This is a
journey for those who want to see a fascinating part of South America that so
many travellers have never even heard of.
It visits three intriguing countries, with many similarities but
substantial differences as well as a little of northern Brazil. French Guiana, Suriname and Guyana all lie
along the Caribbean Coast as do the majority of their populations.
The cities of
Cayenne, Paramaribo and Georgetown are all an eclectic mix of Colonial French,
British and Dutch, Amerindians, Maroon (ex slave descendents and the
descendents of the indentured labourers from India, Indonesia and China). Add into this mix, the fact that, French
Guiana is still part of France and uses the Euro and has some of the best and most
unspoilt tropical rain-forests in the world and you have some idea of what this
remarkable area is like to travel through.
So if you
love exploring tropical river systems and forests, would like to visit the
European Space Centre, eat a fusion of Indian, Dutch and Caribbean food,
discover some of South America's most unique architecture or visit Amerindian
river settlements, then this is the trip for you. As an added bonus, we doubt
you will see any other tourists or travellers!
HIGHLIGHTS
Half day walking tour of Cayenne, capital of French Guiana
Take an optional boat trip around Devil's Island
Tour to the International Space Station
Explore the intriguing St Laurent du Maroni
Take a Sunset boat trip to spot dolphins on Suriname river
Walk around fascinating Paramaribo
Explore deep into Suriname jungle
Overnight in jungle cabins
Take some photos in bustling Georgetown
Go deep into the rain forest for a canopy walk
WHAT TO EXPECT
Whilst most
of this trip is really quite easy and laid back, some of the roads into the
interior can be definitely "challenging", especially if we hit the rains.. This
is definitely a trip for those who want to see unspoilt forests and savannah
and to experience a fusion of different cultures. It is not your typical South
American adventure. As this route travels deep within the jungle you should
expect it to be very hot and humid.
INCLUDED ACTIVITIES
Take a 3hr walking tour of Cayenne; climb up Cépénou hill to enjoy a panoramic view of the city; the visit will take you through numerous key spots of historical cultural or natural interest.
Visit the international Spaceport in Kourou
Paramaribo City Tour
Spend 2 nights / 3 days on an all inclusive island retreat in the Suriname River surrounded by dense rainforest birdlife and opportunities to visit local communities.
Spend a night on the Bigi Pans, taking boat trips to explore the pans and see the extensive wildlife
Take a guided tour of Georgetown
We will stay in the heart of the Iwokrama Forest at a jungle lodge where we have time to explore the rainforest and observe the wildlife and birdlife.
Take a guided walk and canoe trip on the Burro Burro River
Head out for a guided hike on the Panorama Nature Trail
Welcome to French Guiana!, today there is an important meeting at 18:00, please meet in the hotel reception. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy Cayenne.
Border Information - If joining the trip at Cayenne, you will fly into Cayenne Félix Eboué International Airport (IATA code: CAY)
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Day 2 - Cayenne (7th September 2020)
Today we will enjoy a half day walking tour around Cayenne. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy, perhaps even take a Kayaking trip to the Ilets du pont. Depending on departure days we may choose to visit the Space station at Kourou ths morning.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Daily Activities
Included Activities
Take a 3hr walking tour of Cayenne; climb up Cépénou hill to enjoy a panoramic view of the city; the visit will take you through numerous key spots of historical cultural or natural interest.
Included
Optional Activities
Take a 2-hour kayaking trip to the Iles Dupont; sea islets positioned less than a half-mile off the beach of Cayenne’s Grand Hotel de Montabo. This site is perfect for the observation of sea turtles and dolphins.
Kayaking: 29 EUR
Take a motorboat shuttle to the Ilet La Mère to explore the islet
Boat trip: 35 EUR
Day 3 - Kourou (8th September 2020)
Today we will head out to the town of Kourou; the site of the European Space station and the starting point for boat trips around the former penal colony on Devil's Island, one of the infamous Iles du Salut, off the coast of French Guiana. The ordeal of Frenchman Henri Charriere, who spent 12 years here, would later inspire the book Papillon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 2
Daily Activities
Included Activities
Visit the international Spaceport in Kourou
Included
Optional Activities
Take a boat trip to the Iles du Salut the Devils islands; explore the old church school and hospital of Ilhe Royale photograph the native wildlife and even take a dip in the convicts swimming pool!
