The 3 Guyanas - 3 Star Version

We will pick you up at the airport, and then transfer you to your selected hotel. Kanuku Suites offers budget style accommodation in a quiet, residential community on the outskirts of central Georgetown. The ensuite rooms are air-conditioned and have high speed internet access. The hotel is a stones throw from the street that never sleeps: Sherriff Street, and within walking distance of restaurants, supermarkets, gift shops and the some of the most popular entertainment hot spots in the city. The city centre and commercial district are 5 minutes away by taxi. Overnight at Kanuku Suites. (Check in time 1400hrs, Check out time 1100hrs)

Pickup and transfer to Eugene F. Correia International Airport. From the Eugene F. Correia International Airport take a scheduled flight over the Demerara and Essequibo Rivers and hundreds of miles of unbroken tropical rainforest to land at Kaieteur Falls, the world's highest free-falling waterfall.
Kaieteur Falls which was first seen by a European on April 29, 1870 is situated in the heart of Guyana on the Potaro River, a tributary of the Essequibo. The water of Kaieteur, one of the worlds natural wonders, flows over a sandstone conglomerate tableland into a deep gorge - a drop of 741 feet or 5 times the height of Niagara Falls.
There are no other falls in the world with the magnitude of the sheer drop existing at Kaieteur. Amerindian legend of the Patamona tribe has it that Kai, one of the tribe's chiefs (after whom the falls is named), committed self sacrifice by canoeing himself over the falls. It was believed this would encourage the Great Spirit Makonaima to save the tribe from being destroyed by the savage Caribishi. Kaieteur supports a unique micro environment with Tank Bromeliads, the largest in the world, in which the tiny Golden frog spends its entire life and the rarely seen Guiana Cock- of-the-rock nesting close by. The lucky visitor may also see the famous flights of the Kaieteur Swifts or Makonaima Birds which nest under the vast shelf of rock carved by the centuries of water, hidden behind the eternal curtain of falling water.

Flights to Kaieteur Falls are operated on chartered aircraft and all flights have a minimum passenger restriction. Therefore, any booking to Kaieteur Falls is subject to a minimum of 12 passengers being available to travel. In most cases we are able to fill flights. However, in the rare case that we cannot meet the required numbers we will reschedule the trip to another day during your stay, if this is possible. We retain the right to reschedule a flight as a first option. If we cannot reschedule the flight we will guarantee a flight, with a minimum of 2 passengers, to Kaieteur Falls only. If a flight is cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control, such as weather, we will endeavour to reschedule the flight during your itinerary. If this is not possible then a full refund of the flight will be made.

Overnight at Kanuku Suites.

Meals: B

We will pick you up at your selected hotel and then transfer you to the Arrowpoint Marina. Once the boat is loaded with the luggage, we will make our way slowly up the mighty Demerara, before following the Kamuni and Pokerero Creek, a smaller "black water" tributary and such a contrast after the muddy brown waters of the Demerara. Here, our journey becomes quite magical with the mirror-like surface of the tannin stained waters reflecting the surrounding vegetation. As we enter the Amerindian Reserve, the habitat changes from forest to more open savannah and seasonally flooded swamp. Ringed Kingfishers and Greater Anis, together with other riverside birds, are common here. We will visit the village of Santa Mission, which is a community of Arawak and Carib Amerindians. Arrowpoint Nature Resort is found within the Amerindian Reserve of Santa, situated overlooking savannah and the Pokerero Creek, and surrounded by rainforest.
The lodge is surrounded by a variety of habitats, including open grassy marsh and scattered stands of Moriche Palm and fairly tall sandbelt forest. There is an ample trail system (which we will be making full use of this afternoon) and additionally there is the attractive option of birding by canoe along the more peaceful stretches of water upstream. All rooms have full bathroom facilities with fresh running water. Dinner is served under the stars with the delight of the sounds of the night creatures. When the sun goes down, the beach is transformed into a festival of lights provided by traditional mounted flambé and a spectacular large bonfire. An indigenous atmosphere is created as a mouth watering three course dinner is served buffet style on the beach.
After dinner enjoy a night walk through the dark jungle trails with your own head lamp (provided by resort) and experienced local guide. This is a unique opportunity to experience the other side of the tropical rainforest. The deep beauty of the tropical night comes alive with vast numbers of fire flies sparkling through the trees as the different colors eyes of the night creatures light up the jungle night. For your return journey you will paddle along the dark waters of the creek which will surprisingly become nearly transparent as you look into it with your head lamp and the colorful eyes of the marine life looks back at you. Overnight Arrowpoint Nature Resort.

