14-Nights Exploring Guyana: Wildlife and Adventure - Safari & Wildlife from $11,018

Day 1: Arrive in Georgetown

Upon arrival at Cheddi Jagan International Airport, collect your bags, proceed through Customs, and then make your way outside of the Arrivals Hall to meet your driver, who will be holding a sign with your name on it. The transfer to your overnight hotel, known for its long and romantic history, takes about an hour and is an interesting journey of rural and urban scenery.

Hotel: Cara Lodge (3 Star Rating)

Cara Lodge is a historic boutique hotel in the heart of Georgetown, Guyana, celebrated for its rich colonial heritage and timeless charm. Built in the 1840s, the elegant wooden structure once hosted dignitaries and royalty, including King Edward VIII and former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. Today, it blends old-world character with modern comfort, featuring beautifully restored architecture, polished hardwood floors, and tastefully appointed rooms. Guests can enjoy fine local and international cuisine at the renowned Bottle Restaurant & Bar or relax in the peaceful courtyard. Cara Lodge offers authentic Guyanese hospitality and a living link to Georgetown's distinguished past.

Begin the day with breakfast at your hotel, then set out on a guided visit to the Bourda Market alongside chef Delven Adams. Here you'll explore the many fish, meat, haberdashery, bush medicine, and tropical fruit stalls, while Chef Adams selects fresh ingredients for a meal at the nearby Backyard Café. At this cafe, a local favourite, you're welcome to watch the preparation or simply enjoy the flavors and aromas ahead of lunch. In the afternoon, a city tour highlights Georgetown's historic sites, including Stabroek Market, St. George's Cathedral, National Museum, and the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology.

Hotel: Cara Lodge (3 Star Rating)

Cara Lodge is a historic boutique hotel in the heart of Georgetown, Guyana, celebrated for its rich colonial heritage and timeless charm. Built in the 1840s, the elegant wooden structure once hosted dignitaries and royalty, including King Edward VIII and former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. Today, it blends old-world character with modern comfort, featuring beautifully restored architecture, polished hardwood floors, and tastefully appointed rooms. Guests can enjoy fine local and international cuisine at the renowned Bottle Restaurant & Bar or relax in the peaceful courtyard. Cara Lodge offers authentic Guyanese hospitality and a living link to Georgetown's distinguished past.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

After an early breakfast, head out for a morning birdwatching tour at Georgetown Botanical Gardens, with an aim to spot rare species such as the Blood-colored Woodpecker and range of macaws. Soon after, a short transfer to Eugene F. Correia International Airport leads to a scenic flight over the Demerara and Essequibo Rivers, continuing above the vast rainforest to Kaieteur Falls. Plunging 741 feet into a deep gorge, this majestic waterfall is five times the height of Niagara surrounded by pristine wilderness. Wildlife sightings may include the tiny Golden Frog, the rare Guiana Cock-of-the-rock, and Kaieteur Swifts darting through the mist. Later, return by flight to Georgetown where you’ll spend the night.

Hotel: Cara Lodge (3 Star Rating)

Cara Lodge is a historic boutique hotel in the heart of Georgetown, Guyana, celebrated for its rich colonial heritage and timeless charm. Built in the 1840s, the elegant wooden structure once hosted dignitaries and royalty, including King Edward VIII and former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. Today, it blends old-world character with modern comfort, featuring beautifully restored architecture, polished hardwood floors, and tastefully appointed rooms. Guests can enjoy fine local and international cuisine at the renowned Bottle Restaurant & Bar or relax in the peaceful courtyard. Cara Lodge offers authentic Guyanese hospitality and a living link to Georgetown's distinguished past.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Settle in for breakfast at the hotel, then grab your bags and get set for the flight to Fair View Airstrip, followed by the transfer to Iwokrama River Lodge on the Essequibo River, located in one of the last untouched tropical forests of the Guiana Shield. Here you'll explore lodge trails with a ranger by your side, spotting monkeys, birds, caimans and various other animals. Learn about Iwokrama Forest's conservation efforts and the Makushi community's sustainable practices. Timber cabins overlook the river, offering comfort and serenity, while evening river excursions reveal nocturnal wildlife such as caimans, owls, and frogs.