Boat trip: 51 EUR
Day 4 - Plage Les Hattes (9th September 2020)
Today we will visit the European Space Centre near Kourou, en route to the town of Saint Laurent du Maroni.
During Turtle viewing season (March to August) we will spend tonight at Plage les Hattes, in the hope of spotting a Olive Ridley or Leatherback Turtle.
We will stay in a local guesthouse or sleep in hammocks if we visit Plage Les Hattes
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 4
Day 5 - St Laurent du Maroni (10th September 2020)
Today we have a free day to explore the border town of Saint Laurent du Maroni, located on the Maroni river, with its interesting and dark history as an arrival point for prisoners during the 19th Century.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 2
Daily Activities
Optional Activities
This river tour will take you to the “Ile Portal” river island the Amerindian village of Biguiston and its polishing stones and finally to the Wacapou creek.
Tour: 55 EUR
Visit to a Hmong Village
Tour: 46 EUR
Day 6 - Paramaribo (11th September 2020)
We continue our journey west to the lively capital Paramaribo.
This evening we may choose to take an evening sunset boat trip in the hope of seeing some Dolphins playing in the Suriname River.
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 3
Day 7 - Paramaribo (12th September 2020)
Today we have a full day to explore Paramaribo's historic inner city and the Commewijne area. You can easily explore the historic centre on foot, visiting Fort Zeelandia and the Suriname museum, and enjoying the fantastic architecture of Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral, one of the largest wooden buildings in the western hemisphere, or hire a bike and take a boat across the river to cycle the peaceful Commewijne Plantation Loop, visit the star shaped fort at Neiu Amsterdam. There are plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from.
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Daily Activities
Included Activities
Paramaribo City Tour
Included
Optional Activities
Take a sunset boat trip in search of dolphins tour includes snacks and drinks.
Boat trip: 28 EUR
Hire a bike from one of the nearby hostels, cross the river in a local ferry and explore the Commewijne plantation area.
Day Tour: 60 EUR
Day 8 - Upper Suriname Area (13th September 2020)
This morning we leave the truck behind and set off for an unforgettable adventure into the interior of Suriname. We will travel by minibus for approximately 190km to the port at Atjoni, we then hop on a boat for approx 1hr trip along the Suriname River, deep into the rainforest where we will stay for two nights on our own private island!
Be sure to pack light for this excursion, as we can only take a small bag each with us.
We will stay in comfortable cabins and enjoy our own pool. All meals are provided during our visit, though you will need a small amount of money for drinks and tips for our local guide.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Daily Activities
Included Activities
Spend 2 nights / 3 days on an all inclusive island retreat in the Suriname River surrounded by dense rainforest birdlife and opportunities to visit local communities.
Included
Day 9 - Upper Suriname Area (14th September 2020)
During our stay we can visit local villages, walk around the island in the hope of meeting some of its furry inhabitants and learn about the medicinal plants, try to spot Caiman on a night time canoe trip, take a dip in the river at the Ferulassi rapids - a natural Jacuzzi, and relax on the island by our pool, spot the kingfishers on the banks of the river and enjoy the tranquillity of the Amazon Rainforest.
All meals are provided.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Day 10 - Paramaribo (15th September 2020)
This morning is free for you to enjoy how you wish, walk, swim or relax and after lunch we will transfer back to Paramaribo.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Daily Activities
Optional Activities
Visit the partly renovated plantation Peperpot and take a walk in the nature park
Tour: 60 EUR
Visit to a Maroon Village
Tour: 85 EUR
Go on an off-roading 4x4 Adventure
City Tour: 134 EUR
Day 11 - Bigi Pan (16th September 2020)
Paramaribo and its surroundings definitely deserve at least one more day for exploration. Today is yours to spend as you wish; take a boat trip to Jordensavanne, take part in a Moengo Cultural experience, go walking in the Peperpot Nature reserve or Brownsberg Nature Park, learn the art of Surinamese cookery, or take part in one of the many day tours available.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Daily Activities
Included Activities
Spend a night on the Bigi Pans, taking boat trips to explore the pans and see the extensive wildlife
Included
Day 12 - Nieuw Nickerie (17th September 2020)
Today we will leave the bright lights of Parbo behind and head to the Bigi Pan, designated an 'Important Bird Area' for its spectacular bird life, particularly the country's largest colony of Scarlet Ibis.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 1
Day 13 - Georgetown (18th September 2020)
Today we head across the border by Ferryboat to the Guyana Capital, Georgetown.