Meals: B, L & D

This morning before breakfast take canoes out to birdwatch along the creek. In palms we may encounter the strikingly beautiful Point-tailed Palmcreeper. We may also see Sungrebe, Sunbittern, and a myriad of hummingbirds including the Black-throated Mango and Green-tailed Goldenthroat. But the one everyone wants to see is the magnificent Crimson Topaz which occurs along the streams. Continue birdwatching in the late afternoon, watching for flocks of Red-bellied Macaws crossing the sky en route to their roosts, and perhaps seeing an evening gathering of euphonias and other tanagers in low trees of the clearing. Sapphire-rumped Parrotlets occasionally roost in the area. You also have the choice of hiking on the trails network system. This is a vast and interesting system. There are three 4 hour hikes that start and end at the resort. You can do the complete hike or just part of it to suit your fitness and interest. The trails vary in difficulty and are all located in the jungle and will take you through areas of wilderness for many miles, passing along the way isolated Amerindian dwellings. There is also the option of various levels of mountain biking. Overnight Arrowpoint Nature Resort.

Meals: B, L & D

Enjoy your morning coffee overlooking the amazing views of the Pokero Creek. After breakfast transfer by boat back to the Arrowpoint Marina. We will pick you up at the Arrowpoint Marina, and then transfer you to your selected hotel. Optional tour (not included in the final rate below) - US$75 per person min of 2: At the Diamond Distillery you will see firsthand how the company has maintained the standards and methods of the age-old industry; working in tandem with the most up to date facilities and equipment. The unique blends of these rums are produced from a combination of Continuous Stills, Wooden Coffey Stills and Wooden Pot Stills, the only such wooden stills of its kind in existence in the world today.
The distillery has the capacity to produce in excess of 26 million litres of pure alcohol annually, and is one of the largest suppliers of bulk rums and alcohols from the Caribbean to brand owners in Europe and North America. The warehouse is situated next to the distillery and has the capacity to store over 65,000 barrels of rums annually. These rums are used in the production of the international award winning rums - EL DORADO.
At the Heritage Centre you will see models of the working Stills that they would have seen at the distillery and a photographic collection of the company's history. Optional tour (not included in the final rate below) - US$85 per person: First we will explore the magnificent Anjees Sari Store which features a huge variety of saris, from day time wear to special occasion and even the most elaborate wedding attire for both women and men.

After we have explored the full range of clothing and jewelry, trinkets and fabric, we will then head upstairs to the restaurant to celebrate our wonderful Guyanese tradition; the Seven curry. Seven curry is a staple at all Indo-Guyanese weddings and religious functions. It is served in a freshly picked lotus lily leaf with rice and seven different curries. Traditionally the curries are all vegetarian. Most commonly served are pumpkin, bagee (spinach), catahar (breadnut), potato/channa (chick peas), boulanger (eggplant), eddoe and dhal. You hold the leaf with the curries in one hand, and use your other to eat the food. Definitely a challenge to eat gracefully, but so much fun and delicious!! Overnight at Kanuku Suites.

Meals: B

Georgetown the chief port, capital and largest city of Guyana is situated on the right bank of the Demerara River Estuary. It was chosen as a site for a fort to guard the early Dutch settlements of the Demerara River. The city of Georgetown was designed largely by the Dutch and is laid out in a rectangular pattern with wide tree lined avenues and irrigation canals that criss cross the city.

Most of the buildings in the city are wooden with unique architecture dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. For the most part the buildings have Demerara shutters and designed fretwork which trim eaves and windows. Main Street, Georgetown provides several excellent examples of old colonial homes, a prime example of which is the State House, built in 1852. The State House is set in large gardens and is painted green and white and has hosted many visiting dignitaries.
During your visit to Georgetown there are a number of interesting sights that should not be missed: the most famous being St. George's Cathedral. The Cathedral is one of the world's tallest free standing wooden buildings and was consecrated on 1892. The foundation stone was laid on November 23, 1890 and the building was designed by Sir Arthur Bloomfield. The story of the cathedral is told on the interior on tablets and memorials of a historical and sentimental nature: it is the tale of the history of Guyana in general and of the Diocese in particular.
At the beginning of the Avenue of the Republic stands the Public Library housed in the Carnegie Building. Other historic buildings along this promenade are the Town Hall, a splendid example of Gothic architecture, and further along are the Victoria Law Courts and St. Andrews Kirk. St. Andrew's is the oldest surviving structure of any church in Guyana.