Hotel: Iwokrama River Lodge (3 Star Rating)

Located deep within the heart of the Iwokrama Rainforest in central Guyana, the Iwokrama River Lodge offers an unforgettable eco-lodge experience along the banks of the majestic Essequibo River. Surrounded by pristine tropical wilderness, the lodge features comfortable, sustainably designed cabins with stunning views of the river and forest canopy. Visitors can explore rainforest trails, spot diverse wildlife such as jaguars, giant river otters, and exotic birds, or climb the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway for panoramic forest views. Operated in partnership with local Indigenous communities, the lodge combines adventure, conservation, and cultural connection for a truly authentic Guyanese rainforest experience.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Begin with a morning boat trip along the Essequibo River, enjoying birdwatching and forest scenery. Later, hike Turtle Mountain, replete with panoramic views over the forest canopy and plenty of opportunities to see unique fauna including monkeys, Green Aracari, White Bellbird, and soaring eagles. For a gentler option, visit Stanley Lake by boat in search of Giant River Otters and Black Caiman. In the afternoon, explore Kurupukari Falls and, with luck, see Amerindian petroglyphs (this is dependent on local water levels at the time of your visit). Conclude with a forest drive in an area known for jaguars, with potential sightings of tapirs, agoutis, and a variety of birds.

Hotel: Iwokrama River Lodge (3 Star Rating)

Located deep within the heart of the Iwokrama Rainforest in central Guyana, the Iwokrama River Lodge offers an unforgettable eco-lodge experience along the banks of the majestic Essequibo River. Surrounded by pristine tropical wilderness, the lodge features comfortable, sustainably designed cabins with stunning views of the river and forest canopy. Visitors can explore rainforest trails, spot diverse wildlife such as jaguars, giant river otters, and exotic birds, or climb the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway for panoramic forest views. Operated in partnership with local Indigenous communities, the lodge combines adventure, conservation, and cultural connection for a truly authentic Guyanese rainforest experience.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Spend the morning exploring trails around Iwokrama River Lodge with a ranger, observing local birds and wildlife. Transfer by 4x4 along the forest trail, a prime area for jaguars and other wildlife including tapirs, tayras, and Black Curassows. Arrive at Atta Rainforest Lodge, adjacent to the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway that features four suspension bridges and three platforms 100 feet (30 meters) high. Spend time in the lodge clearing, spotting Crimson Fruitcrow, hummingbirds, and other wildlife in this lush setting. As the afternoon gives way to evening, settle into your remote cabin accommodations that feature private rooms with ensuite bathrooms, and enjoy hearty local cuisine.

Hotel: Atta Rainforest Lodge (3 Star Rating)

Atta Rainforest Lodge is nestled within the pristine Iwokrama Forest Reserve in central Guyana, offering guests a complete immersion in tropical rainforest. Set beneath a treetop canopy and surrounded by lush gardens alive with hummingbirds and forest wildlife, the lodge features just eight en-suite rooms and distinctive open-sky showers that let you bathe while gazing into the forest canopy. Warm Amerindian hospitality meets sustainability here - solar-powered electricity, thick trails, and guided walks bring you close to vibrant birdlife, monkeys, deer and even tapir. The adjacent Iwokrama Canopy Walkway is only a short stroll away, giving visitors an elevated vantage over this rich, wild ecosystem.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Before dawn, return to the canopy walkway for an early birdwatching excursion, with chances to see Green Aracari, Rufous-throated Sapphire, and Guianan Toucanet. Trails around the lodge provide opportunities to spot insects, deer, tapirs, monkeys, and the elusive Rufous-winged Ground-cuckoo. Evening and night walks reveal nocturnal species such as White-winged Potoo, offering unique wildlife encounters amid the forest sounds. Larger mammals may also appear along forest edges, making every walk an adventure.

