Although it's the only English-speaking country in South America, Guyana is virtually unknown as a tourist destination. A land of dense tropical rainforest and wide expanses of savannah, the interior teems with wildlife and is criss-crossed by a network of rivers, making it a natural for the independent traveler interested in getting away from the madding crowd. Our trips feature several destinations in the vast Rupununi River watershed, with both savannah and rainforest experiences.
This region is home to a vibrant Amerindian and "cowboy" culture as well as to fascinating animal species like the Giant Anteater, Harpy Eagle, Giant Otter, and the giant Aparaima fish. Not quite the Caribbean, not quite South America, Guyana is not quite like any place else on earth. Come with us to visit Diane McTurk and her Giant Otter rehabilitation program; Surama Village, on the edge of the rainforest; and Iwokrama Field Station, a center for international forest conservation, research, and development.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Georgetown. Arrival and orientation. Includes: (B);
Day 2 – 4: Iwokrama Field Station (International Center for Rainforest Conservation and Development)
4X4 from Georgetown to Iwokrama (or possibly light aircraft if necessary). Comfortable accommodations, trained local naturalist guides, great fishing, beautiful rainforest vistas from Turtle Mountain, informative nature walks. Iwokrama Forest is one of the most likely places in South America for sighting jaguar! Iwokrama is currently conducting research in the areas of biodiversity, carbon storage, reduced impact logging, and crab oil extraction and is also working with its neighbors, the Amerindian communities who live in and around the Center, in the production of bilingual books, community-based wildlife management, and testing of anti-malaria strategies. Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 5 – 7: Surama Village
Travel by 4X4 from Iwokrama to Surama Village. Amerindian village community whose members have embraced tourism as a way to preserve their culture while bringing in much-needed income. One the edge between the savannah and the rainforest, Surama offers wonderful examples of the fauna and flora of both ecosystems. Choose from a variety of activities, including village tours and cultural explanations, rainforest hikes and canoe explorations on the Burro Burro River, savannah wildlife and plant interpretive tours, and much more! Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 8 - Rock View Lodge
Travel by 4X4 from Surama to Rock View. Great food, comfortable accommodations, and wonderfully landscaped grounds with beautiful views are what draw people to Rock View Lodge. A wonderful place to relax from your adventures and prepare for the final leg. Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 9 – 12: Karanambo Ranch
Travel by 4X4 from Rock View to Karanambo. Your host here is Diane McTurk, a second generation Englishwoman, who is famous for her program to rehabilitate orphaned Giant River Otters back to the wild. She has been filmed by National Geographic and works with the Calgary Zoo and other conservation organizations. Spend a fascinating dinner (the food is wonderful!) listening to Diane's stories of her family's history and life on the Rupununi Savannahs. There are many options during your stay here at Karanambo, including fishing (by hook & line or archery), exploring the nearby flooded forest and savannah, visiting the combined wild and tame otters Diane still keeps in touch with, and swimming/playing with the resident otters. Lots of wildlife, especially birds, and Karanambo's Amerindian guides are a wealth of information concerning the ecology of the area. Note: Diane's rum punches are not to be missed! Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 13: Georgetown
Fly in small aircraft from Karanambo airstrip to Georgetown. Overnight in Georgetown. City tour. Return flight. Includes: (L), (D).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price includes all meals, lodging, transportation (including in-country flights), guides, & permits/entrance fees; does not include international airfare, soft and alcoholic drinks, personal purchases, visas, immunizations, or gratuities. Approximate air travel cost - $750.
Also see tour packages in:
South America
Guyana
Wildlife Viewing
Hiking & Trekking
Email it to a friend:
Click here to email this vacation to a friend
|
