Suriname, Guyana & French Guiana - Discover the Hidden Guianas
Suriname, Guyana & French Guiana - Discover the Hidden Guianas
Suriname, Guyana & French Guiana - Discover the Hidden Guianas
15 Days Starting in Paramaribo and ending in Georgetown
Visiting: Paramaribo, Danpaati River Lodge, Commewijne district, Cayenne, Kourou, Georgetown, Iwokrama, Iwokrama Forest, Surama, Guyana
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 10
Age range:
18-99
Special diets catered:
Please advise requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour
Tour Overview
The small South American country of Guyana rarely features on most people’s travel plans, but discerning travellers are coming to recognise it as one of the premier wildlife destinations on our planet. Brought into the spotlight by the BBC’s ‘Lost Land of the Jaguar’ series, Guyana offers unique opportunities to spot incredible wildlife such as Tapir, Giant River Otters, Caiman and of course the Jaguar itself. Gain a unique perspective of the forest from its amazing canopy walkway, as well as visiting the Amerindian village of Surama to learn more about the lives of Guyana’s indigenous people. In neighbouring Suriname, we explore the unique capital of Paramaribo with its superb colonial architecture, and look for Caiman on the banks of the river. We also visit old plantations for an insight into the country’s history, and Maroon villages more reminiscent of Africa than South America. French Guiana, an overseas region of France adjoining Suriname and Brazil, makes up the third of the Guianas, known for the Isles du Salut and the Ariane Space Centre. The three combined makes for a unique tour within Latin America.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Paramaribo
Location: Paramaribo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Torarica Hotel or similar
Arrive in Paramaribo, Suriname’s capital and transfer to your hotel. Overnight at Torarica Hotel or similar. No meals nor guided arrangements are included today.
Day 2 : Paramaribo - Danpaati
Location: Danpaati River Lodge
Accommodation Name: Danpaati River Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Early this morning (around 630am) we head south from Paramaribo by road to Atjoni, and then travel by a small open motorised boat (approx. 2.5-3hrs depending on water levels) along the Upper Suriname River to Danpaati River Lodge which is situated on an island in the middle of the rainforest. We pass Maroon villages through breath-taking scenery. On arrival you can swim in the pool or the river and relax in the forest surroundings. In the evening we head out on the river in search of Caiman lying on the river banks. Overnight at Danpaati River Lodge or similar. (BLD)
Day 3 : Danpaati
Location: Danpaati River Lodge
Accommodation Name: Danpaati River Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we will visit one of the twelve villages that are affiliated with Danpaati to learn about the customs and culture of the local Maroon groups. In the afternoon we take a forest walk and learn about the traditional medicinal uses of the plants here. The rest of the day is at leisure with the opportunity to take a dugout canoe around the island or try some fishing. Overnight at Danpaati River Lodge or similar. (BLD)
Day 4 : Danpaati - Paramaribo
Location: Paramaribo
Accommodation Name: Torarica Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning is at leisure at the lodge until lunch, and in the afternoon, we depart by dugout canoe for Atjoni and return by vehicle to Paramaribo. Overnight at Torarica Hotel or similar. (BL)
Day 5 : Paramaribo - Commewijne Plantations
Location: Commewijne district
Accommodation Name: Torarica Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today we head to the Commewijne district to the east of Paramaribo across the Suriname River. The tour takes us along the former colonial plantations, most of which are now abandoned. We make a stop at plantation Peperpot where the old coffee and cocoa factory, deputy-director’s house and the old office are located. This former plantation is one of the oldest in the history of Suriname. Peperpot was established by the English and already existed before Suriname was conquered by the natives from Zeeland under the command of Abraham Crijnssen in 1667. This is one of the last plantations still in its original condition. Peperpot is renowned for the many birds which can be spotted. From here we make a stop at the mini-museum of Marienburg, a former sugar plantation, before enjoying a delicious lunch in a typical Javanese restaurant (warung) in Tamanredjo. We then continue to the confluence of the Commewijne and Suriname Rivers at Nieuw Amsterdam. Here we will a visit the outdoor museum of Fort Nieuw Amsterdam, with its large fortress which was built as a defence for the crop fields that were situated along the upper parts of both rivers. Optional dolphin tour before heading back to the hotel. Overnight at Torarica Hotel or similar. (BL)