The famous Stabroek Market, once described as a "bizarre bazaar", contains every conceivable item from house hold goods and gold jewellery to fresh meat and vegetables brought to town on the river daily. The clock tower can be seen for miles around and is a famous landmark.
No trip to Georgetown would be complete without a visit to the Botanical Gardens and zoo. The Botanical Gardens houses one of the most extensive collections of tropical flora in the Caribbean and are laid out with ponds, canals, kissing bridges and bandstand. Over 100 species of Guyanese wildlife can be observed at the Zoo including a wide variety of tropical fishes and birds.

The National Museum which contains a broad selection of our animal life and heritage should not be missed, nor the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology, which explains Amerindian history and life style.

The tour will include walking along the Avenues with an experienced guide who will give you the history, rumour and facts on Georgetown and its citizens. The group will be accompanied at all times by a vehicle, which will be used for travel between areas of interest. During the tour there is always the opportunity to purchase that unusual gift or unique Guyanese handicrafts, or for the daring the chance to delve into the gold and diamond market.

Pickup and transfer to Cheddi Jagan International Airport for your departing flight. ( Surinam Airways flight - ticket not included in the final rate )

We will pick you up at the JA Pengal International airport and transfer you to the hotel.

Formerly a statuesque townhouse, the Eco Resort Inn has been lovingly renovated while maintaining the authenticity of its exquisite colonial architecture. It has been transformed into the most charming lobby of one of Paramaribo's most favoured hotels with numerous eco-friendly features. Located within a 5-minute walk of the historic centre of Paramaribo and the tantalizing city life, rooms offer either a breath taking view of the Suriname river or a beautiful view of our lovely garden. The hotel is simply ideal for guests who want to visit Suriname to relax and unwind.

Overnight in a Standard Room at Eco Resort Inn. (Check in time 1700hrs, Check out time 1300hrs)

Meals: B

Today we head to the Commewijne district which is situated to the east of Paramaribo across the Suriname River. The tour takes us along the former colonial plantations, most of which are now abandoned. We make a stop at plantation Peperpot where the old coffee and cocoa factory, deputy-director's house and the old office are located. This former plantation is one of the oldest plantations in Surinamese history. Peperpot was established by the English and already existed before Suriname was conquered by the natives from Zeeland under command of Abraham Crijnssen in 1667. This is one of the last plantations still in its former original state. On the plantation you can still see coffee and cocoa plants as well as an ancient shed and factory, the manager's residence and a kampong (workers' living area). Peperpot is renowned for the many birds which can be spotted.

From Peperpot, we make a stop at the mini-museum of Marienburg, a former sugar plantation before enjoying a delicious lunch in a typical Javanese restaurant (warung) in Tamanredjo before continuing to the confluence of the Commewijne and Suriname Rivers at Nieuw Amsterdam. Here we will a visit the outdoor museum Fort Nieuw Amsterdam. The large fortress was built as a defense for the crop fields that were situated along the upper parts of both rivers.

Optional tour (not included in the final rate below) - US$85 per person min of 6: We continue our tour to the pier at Leonsburg where we will be picked up for the Sunset Dolphin tour. While having a drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) we enjoy the cool breeze and river views. Meanwhile the captain searches the horizon for the dolphins. Normally we see them swim by in groups of up to 20 dolphins. Sometimes they're very curious and if we are lucky they will jump and play close to the boat. After having enjoyed this playful company we part for wonderful restored plantation where we will enjoy freshly made local snacks like barra, baka bana or eggroll while experiencing the beautiful sunset. All this takes place in a relaxing atmosphere of the old plantation village on a wooden deck near the waterfront of the Commewijne River. After the sun has set we will get back on board, pour another drink, and slowly make our way back to Leonsberg. Transfer back to the hotel. Overnight in a Standard Room at Eco Resort Inn.

Meals: B, L

Paramaribo, the capital city of Suriname, has been placed on the UNESCO "World Heritage" list of historical monuments since 2002. You will receive a guided tour, by car and on foot, along the most prominent historic locations in downtown Paramaribo during which you will be impressed by the unique architecture. The guide gives you extensive information about the former "Fort Zeelandia", the Presidential Palace, the Independence Square and many other monuments. The monumental buildings are a true representation of the colonial history of Suriname. After a stroll past the Waterkant, along the bank of the Suriname River and through the Palms Garden, you will also enjoy other interesting sites such as a mosque right next to a synagogue.
Return to your hotel.
Overnight in a Standard Room at Eco Resort Inn.

