Trip Overview
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!
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75% 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
Sleep overnight in a hammock in eco village camp
SHOW MORE HIGHLIGHTS
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.
This trip is new to Dragoman for 2018, please be aware for this season we may be required to run some departures in private minibuses rather than our Overland trucks.
Welcome to Boa Vista! today there is an important meeting at 18:00, please meet in the Hotel Reception. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy Boa Vista.
Border Information - If joining the trip in Boa Vista, you will fly into Boa Vista-Atlas Brasil Cantanhede International Airport (BVB)
In Boa Vista we stay in a comfortable hotel.
Today we will start out early and head into Guyana, to the open Savannah region, where we will stay in a well equipped camp site and have an opportunity to take part in some optional activities, such as horse riding, hiking and canoeing.
Approximate drive time - 245km / 5hrs
Daily Activities
We will spend two days in the Rupununi Savannah area of Guyana; here we can have a village tour, take a wildlife walk, experience the forest after dark. We have the option of climbing a nearby mountain or taking a canoe trip.
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Head out for a guided hike
We will have a short drive into the heart of the Iwokrama Forest, a protected area of pristine rainforest. Along the way we will visit a local village. Keep your eyes peeled for any wildlife you may see from the road side such as red howler monkeys and toucans. This evening we will have time to walk in the canopy of the forest.
Tonight we will camp with facilities.
Approximate drive time - 80km / 2hrs
Daily 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.
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Take an evening trip on the river to spot Caiman
We will spend the day enjoying the peace and tranquility of the rainforest, we have time to explore and search out the amazing wildlife that lives in this area.
Later in the day we will cross the Essequibo river, and move our camp further north.
Tonight we will camp with facilities
Drive Time: 1-2 hours
Daily Activities
Iwokrama Canopy Walkway offers a unique experience in the region and envelopes you in the jungle’s mid-level canopy through a series of suspension bridges and decks from heights of up to 30 metres (98 ft.).
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Go in search of wildlife and the illusive Jaguar on an evening drive along the Iwokrama Rainforest passage.
Take a nature trail with a local guide into the forest
During low water season take a boat trip along the river to find the ancient Petroglyphs, estimated to be over 600 years old
Today is a big drive along the wonderfully undeveloped main road from the forest to Georgetown! The journey is primarily on a bumpy dirt road, which we will share with commuter minibuses and trucks, all winding their way through the rainforest. From the town of Linden, the tarmac starts and it's smooth driving for the final 120km to Georgetown! Be sure to keep a look out for wildlife, Jaguars have been known to cross the road right in front of the buses!
Driving Distance - 400km / 12hours
In Georgetown we will stay in a centrally located, locally run hostel, with shared bathrooms in a combination of twin and dorm rooms.
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 manatees swimming in the lake of the national park. Georgetown is a busy place and feels happily free from mass tourism. Be sure to take your camera!
Daily Activities
Enjoy a city tour of historic Georgetown
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Take a half day trip by light aircraft to the awesome Kaieteur Falls.
Today we have a 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 Guyana Cock of the Rocks.
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Take a full day trip to the Arrowpoint Nature Resort
Today we will leave the bright lights of Georgetown behind us and cross the border into Suriname. We will follow the coastal road and then cross the river on a ferry. On arrival in Suriname we will head to the Bigi Pan, designated an 'Important Bord Area' of Suriname and famous for it's spectacular shore birds and in particular the Red Ibis.
We will spend the night in comfortable accommodation in twin rooms and meals included.
Estimated Drive Time: 7hrs
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Take a sunset boat trip in search of dolphins, tour includes snacks and drinks.
Today we will have some free time at the Pan in the morning and after lunch we will head to the lively capital of Suriname!
Estimated Drive Time: 4-5hrs
On Day 11 we have a full day to explore Paramaribo's historic inner city and the Commewijne area. You can explore the historic centre on foot, visit Fort Zeelandia and the Suriname museum, and enjoy 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 and visit the star shaped fort at Neiu Amsterdam. There are plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from.
In Paramaribo we will stay in a comfortable Hostel
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Visit the partly renovated plantation Peperpot and take a walk in the nature park
Take a tour to explore the historical timeline of Suriname and its bitter-sweet sugar past.
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 a 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.
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 Ferullasi rapids - a natural jacuzzi, relax on the island by the pool, spot the kingfishers on the banks of the river and enjoy the tranquillity of the Amazon Rainforest.
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.
Daily 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.
This morning is free for you to enjoy how you wish, walk, swim or relax and after lunch we will transfer back to Paramaribo.
On Day 15, we have 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.
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
An evening tour to visit the Sea Turtles in their natural habitat.
Take a boat trip to the ruins of Jodensavanne with its influential history
Today we say goodbye to Suriname and drive to the border, we will take the ferry across the Maroni River to Saint Lauren du Maroni in French Guiana.
Border Information: Exit Suriname at Albina, Enter French Guiana at Saint Laurent du Maroni
Estimated Drive Time: 4hrs
Today we have a free morning 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.
During Turtle Season (March to August) in the afternoon we will drive to the northern beach of Plage les Hattes, in the hope of spotting the Olive Ridley and Leaderback turtles. In the off season we can opt to spend an extra day in Saint Laurent du Maroni.
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
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.
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
Approximate driving time - 190km / 3hrs
We will camp tonight with facilities
Daily Activities
Visit the international Spaceport in Kourou
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
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!
Today we will visit the European Space Centre near Kourou, en route to the capital city of Cayenne.
Approximate drive time - 1hrs/100km
We will stay in a local guesthouse
Daily Activities
Visit the international Spaceport in Kourou
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
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!
Today we have a half day city tour, followed by a free afternoon to enjoy the city, perhaps take a boat trip to 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.
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
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.
Take an afternoon and evening trip in a pirogue (dugout canoe) up the Kaw River to view the lora and fauna of the marshes and in the evening go in search Caiman
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.
Today is the final day of the trip and there is no accommodation provided this evening.
Border Information - If leaving the trip at Cayenne, you will fly from Cayenne Félix Eboué International Airport (CAY)
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This group overland journey has multiple departures.
Please refine your search by selecting your preferred dates of travel.
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