Border information: Exit Paramaribo, Enter Guyana
In Georgetown we stay in a central located, basic but cosy, locally run hostel, with shared bathrooms in a combination of twin and dorm rooms.
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5
Day 14 - Georgetown (19th September 2020)
Take a morning tour of the city, explore the old canals and great sea wall, visit incredible wooden cathedrals, the huge market and try to spot the manatees swimming in the National park's lake. Georgetown is a busy place, and feels happily free from mass tourism. Be sure to take your camera!
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Daily Activities
Included Activities
Take a guided tour of Georgetown
Included
Day 15 - Georgetown (20th September 2020)
Today we have a second free day in the city.
Perhaps one of the greatest highlights of Guyana is the spectacularly remote and impressive Kaieteur Falls, one of the tallest single drop waterfalls in the world, and reachable only by light aircraft. Take a half day flight to the falls and then enjoy a walking tour to the Falls and search for the tiny golden rocket frogs, hiding in the tank bromeliads leaves, as well as an impressive variety of butterflies, you may also be lucky enough to spot the bright orange Guayanan Cock of the Rocks.
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Daily Activities
Optional Activities
Fly to both Kaieteur and Orinduk Falls on this day tour
Price: 290 USD
Take a flight to the amazing Kaieteur Falls
Price: 190 USD
Day 16 - Iwokrama Forest (21st September 2020)
Today the adventure really begins, as we travel south into the Guyanan Interior. We enjoy the comforts of a tarmac road for around 120km, as far as the town of Linden, and then the dirt road begins! it's the only road that connects Georgetown to Brazil, at some times of the year it becomes impassable due to the rains, but most of the time you'll find trucks and minibuses happily bumping along the road transporting people to and from Lethem. Many people choose to fly to the jungle resorts, but as overlanders we will get to enjoy the pristine rainforest - keep your eyes peeled in case of the illusive jaguar road crossing!
Please note we will likely set off very early today in order to make the most of the cooler parts of the day.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 10
Day 17 - Iwokrama Forest (22nd September 2020)
This morning we will cross the River on a small barge and head deep in the Guyanan rainforest, which gives us some unique wildlife spotting opportunities in one of the most pristine and untouched eco-systems in the world. We have a variety of options for us including walking, bird watching, canoeing trips, nocturnal wildlife spotting and even a spot of swimming (if the watre is low enough).
Today we will have an opportunity to visit the Iwokrama Forest Canopy Walkway, set 30metres above the forest floor and providing a unique opportunity to experience the jungle's mid-level canopy through a series of suspension bridges and decks. Visits during dusk or dawn are best for bird spotting of Macaws and Tucans, you may even be lucky enough to see Red Howler Monkeys.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 2
Daily Activities
Included Activities
We will stay in the heart of the Iwokrama Forest at a jungle lodge where we have time to explore the rainforest and observe the wildlife and birdlife.
Included
Optional Activities
Take a short walk into the rainforest to search of the brightest bird of the jungle - the Guianan Cock of the Rocks
Price: 35 USD
Day 18 - Rupununi (23rd September 2020)
Today we leave the dense rainforest behind and head towards a village settlement in an area of Savannah, where we will take a walk in the village and a short river trip in Canoes on the Burro Burro River. Afterwards we will head to our camp, which is a little further south further into the Savannah region.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 2
Daily Activities
Included Activities
Take a guided walk and canoe trip on the Burro Burro River
Included
Day 19 - Rupununi (24th September 2020)
Today we have a free day for activities such a horse riding, hiking and further opportunities for spotting wildlife.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Daily Activities
Included Activities
Head out for a guided hike on the Panorama Nature Trail
Included
Day 20 - Boa Vista (25th September 2020)
This is our final day in Guyana, we will head south past the town of Lethem and onto the city of Boa Vista in Brazil
(Please note that it is possible to fly from Lethem to Georgetown for approximately 150USD, for outbound international flights).
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5
Day 21 - Boa Vista - End Date (26th September 2020)
Today is the final day for passengers finishing their trip in Boa Vista. Please note there is no accommodation included on the trip tonight - please contact your sales agent if you are interested in booking an extra night of accommodation in order to fully explore the area.
Border Information: if you are finishing in Boa Vista, you will most likely exit Brazil at Boa Vista-Atlas Brasil Cantanhede International Airport (AITO code: BVB)
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