Discover Latin America's Best-Kept Secrets
This 16-day journey explores three of Latin America’s least travelled destinations, where dense rainforest, river systems and a strong Caribbean influence shape a rich and distinctive sense of place. Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana each offer their own cultural identity, yet together they form a compelling route through wilderness, history and everyday life that feels far removed from more familiar travel paths.
Your adventure begins in Guyana, starting in the lively capital of Georgetown before heading deep into the interior. A scenic flight reveals Kaieteur Falls, the world’s highest single-drop waterfall, tumbling through untouched rainforest. Time in the Iwokrama Rainforest brings canopy walkways and wide jungle views from Turtle Mountain, followed by wildlife-focused experiences in the Rupununi savannah, where river trips and open landscapes offer opportunities to spot species such as giant river otters and anteaters.
Crossing into Suriname, the focus shifts to culture and heritage, from Paramaribo’s UNESCO-listed architecture to the historic plantations along the Commewijne River. A stay at Danpaati River Lodge introduces Maroon traditions and life along the river, before the journey concludes in French Guiana. Here, visits to St Laurent du Maroni, the Guiana Space Centre and the atmospheric Salvation Islands provide a striking contrast of penal history, modern innovation and coastal scenery. Together, these experiences create a thoughtful and immersive exploration of one of Latin America’s most overlooked regions.
Visit several regions
Accommodation detailed in itinerary
See details in itinerary below
14 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 6 dinners
What you'll experience
- Kaieteur Falls by air: Marvel at Kaieteur Falls, the world’s highest single-drop waterfall, on a scenic flight over Guyana’s pristine rainforest.
- Amazonian canopy adventures: Walk among the treetops on the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway, then hike Turtle Mountain for sweeping views across the jungle.
- Wildlife in the Rupununi: Look out for giant river otters, black caiman and the elusive giant anteater on guided river excursions and savannah safaris.
- Paramaribo and Maroon culture in Suriname: Explore UNESCO-listed Paramaribo, then experience Maroon traditions during a stay at Danpaati River Lodge.
- French Guiana and the Salvation Islands: Visit the Guiana Space Centre and travel to the Salvation Islands, including Devil’s Island, to explore atmospheric ruins and the region’s compelling penal history.
What's Included
- International flights
- 14 nights’ accommodation
- 32 meals; 14 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 6 dinners
- City tours of Paramaribo, Georgetown and Cayenne
- Full-day tour of Kaieteur Falls
- Catamaran tour of Îles du Salut
- All wildlife excursions as per itinerary
- All domestic flights & transfers including boat transfers
Prices from £9399*
*Based on shared group tour or £10999 for private.
(Based on twin share accommodation on a shared group tour)
Excludes:
- Meals not indicated in your itinerary
- Local departure taxes payable locally
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry and drinks etc
- Tips for guides and drivers (discretionary)
- Camera or video fees at any sites
Quick Itinerary
Uncovering the Guianas 16-day Itinerary
Days 1-2 UK to Georgetown, Guyana
Fly to Georgetown Guyana and transfer to Cara Lodge, a hotel with a long romantic history that has hosted many dignitaries over the years, including King Charles. The next day brings a spectacular day trip to the utterly beautiful Kaieteur Falls. At over five times the height of Niagara Falls, Kaieteur is the world’s highest free-falling waterfall and the surrounding tropical rainforest only adds to its tranquillity.
Days 3-4 Iwokrama Rainforest, Guyana
Travel to the heart of Guyana’s Amazonian interior. After settling into the lodge, take the short climb through the well-preserved paths to the peak of Turtle Mountain, offering breathtaking views of above the forest canopies.
After lunch, experience the rainforest in a different way, reaching the higher levels of the canopies by way of a maze of suspended platforms. The Iwokrama Canopy Walkways are set some 30 metres above ground and bring you truly closer to nature, multiplying your chances of spotting Curassows, Aracaris, Fruitcrows and hummingbirds.
