guan, Black Curassow, Squirrel and Black-bellied Cuckoos, Blue-crowned Mot Mot, Collared Puffbird, Pygmy, Antwrens and many more! You may also be lucky with sightings of monkeys such as red howlers, wedge-capped capuchins and black spiders. After your return, enjoy another refreshing local lunch and an ice-cold beverage.
As you return to the River Lodge, you may glimpse the elusive jaguar; South America's giant cat. Spend a relaxing evening enjoying dinner overlooking the scenic vistas of the Essequibo River. After a relaxing dinner, enjoy a cruise on the Essequibo River through the black of night, maybe lit only by a pale moon. Your guide shines the spotlight, and there is the red-eye glare of the black caiman! Frequently and closely seen lying on the river banks, the world's largest of the alligator family grows to 20 feet) (6 meters) long.
Overnight at Iwokrama River Lodge
Day 10
Georgetown and Rum Tour
Pick up from Iwokrama and transfer to Annai. Fly to Georgetown. Upon arrival
at the airport, pick up and transfer to Parika. From Parika, join a boat to Sloth Island. (Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Overnight at Sloth Island Nature Reserve
Day 11
Sloth Island Nature Resort
We travel to the town of Parika, driving over the Harbour Bridge, the longest floating bridge in the world, built across the second-largest River in Guyana—the Demerara River. Continue your journey by boat along the Essequibo River, Guyana's largest River. Being 20 miles (32 kilometres) wide at its widest point. Continue to Sloth Island. After settling into your accommodation, you will circumnavigate the island looking for sloths and monkeys, often spotted on the island. Return to a delicious dinner at Sloth Island. (Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Overnight at Sloth Island Nature Resort
Day 12
Sloth Island Nature Reserve
After an early wildlife birding session, we paddle to the Amerindian village of Falmouth, where we will encounter the Amerindians. This is our chance to see the older folks making cassava bread and learn more about their way of life. This morning you will depart Sloth Island for your tour of the Mazaruni River, including sightseeing at Kyk-over-al, the Old Dutch Fort, Mazaruni Prisons, Baracara Falls and an exciting ride along the rapids at Marshall Falls.
Also, enjoy a hike at Marshall before continuing to Sloth Island Nature Reserve.
On this island, you may encounter many species of birds and other wildlife. The island is home to over 188 species of birds: including Mankins, Parakeets, Tinamous, Rufescent Tiger-Heron, Spix's Guan, Green Ibis, Swallow-Tailed Kite, Sunbittern, Red and Green Macaw, Red Fan Parrot, White-necked Jacobin, Rufous-throated Sapphire, Black-eared Fairy, Crimson Topaz, White-necked Puffbird, Pied Puffbird, Curve-billed Scythebill, Cayenne Jay, Blue Dacnis, Green Honeycreeper, Short-billed Honeycreeper, Purple Honeycreeper, Red-legged Honeycreeper, Green Oropendola and more.
After lunch, paddle to the Amerindian village of Foulmoth and go for a hike in the rainforest.
In the afternoon, go for a tour of Parrot Island, where thousands of parrots come to roost. Return to Sloth Island in time for dinner. (Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Overnight at Sloth Island Nature Resort
Day 13
Suriname
Depart for check-in at the airport. Arrive in Paramaribo at 11:00 a.m. and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a city tour of Paramaribo.
Paramaribo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Shaded, tree-lined avenues, seventeenth-century Dutch wooden structures with a synagogue and mosque coexist peacefully.
(Meals: breakfast)
Overnight at Eco Resort Inn
Day 14
Anaula Nature Resort
Start your day with nature and cultural experience.
Depart Paramaribo heading south, passing the impressive giant trees and villages along this road. After 118 miles (190 kilometres), you will arrive at Atjoni, the mooring place of the dug-out boats. Here you start the exciting canoe trip. This trip by motorized canoe will take about 55 minutes to reach our destination, the comfortable Anaula Nature Resort at the foot of the Ferulassi rapids.
During this trip, you can enjoy the breathtaking nature, the turbulent Jaw-Jaw rapid and several Maroon villages. When we reach Anaula Resort, you will be carried away by its peace. This will be your home away from home during your stay. You can check-in after a buffet-style light lunch in the beautiful Anaula Nature Resort restaurant. After settling in, you have the opportunity to discover the island.
In the afternoon we will go by boat to the Ferulassi rapids, where you can relax, swim or enjoy a natural whirlpool. After dinner, our guide will explain the Saramaccan culture. Then, we're off on an exciting adventure to spot caimans. During this night trip by boat, you can enjoy the breathtaking starry sky and the total silence of the Amazon Rainforest. (Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Overnight at Anuala Resort
Day 15
Anaula Nature Resort
After breakfast, we'll head to New Aurora by motorized dugout boats for a village walk. During the village tour, you will discover the local population, their unique way of life, and their traditional customs. We will visit the mission with a church, a school, and a medical post. Around 4.30 p.m., we set off for a bush walk around the island close to the resort. During this walk, we will learn about the local medicinal use of the plants. During the civil war in 1986, the Jungle Commandos, with their leader Ronnie Brunswijk, visited the island for their "immortality rituals". The remains of these rituals remind us of the island's unique history.
After a delicious dinner, you can enjoy a cultural dance performance. Enjoy traditional dances as the Seketi, Awasa and Bandamba. Our guide will explain the meaning of these dances. Note: the cultural dance event requires a minimum of 8 (eight) guests in attendance. (Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Overnight at Anuala Resort
Day 16
Anaula Nature Resort/Paramaribo
This morning is free for your activities. You can swim, walk through the forest, relax by the pool or in a hammock, or enjoy the breathtaking nature. You can also participate in excursions such as visits to the residents' plots. After lunch, we return to Atjoni, where we depart by bus to Paramaribo.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 17
Jodensavanne & Cola Creek
This morning, we will travel approximately 43 miles (70 kilometres) south of Paramaribo. Along the right bank of the Suriname River lies the former Jewish settlement, Jodensavanne. The historic place, named after the Jews who fled from the inquisition in Europe around 1650, retained its when they settled in this savannah area. This former Jewish village still shows the remnants of the oldest synagogue in the Americas and the ruins of a graveyard. The remnants have been cleaned, and a simple cottage has been set up as a museum. Visitors can find information about this unique, historic graveyard in the forest of Suriname. Your visit to Jodensavanne, nature's peacefulness, and the many springs will leave you with a lasting memory. After Jodensavanne, the tour will continue to Colakreek, a recreation park in the savannah area. Colakreek is ideal for swimming, relaxing and walks through the savannah. The leaves falling in the water gives the creek its dark colour, making the water look like a Coca-Cola drink, hence the name Colakreek. (Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Overnight at Eco Resort Inn
Day 18
Curacao
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Curacao. Soak your tired limbs in the rich Caribbean Sea for 2 days/1 night.
Overnight at hotel
Day 19
Departure
Depart your hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight home. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Curacao.
Accommodation, internal flights, transfers between airports and hotels, listed hotels and hotel taxes, activities as described and admission charges where applicable, river and land transfers, listed, lodges with full board and other meals as indicated. Local guides, local beverages.
International airfare, airport/departure taxes, gratuities, optional excursions, travel insurance, visas or tourist card.
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