Guyana Nature Experience

Today is planned as an arrival day. Flights arrive at Cheddi Jagan International Airport in Georgetown, Guyana, located approximately 25 miles south of the capital city. Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport by our representative and transferred directly to a comfortable hotel. The journey takes about one hour, although this may vary depending on your flight’s arrival time.

If you are unable to arrange a flight that arrives before dinner time, we strongly recommend arriving a day earlier. Guests arriving on late flights this evening are likely to reach the hotel well after midnight, and there is a very early departure scheduled for tomorrow at 5:00 am.

Overnight at Cara Lodge. (No meals included on this day.)

We will depart before dawn, heading east along the Atlantic coast, with several stops to scan the mudflats for Scarlet Ibises as they set out to feed at first light. We will then continue to the community of Mahaica, where we will take a boat trip along the river. One of our main targets will be Guyana’s national bird, the bizarre and primitive Hoatzin, which is found in abundance throughout this river system.

We will also search for a wide variety of other species, including Rufous Crab Hawk (a localized species), Black-collared Hawk, Black Hawk-Eagle, Long-winged Harrier, Barred Antshrike, Silvered Antbird, Striped Cuckoo, Little Cuckoo, Black-capped Donacobius, Yellow Oriole, Green-tailed Jacamar, and Mangrove Cuckoo. This will also be our first opportunity to look for regional specialties such as White-bellied Piculet and Blood-colored Woodpecker.

Depending on the tide level, we may also explore the shoreline for species including Scarlet Ibis, White-rumped Sandpiper, White-cheeked Pintail, Western Sandpiper, Whimbrel, Black-bellied Plover, Short-billed Dowitcher, Tricolored Heron, Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, Snowy Egret, Little Blue Heron, Magnificent Frigatebird, Royal, Gull-billed, and Least Terns, as well as Brown Pelican. We should also encounter good numbers of Snail Kites, Limpkins, and Wattled Jacanas, among many others.

After breakfast at a cozy local spot, we will continue birding in the surrounding rice fields and mangrove patches, searching for a variety of waterbirds and possibly another chance to see the Rufous Crab Hawk.

We will return to the hotel for lunch. In the afternoon, we will visit either the Georgetown Botanical Gardens or Georgetown National Park to observe a range of localized and urban-adapted species in these attractive settings. Target birds may include Festive Amazon, Blood-colored Woodpecker, White-bellied Piculet, Red-shouldered Macaws, Toco Toucan, and several parrot species such as Festive, Orange-winged, and Yellow-crowned Amazons, along with Gray Kingbird, Violaceous Euphonia, Wing-barred Seedeater, and many others. Dinner will be served back at the hotel.

Overnight at Cara Lodge. (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we will take a chartered flight over pristine, unspoiled rainforest to Kaieteur Falls, the world’s highest free-falling waterfall. Although Venezuela’s Angel Falls is greater in total height, its filamentous descent occurs in stages, whereas Kaieteur is a single, massive, thundering cascade nearly 100 meters wide, created as the Potaro River plunges 228 meters—almost five times the height of Niagara Falls. The spectacle is made even more impressive by its remoteness.

Here, we will hope to see White-chinned and White-tipped Swifts swirling over the gorge, and perhaps be fortunate enough to enjoy our first sighting of the spectacular Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock. We may also see an Orange-breasted Falcon hunting its favorite prey—the swifts. In addition, we should be able to find the rare and endemic Golden Rocket Frog, which lives in water collected in the leaves of giant bromeliads. Flight departure times are dependent on weather conditions. There will be plenty of bottled water, soda drinks, sandwiches, nuts, and crackers for lunch.

Weather permitting, after approximately two hours at the falls, our flight will continue to Fairview Village, where we will be transferred to Iwokrama River Lodge, located in the heart of Guyana’s beautiful rainforest. Arriving at the lodge around 3:00 pm, we will settle into our accommodations, enjoy a late lunch, and prepare for an afternoon birding excursion along the nearby trails.

In the late afternoon, we will drive along the road before dark in search of the White-winged Potoo as it begins to feed at dusk. This species is rare and elusive, but with luck we may be able to find one.