Days 5-6 North Rupununi, Guyana
Enjoy a scenic boat ride along the Rupununi River to Karanambu Lodge, a former cattle ranch, famed for its wildlife and conservation legacy, offering chances to spot Giant River Otters and explore diverse habitats of savannah, wetlands, and riparian forest. Enjoy guided excursions at dawn and dusk, including river trips, forest walks, and savannah drives. Highlights include the Victoria amazonica waterlily blooming at dusk, night spotlighting for Black Caiman, and searching for giant anteaters on the grasslands. Accommodation is in simple but charming clay-brick cabins with verandas.
Days 7-8 Georgetown, Guyana
Start the morning with a final chance to search the savannah for giant anteaters or take a tranquil boat trip along the Rupununi River, looking for Giant River Otters, Black Caiman, and Arapaima. Enjoy the peaceful scenery before returning to the lodge for breakfast, then transfer to the airstrip for your flight back to Georgetown.
The next morning start the day with breakfast at a local stand alongside Chef Delven Adams, your host and culinary guide. Explore Bourda Market, Georgetown’s largest, visiting vibrant sections for fish, meat, fabrics, dry goods, and bush medicine. Sample exotic fruits and help Chef select ingredients for lunch at his Backyard Café, where you can relax or join him in preparing a feast. Afterward, enjoy a city tour featuring historic landmarks like St. George’s Cathedral, Stabroek Market, and the Botanical Gardens, home to West Indian Manatees
Day 9 Paramaribo, Suriname
Fly to Paramaribo for a UNESCO-listed city tour, visiting Fort Zeelandia, Independence Square, and colonial streets, before exploring Commewijne’s plantations and Fort Nieuw Amsterdam.
Days 10-11 Upper Suriname River, Suriname
Depart Paramaribo for a scenic journey to Atjoni, then board a motorised canoe for an exhilarating ride along the Upper Suriname River, passing stunning rapids en-route to Danpaati River Lodge, located deep in the rainforest. After settling in, enjoy a sunset river cruise to spot caiman. The following day begins with a visit to Pikin Slee, a Maroon village where you’ll learn about local traditions and explore the Saamaka Museum. Return for lunch, then take a guided rainforest walk or opt for a massage, fishing, or canoeing. After dinner, experience vibrant cultural dances like Seketi and Awasa performed by locals.
Day 12 Paramaribo, Suriname
Spend the morning soaking in the serene beauty of the rainforest and capturing your final photos of this remote paradise. After bidding farewell to the warm and welcoming Danpaati staff, board a dugout canoe for the scenic ride back down the Suriname River to Atjoni. From there, continue your journey by road, returning to Paramaribo in the afternoon.
Day 13 Kourou, French Guiana
With a packed breakfast, we set off early, traveling east along Suriname’s coastal road to the Albina border station. After quick formalities, we board the ferry across the Maroni River into French Guiana, locally called “Guyane.” Upon arrival in St. Laurent du Maroni, meet your French guide and enjoy a brief city tour, including the historic Camp de la Transportation, once a transit point for convicts and indentured labourers. Continue to the Guiana Space Centre for an exclusive tour of this vast facility, featuring assembly buildings, launch pads, and control centres.
Days 14-16 Cayenne, French Guiana - UK
Board a catamaran bound for the Îles du Salut, famously known as the Salvation Islands. This trio, Île Royale, Île Saint-Joseph, and Devil’s Island, holds a dramatic history as a former penal colony. Explore Île Royale, home to the best-preserved prison buildings, an old church, officers’ quarters, and shady spots perfect for relaxing by the dock. Stroll through cell blocks and visit the poignant children’s cemetery behind the hospital. While Devil’s Island remains off-limits, its story of infamous prisoners like Alfred Dreyfus and Papillon adds intrigue to your visit. Watch for sea turtles near the shore before returning to Kourou, then transfer to Cayenne for your final night before your overnight flight to the UK.
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All our itineraries can be tailored to your unique requirements. Enquire about our Uncovering the Guianas holiday and let us plan your perfect Latin American adventure.