Hotel: Atta Rainforest Lodge (3 Star Rating)

Atta Rainforest Lodge is nestled within the pristine Iwokrama Forest Reserve in central Guyana, offering guests a complete immersion in tropical rainforest. Set beneath a treetop canopy and surrounded by lush gardens alive with hummingbirds and forest wildlife, the lodge features just eight en-suite rooms and distinctive open-sky showers that let you bathe while gazing into the forest canopy. Warm Amerindian hospitality meets sustainability here - solar-powered electricity, thick trails, and guided walks bring you close to vibrant birdlife, monkeys, deer and even tapir. The adjacent Iwokrama Canopy Walkway is only a short stroll away, giving visitors an elevated vantage over this rich, wild ecosystem.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Start the day with sunrise at the canopy walkway, then hike a short trail with an aim to see the brilliantly colored Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock. Continue to Rock View Lodge for lunch before a boat trip along the Rupununi River to the Amerindian village of Rewa. The journey covers approximately 50 miles (80 kilometers) by river and takes between two and four hours, depending on the water level. Observe Giant River Otters, Black Caiman, and local river life along the way. Rewa Eco-Lodge, your accommodation for the next three nights, overlooks the river and is owned by the village, promoting sustainable tourism. After settling in, take a short boat ride to a hidden oxbow lake, where Victoria amazonica waterlilies bloom at dusk, creating a magical setting with birds settling for the night.

Hotel: Rewa Eco Lodge (3 Star Rating)

At Rewa Eco Lodge you’ll stay in comfortable, thoughtfully finished accommodations that celebrate wilderness rather than hide from it. You can choose a traditional benab with shared facilities or a self-contained cabin boasting its own ensuite bathroom, mosquito-netted beds and verandah hammocks. Bedrooms are powered by solar energy and offer simple, clean comforts amid rainforest calm. The communal spaces feel warm and rustic, anchored by handcrafted furniture, timber floors and views sweeping toward the river. A sense of stillness pervades a place where the hum of the forest becomes part of your nightly lullaby.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Enjoy breakfast overlooking the river before heading out to Awarmie Mountain. Hike through forest trails, spotting birds, monkeys, and other wildlife along the way. From the summit, take in sweeping views of the Rupununi River, surrounding savannah, and distant Kanuku Mountains. Return to the lodge for lunch, then take a boat trip to Grass Pond to see Victoria amazonica and Arapaima, and perhaps Brown Capuchin monkeys. As dusk falls, witness the waterlilies bloom and watch local birds settle in for the night.

Hotel: Rewa Eco Lodge (3 Star Rating)

At Rewa Eco Lodge you’ll stay in comfortable, thoughtfully finished accommodations that celebrate wilderness rather than hide from it. You can choose a traditional benab with shared facilities or a self-contained cabin boasting its own ensuite bathroom, mosquito-netted beds and verandah hammocks. Bedrooms are powered by solar energy and offer simple, clean comforts amid rainforest calm. The communal spaces feel warm and rustic, anchored by handcrafted furniture, timber floors and views sweeping toward the river. A sense of stillness pervades a place where the hum of the forest becomes part of your nightly lullaby.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

This morning travel by boat to a nearby trail for a hike through rainforest and into savannah, visiting traditional indigenous farms. In the afternoon, travel upriver to Seawall, a scenic spot for fishing and observing river turtles laying eggs. Hike along the riverbank to encounter the Goliath bird-eating spider and observe red howlers, capuchin monkeys, and forest birds. The day combines wildlife exploration, forest immersion, and cultural experiences, offering an unforgettable glimpse of life along the Rupununi River.

Hotel: Rewa Eco Lodge (3 Star Rating)

At Rewa Eco Lodge you’ll stay in comfortable, thoughtfully finished accommodations that celebrate wilderness rather than hide from it. You can choose a traditional benab with shared facilities or a self-contained cabin boasting its own ensuite bathroom, mosquito-netted beds and verandah hammocks. Bedrooms are powered by solar energy and offer simple, clean comforts amid rainforest calm. The communal spaces feel warm and rustic, anchored by handcrafted furniture, timber floors and views sweeping toward the river. A sense of stillness pervades a place where the hum of the forest becomes part of your nightly lullaby.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

After breakfast, travel by boat along the Rupununi River, stopping at Aranaputa village to visit the community-operated Peanut Butter Factory. Continue to Pakaraima Mountain Inn for lunch and stories from the host. From Ginep Landing, boat to Karanambu Lodge, keeping an eye out for wild Giant River Otters along the way. Karanambu encompasses wetlands, savannah, riparian forest, and the Rupununi River, supporting rich biodiversity including over 600 bird species and 200 mammals. Evening excursions reveal Victoria amazonica blooming at dusk, with spotlighting for nocturnal wildlife.