Day 6 : Commewijne – Cayenne
Location: Cayenne
Accommodation Name: Central Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Make an early start (approx. 0645am) and travel 2.5 hours along the coastal road to the border point at Albina where we will go through the customs and immigration formalities. This is generally very quick and we will soon be on the pirogue (small semi covered motorised boat) crossing the Maroni River heading for French Guiana. We will be met by our French guide on arrival in St Laurent. Enjoy a mini city tour making a brief visit to the well-preserved Transportation Centre. The facility was the processing centre for the majority of convicts being sent to the penal colonies in French Guiana. Having served their original sentences, the convicts were then obliged to serve the same length of time here in an attempt to populate the colonies- perhaps the best-known inmate was Papillon. Just offshore lies the wreck of the British steamer Edith Cavel which sank in bad weather in 1924- it is now so overgrown with vegetation that it looks like an island. After the tour, we journey for 3 hours by road to Cayenne where we enjoy a city tour. Overnight at Central Hotel or similar (BL)
Day 7 : Cayenne – Devil’S Island - Kourou
Location: Kourou
Accommodation Name: Hotel Atlantis or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
What is known as Devil’s Island is actually a triangle of three islands. After an early breakfast, we travel 1 hour by road to Kourou and we take a motorised catamaran to our first stop, Île Royale. It can be easily walked around in less than two hours before the next stop, Île Saint-Joseph . Ironically Devil’s Island is closed to visitors due to dangerous shoreline conditions. Return to Kourou by catamaran and transfer to your hotel. Overnight at Hotel Atlantis or similar. (BL)
Day 8 : Kourou - Paramaribo
Location: Paramaribo
Accommodation Name: Torarica Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning we will join a tour of the Guyana Space Centre. The tour is conducted in French but your guide will provide translations as often as possible, before transferring by road to St Laurent de Maroni, making a brief stop at the church of Saint Joseph in Iracoubo, to see the interior which was hand painted by one of the convicts from a nearby penal colony. Make the return journey by pirogue to Albian and continue to Paramaribo. Overnight at Torarica Hotel or similar. (BL)
Day 9 : Paramaribo – Georgetown (Regional Flight)
Location: Georgetown
Accommodation Name: Grand Coastal Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning we make an early start for the flight to Georgetown departing at 0730 and arriving at 0745, where we will join our chef Delven Adams from the Backyard Café at the fresh produce markets, as he shops for ingredients for our lunch later today. While he heads back to prepare lunch, we continue on a tour of the capital city, visiting a number of the places of interest including the cathedral of St George, the Avenue of the Republic with its historic buildings, the renowned Stabroek Market and the National Park to feed the endangered West Indian Manatees. We will make our way to the Backyard Café for a delicious lunch. In the afternoon we head to the waterfront to board a water taxi for a cruise along the banks of the Demerara River. Your guide will give you a brief history of the buildings as we pass and we will continue to the Demerara Harbour Bridge, once the longest floating bridge in the world. As we return to shore with the sun setting you may see Egrets and Scarlet Ibis as they make their way to the Mangroves for the night. Overnight at Grand Coastal Hotel or similar. (BL)
Day 10 : Georgetown - Kaieteur Falls (Domestic Flight) - Georgetown
Location: Georgetown
Accommodation Name: Grand Coastal Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Close to noon we transfer to the airport for a scheduled flight over the Demerara and Essequibo Rivers and hundreds of miles of unbroken tropical rainforest to visit the famous Kaieteur Falls, the world’s highest free-falling waterfall, where the Potaro River drops 741 feet into the gorge below. Afterwards we return to Georgetown for the evening. Overnight at Grand Coastal Hotel or similar. (B)