Meals: B

This morning we will travel approximately 70 km to the South of Paramaribo, where on the right bank of the Suriname river, lies Jodensavanne. A former Jewish settlement, it is named after the Jewish people who settled in this savanne area around 1650. This former Jewish villagope is where the ruins of the most ancient synagogue of North and South America lies and the graveyard can still be seen. Nowadays, these remnants have been cleaned and a simple cottage has been set up as a museum. The tour continues to recreation park Colakreek where you have the opportunity to swim and relax in the refreshing water. The leaves falling in the water give the creek its dark color which looks like that of the Coca Cola drink, hence the name Colakreek.
Return to your hotel.
We will pick you up at the hotel, and then transfer you to the JA Pengal International airport. (Surinam Airways ticket not included in the final rate below)

Meals: B, L

Arrival in French Guiana. Meet and Greet by our company's representative and transfer to your hotel. Best Western Hotel Amazonia is a budget hotel centrally located in the main shopping area of Cayenne. Bars, restaurants and parks are all only a short stroll away. Each of the 124 rooms include a fridge, room safe, direct line telephone, free internet access via Wi-Fi and flat screen television with satellite channels. The hotel also has a swimming pool.
This afternoon enjoy a tour of Cayenne, which is the capital, administrative and commercial centre of French Guiana. At the same time, it is a typical creole town with about 50,000 inhabitants, half of the entire population of the country. The Fort Cépérou, the Place Léopold Heder, the hotel of the Jésuites, the Place de Grenoble, the Place des Palmistes, the colonial hospital, the Franconie Museum, the town hall and the city center are the gems of Cayenne. We will also visit the traditional market, full of exotic odors, as well as an opportunity for shopping.
Return to your hotel. Overnight at Best Western Hotel Amazonia in a standard room. (Check in time 1400hrs, Check out time 12midday)

Meals: B

Breakfast at the hotel. Pickup and transfer to Kourou. What is commonly referred to as "Devils Island" is really a triangle of three islands - Îles du Salut, or the Salvation Islands - seven miles off the coast of Kourou. After a varied breakfast buffet at the hotel, we set sail aboard a fine motorized catamaran towards our first stop, Île Saint-Joseph.

The islands played a central role in French history as far back as 1792 when they were first employed as a transit point, first for explorers, then slaves and later for political prisoners. Île Saint-Joseph is the southernmost island and is home to the most striking incarceration facilities that made up this notorious penal colony.
Île Royale is the site of the oldest buildings on the islands, featuring an old church, administration buildings, officers' quarters, and today, a good restaurant and lodging facilities. Ironically, the actual Île du Diable (Devil's Island) is inaccessible to visitors due to dangerous shoreline conditions. This is the island where the prison's best-known occupant, Alfred Dreyfus, was famously secluded.

Your tour begins on Île St. Joseph which can be easily circumnavigated on foot in less than two hours. The prison buildings here are quite well preserved, and you can meander at will through the cell blocks, dormitory buildings, and other structures while taking photographs or simply soaking in the powerful ambience. The countless scenes of nature slowly but relentlessly reclaiming the land here are really quite remarkable... you'll lose count of how many tree roots you see growing out of one cell door and curving around to enter an adjacent cell. If your walking tour wraps up early, there are plenty of shady trees under which you can catch a cool breeze, or you can dip your toe in one of the shallow tidepools on the north side of the island. Return to Kourou by catamaran and transfer to Cayenne and to your hotel.

The Hotel des Roches rests on a tiny finger of sand jutting into the Kourou River where it meets the Atlantic Ocean. The tower adjacent to the hotel, Dreyfus Tower, was a communication link to the Iles du Salut: its rocky perch serves as a perfect place to relax during sunset. Overnight in a Standard room. (Check in time 1400hrs, Check out time 1400hrs)

Meals: B, L

Transfer to the Center Spatiale Guyanaise (Guyana Space Center) for a tour. Launch schedules are a closely-held secret so our schedule today may be amended on short notice. The usual tour includes a motorcoach tour which criss-crosses the center's mammoth facility, including stops at various assembly buildings and control centers. The entire tour is offered in French, but your guide will supply translations as often as possible.
Transfer to Cayenne and onwards to the airport for your departing flight home.

Meals: B

End of our services.