Hotel: Karanambu Lodge (3 Star Rating)

Discover the rustic elegance of Karanambu Lodge, a remote eco-resort set within a vast former cattle ranch in Guyana’s North Rupununi region. Guests stay in individual clay-brick and thatched-roof cabins, each with private bathroom, hammock-hung veranda and solar-powered lighting. Daily highlights include three local meals featuring freshly prepared ingredients, a complimentary turn-down service and laundry, and complimentary WiFi during the evening hours. Excursions venture deep into river, savannah and forest habitats: boat trips, wildlife walks and bird-watching bring the rich ambiance of wilderness right to your doorstep. For nature-lovers seeking comfort infused with authenticity, this lodge delivers both serenity and discovery.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

An early start leads to the rolling grasslands, home to giant anteaters. These six-foot creatures can sometimes be seen digging into termite mounds for food. Largely solitary, they interact mainly during mating or between mothers and offspring, with young often carried on the mother's back until weaning. As evening falls, river or woodland explorations provide excellent birdwatching opportunities, with the possibility of encountering Agami Herons, nightjars, and other species. The day blends savannah wildlife, river travel, and birding in an area renowned for its biodiversity.

Hotel: Karanambu Lodge (3 Star Rating)

Discover the rustic elegance of Karanambu Lodge, a remote eco-resort set within a vast former cattle ranch in Guyana’s North Rupununi region. Guests stay in individual clay-brick and thatched-roof cabins, each with private bathroom, hammock-hung veranda and solar-powered lighting. Daily highlights include three local meals featuring freshly prepared ingredients, a complimentary turn-down service and laundry, and complimentary WiFi during the evening hours. Excursions venture deep into river, savannah and forest habitats: boat trips, wildlife walks and bird-watching bring the rich ambiance of wilderness right to your doorstep. For nature-lovers seeking comfort infused with authenticity, this lodge delivers both serenity and discovery.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

In the event you did not see a giant anteater the previous morning, there is time to travel out to search the savannah again. Or explore the Rupununi River in search of wild Giant River Otters, Black Caiman and Arapaima, making a boat journey along quiet stretches of river. After breakfast, transfer by boat to Yupukari Village and Caiman House Field Station, a hub for Black Caiman research and turtle conservation. Visit holding ponds where hatchlings are nurtured before release and learn about community conservation projects. Guests have a unique opportunity to observe and participate in ongoing research efforts.

Hotel: Caiman House (3 Star Rating)

Discover a unique blend of comfort and wilderness at Caiman House in Guyana's Rupununi. The lodge features four spacious guest rooms, each with ensuite bathrooms and powered entirely by solar energy. Relax in the handcrafted central lounge or unwind on the deck, where locally made furniture creates a warm, authentic atmosphere. Daily meals are included, prepared by villagers using traditional ingredients. With the river at its doorstep and sweeping savannah views beyond, Caiman House offers an experience that feels both tranquil and connected - a place where modern comfort meets the heart of community and the wild beauty of the Rupununi.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

A guided exploration of Awariku Lake by paddle or electric motor offers opportunities to observe birds and wildlife. Egrets and ibises are commonly seen, with occasional sightings of Giant River Otters or Black Caiman. The route continues through a lowland forest creek, emerging onto the Rupununi River, and drifts downstream to the main landing before returning to Caiman House. In periods of low water, the return is made by paddling to the original embarkation point. The day concludes with a vehicle transfer from Caiman House to Lethem, followed by a scheduled flight to Eugene F. Correia International Airport and onward transfer to your hotel in Georgetown.

Hotel: Cara Lodge (3 Star Rating)

Cara Lodge is a historic boutique hotel in the heart of Georgetown, Guyana, celebrated for its rich colonial heritage and timeless charm. Built in the 1840s, the elegant wooden structure once hosted dignitaries and royalty, including King Edward VIII and former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. Today, it blends old-world character with modern comfort, featuring beautifully restored architecture, polished hardwood floors, and tastefully appointed rooms. Guests can enjoy fine local and international cuisine at the renowned Bottle Restaurant & Bar or relax in the peaceful courtyard. Cara Lodge offers authentic Guyanese hospitality and a living link to Georgetown's distinguished past.

Meal(s): Breakfast

After a dynamic adventure through Guyana, it is time to pack your belongings and settle in for the return transfer to Cheddi Jagan International Airport ahead of your departing flight.

Meal(s): Breakfast