Day 11 : Georgetown – Iwokrama (Domestic Flight) – Atta Rainforest Lodge
Location: Iwokrama
Accommodation Name: Atta Rainforest Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fly over Guyana’s rainforest to land at Fair View Airstrip, from where we transfer to Iwokrama, an incredible region of rainforest with a breath-taking diversity of species. Take a boat journey, looking for birds along the way, for the hike to Turtle Mountain, where we walk to the summit (approximately 2 hours) for spectacular views over the forest canopy. The area is home to Red Howler Monkeys, Black Spider Monkeys, and five different eagles. For those who feel that the walk may be too strenuous an alternative boat ride can be taken to Stanley Lake to search for Giant River Otters and Black Caiman. Return to Iwokrama River Lodge for lunch after which we travel along one of the best trails for seeing Jaguar. Sightings cannot be guaranteed but if you are very lucky you may see one of Guyana’s most elusive creatures. Along the road we will look out for a myriad of bird species that frequent the edge of the forest. The road is the only north to south access in Guyana and links the country to Brazil, but there is very little traffic and wildlife such as Agouti, Tayra, Puma, Tapir and Black Curassow are sometimes spotted. We continue to the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway, 30 metres above the ground, for a different perspective of the forest. We will also spend time exploring the clearing around Atta Lodge, where you will have an excellent chance of spotting the Crimson Fruit Crow, and Black Curassow. Overnight at Atta Rainforest Lodge. (BLD)
Day 12 : Atta Rainforest Lodge
Location: Iwokrama Forest
Accommodation Name: Atta Rainforest Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Early this morning we return to Iwokrama Forest for a chance to spot birdlife and Red Howler and Black Spider Monkeys. Today enjoy the canope of the forest, with several wildlife and birdwatching trails available. As darkness falls on the canopy walkway, you may see the White-winged Potoo. Night walks are also possible and something interesting or new always seems to pop on to the scene including one of the six different cats to be found along the transnational road near the lodge. Overnight at Atta Rainforest Lodge (BLD)
Day 13 : Atta Rainforest Lodge - Surama
Location: Surama
Accommodation Name: Surama Eco Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Experience the dawn chorus from the canopy walkway and look out for Red Howler and Black Spider Monkeys. Transfer by vehicle through the rainforest to Corkwood before setting off for the Amerindian village of Surama, stopping on the way at a spot known for sightings of one of Guyana’s most intriguing birds, the Guianan Cock of the Rock. We then continue to Surama, where a local guide will give us a tour of the forest and the village, with an opportunity to visit some of the houses, the church, the medical centre and the local school. After lunch back at the village we set off to walk the three miles to the Burro Burro River for a canoe trip, hoping to spot Giant River Otters, Tapir and Spider Monkeys amongst other wildlife. This evening we head out to experience the forest at night. Overnight in the basic accommodation at Surama Eco Lodge. (BLD)
Day 14 : Surama Mountain - Georgetown
Location: Georgetown
Accommodation Name: Grand Coastal Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Rise before dawn and walk across the savannah in the cool morning air to climb Surama Mountain. This is not a technical climb but can be arduous, and for those who prefer not to undertake it the local guides will arrange alternative activities. After lunch which we transfer by road (approx. 3 hours) to the Rupunini airstrip for a scheduled flight across swathes of tropical rainforest to Georgetown. Overnight at Grand Coastal Hotel or similar (BL)
Day 15 : Tour Ends In Georgetown - Departure From Guyana
Location: Guyana
Meals Included: Breakfast
Time at leisure until your transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
What's Included
-
Arrival and Departure Transfers
Includes all transfers from and to the airport at the beginning and end of the tour.
-
Overland Transport
Overland transport throughout the tour with a professional driver.
-
Flights
Includes regional and domestic flights as part of the itinerary. Note: luggage restrictions apply.
-
Accommodation
All accommodation throughout the tour is included.
-
Guidance
Services of an English-speaking guide or tour leader.
