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Nestled on the north coast of South America, between the giants Venezuela and Brazil, are the lesser known, but equally spectacular countries: the three Guyanas. Head over for a unique, intrepid trip: swim in fresh water creeks, paddle with otters, taste spicy curries, drink French wine and see jail houses seeping with history. Looking for the world’s largest water lily, the world’s tallest wooden building or the world’s highest single drop waterfall? Look no further- the three Guyanas have it all.
Burro Burro River to the Pakaraima Mountains, Guyana
river otters
British Guyana is a well-kept secret, perfect for intrepid adventure and brimming with lush Amazonian rainforests. You’ll start in Georgetown, staying at the clapboard Cara Lodge, before heading for Surama village, where the locals will welcome you warmly you into their homes, churches and schools for a genuinely unique cultural experience. Here, with the idyllic Karanambu Ranch as your base, join Diane McTurk, the world’s leading expert in the rehabilitation of orphaned giant river otters. Paddling down the Burro Burro River to see them in the wild is an awesome experience. Watch out for the protected scarlet macaw, spider monkeys and Arapaima – the largest fresh water fish in the world.
Next, take a small plane to the mindblowing Kaieteur Falls. With a drop of 822 feet (that’s five times the height of Niagara falls), you’ll be knocked off your feet by the immense power of this wonder of the natural world (so to speak).
Suriname
lily pads
A boat and 4×4 trip will take you across the border to Suriname: arguably the most scenic of the three Guyanas. Paramaribo is a rare UNESCO World Heritage capital, crammed with charming wooden structures and an original Dutch influenced canal system. Staying at the Eco Resort Inn, take in the sights of this beautiful, colonial port before a tour of Marienburg: the oldest sugar-cane plantation in Suriname. Just south of here, on the banks of the Suriname River, you’ll come to Jodensavanne, home to the ruins of the most ancient synagogue in all the Americas. After uncovering Jewish history in the village and graveyard, (sounds spooky but trust us, its fascinating) cool down in the fresh water creeks of neighbouring Blakawatra. Total bliss after a day in the tropical heat.
French Guiana: From capital to coast
cayenne markets
The French influence in Cayenne is still a major attraction of this capital: a charming port town which promises to intrigue and delight the curious traveller. From your base at Hotel des Roches, take a stroll around the Place du Coq and sample the home-grown delights overflowing from this cute local market. Capture the picturesque views of the port town from the remains of Fort Ceperou, or simply unwind in a side-street café, surrounded by the beautiful, colonial architecture in its tropical setting.
devils island
The Isles du Diable, or ‘Devils Island’, which formed the French penal colony from 1884-1946 is a comfortable catamaran hop from the coast of French Guiana. Visit original guard and convict buildings straight from the pages of the classic novel ‘Papillion’, a true story of ex-convict Henri Charriere. Our private guides will bring these stories to life as you are led through the lush, tropical wilderness to walk in the footsteps of literary history.
kaiteur falls
les iles du salut
native bird
devils island ruins
suriname eco-resort
fresh produce
devils island kayaking
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