-
Meals
Meals as listed in the itinerary (B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner).
-
Entrance Fees
Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary are included.
What's Not Included
-
International Flights
International flights are not included
-
Airport Taxes
Any airport taxes not included with regional and domestic flights.
-
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be secured separately.
-
Visas
Visa fees are not included and responsibility for obtaining visas lies with the traveler.
-
Drinks
Drinks are not included.
-
Personal Items
Items of a personal nature are not included.
-
Tips
Tips are discretionary and not included.
Mode of Transport
Transportation includes a mix of overland journeys with professional drivers, regional and domestic flights to cover vast distances efficiently, and river travel in traditional boats for an authentic exploration of the waterways.
Accommodation
Guests will enjoy a variety of accommodations, from charming hotels in city centers to unique lodges nestled in the heart of the rainforest. Each stay has been carefully selected to enhance the local experience, ensuring comfort amidst the adventure.
Check out our Q&As
-
What inclusions are part of the Hidden Guianas tour?
Inclusions for the Hidden Guianas tour are arrival and departure transfers, overland transport with a professional driver, regional and domestic flights (note: luggage restrictions apply), all accommodation, services of an English-speaking guide or tour leader, meals as listed in the itinerary, and entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary.
-
Are meals included in the Hidden Guianas tour?
Yes, meals as listed in the itinerary are included in the Hidden Guianas tour.
-
Where does the Hidden Guianas tour start and end?
The Hidden Guianas tour starts in Paramaribo and ends in Georgetown.
-
What countries does the Hidden Guianas tour visit?
The Hidden Guianas tour visits Suriname, French Guiana, and Guyana.
-
What are some highlights of the Hidden Guianas tour?
Some highlights of the Hidden Guianas tour include meeting the local Maroon people in Suriname, visiting the Iles du Salut and the Space Centre in French Guiana, taking a flight over Kaieteur Falls, spotting many birds and animals in Guyana, and discovering the pristine rainforest of Iwokrama.
-
-
What are the exclusions for the Hidden Guianas tour?
Exclusions for the Hidden Guianas tour include international flights, any airport taxes not included with regional and domestic flights, travel insurance, visas, drinks, items of a personal nature, and tips.
-
I’m a single traveller – will I feel out of place?
In a word, no. We get a good mix of single travellers and couples on our group tours.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
We are happy to allocate a twin room to two single same-sex travellers. If there is no one else to travel
-
Can I join the tour once it has departed?
No, sorry this is not possible.
-
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We offer fully transferable group tour deposits (excluding any flight payments which are always non-refundable). You can change your group tour booking up to 10 weeks before departure and not lose your deposit – we will put your deposit towards any new group booking as long as you travel within 2 years of the original departure date.
-
Can I alter the tour?
On our scheduled departures this isn’t possible, simply due to the fact that you’ll be travelling with other people. However, if you like the look of one of our advertised trips but want to tweak it slightly, then we can offer tailor made itineraries just for you, to accommodate your specific requirements.
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
There are no hard and fast rules about what type of people travel on Undiscovered Destinations’ group tours – we attract people from all ages, nationalities and walks of life. What you are likely to find though is that travellers share a similar outlook about travel. We tend to attract people with a curiosity about the lesser visited corners of our planet.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
We have been going since 2004.
Reviews of this operator
Want a private tour?
-
Personalise your trip
Make changes to the itinerary, accommodation, or transport method
-
Travel more exclusively
Your tour guide can focus all their attention on your group
-
Travel for a special occasion
Celebrate an important event by only travelling with your friends or family
1 Select your preferred date
Thursday - Thursday
Nov 14, 2024 - Nov 28, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Feb 20, 2025 - Mar 06, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
Undiscovered Destinations allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 70 days before the start of the tour.
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Undiscovered Destinations allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform undiscovered destinations, 70 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Undiscovered Destinations requires a minimum deposit of 350 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of undiscovered destinations charges.
Up to 71 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 40% of booking price.
At 34 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 20 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.