Overnight at Iwokrama River Lodge. (B, L, D)

The Iwokrama Rainforest is an immense wilderness covering nearly one million acres. Established in 1996 as the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development, it lies within the Guiana Shield of northeastern South America—one of the last remaining largely untouched tropical forest regions on Earth. What sets Iwokrama apart is its people-centered approach to conservation. Unlike many protected areas, it actively involves local communities in all aspects of its work, from scientific research to sustainable business initiatives, ensuring that forest conservation also delivers tangible economic and social benefits.

On this morning, we will begin birding along the trail to Turtle Mountain. This roughly two-mile trail climbs to an elevation of about 950 feet and, while steep in sections, is well equipped with steps and handrails that make the ascent manageable. The open understory along the lower portion of the trail provides excellent opportunities to observe mixed-species flocks. Here we will search for species such as Fasciated, Cinereous, Dusky-throated, and Amazonian Antshrikes, Brown-bellied Stipplethroat, Black-chinned and Common Scale-backed Antbirds, as well as Wedge-billed and Buff-throated Woodcreepers. With some luck, we may even encounter a Red-and-black Grosbeak or a Yellow-billed Jacamar.

We will pause at a small clearing along the trail to scan the forest edge for Black Nunbirds and Guianan Trogons. As the trail begins to rise, the forest structure changes noticeably. Mixed-species flocks become common in the canopy along the upper sections, where shorter trees allow for improved visibility. In this habitat, we may find Red-legged, Green, and Purple Honeycreepers, along with Spotted, Paradise, Bay-headed, and Opal-rumped Tanagers.

After lunch, we will take a short ferry crossing of the Essequibo River and head to an extensive tract of white-sand forest on the opposite bank. The vegetation growing on these nutrient-poor soils is strikingly different from that of the surrounding rainforest: trees are stunted, shorter, and thinner, yet often grow in dense stands. This distinctive habitat supports a rich assemblage of white-sand forest specialists.

Target species may include Black-headed Antbird, Wing-banded Antbird, Grey-winged Trumpeter, Black Manakin, Rufous-crowned Elaenia, Saffron-crested Tyrant-Manakin, Pale-bellied Mourner, Bronzy Jacamar, Sapphire-rumped and Lilac-tailed Parrotlets, Black-throated Antbird, Spot-winged Antbird, Double-banded Pygmy-Tyrant, Pelzeln’s Tody-Tyrant, Red-shouldered Tanager, Guianan Schiffornis, McConnell’s Flycatcher, Rufous-tailed Flatbill, Plain-crowned Spinetail, Dusky Parrot, Red-fan Parrot, Blue-and-yellow Macaw, and other species characteristic of this unique Guianan habitat. With luck, we may also encounter the spectacular Guianan Red Cotinga, the dazzling Crimson Topaz, or the elusive Red-billed Woodcreeper.

We will also walk one of the forest trails in search of an active army-ant swarm, which could attract species such as Spotted Antpitta, White-plumed Antbird, Rufous-throated Antbird, and other ant-followers. Additional possibilities include Amazonian Pygmy-Owl, Black-faced Hawk, Guianan Trogon, Mottled Owl, Crested Owl, Northern Tawny-bellied Screech-Owl, the bizarre Capuchinbird, and the Ladder-tailed Nightjar.

We will return to the lodge after dark for dinner. Overnight at Iwokrama River Lodge. (B, L, D)

Before breakfast, we will take a trail to Atta’s canopy walkway, climbing more than 120 steps to reach the towers. From this elevated vantage point, we will spend time scanning the forest canopy for a variety of treetop specialists. With luck, we may encounter species such as Todd’s Antwren, Spot-tailed Antwren, Short-tailed Pygmy-Tyrant, Guianan Toucanet, Green Aracari, Painted Parakeet, Caica Parrot, Black-headed Parrot, Guianan Puffbird, Dusky Purpletuft, Paradise and Opal-rumped Tanagers, Golden-sided Euphonia, Purple and Green Honeycreepers, Black-faced Dacnis, and Black Nunbird, among others.

We will spend the remainder of the morning searching for the many remarkable birds that inhabit this area. Possibilities include Black Curassow, Marail Guan, Waved, Red-necked, Golden-collared, and Ringed Woodpeckers. This exceptional site is particularly renowned for its diversity of colorful cotingas, and if we are able to locate fruiting trees, we may be treated to an extraordinary spectacle featuring Pompadour, Purple-breasted, and Guianan Red Cotingas, along with White Bellbird and the spectacular Crimson Fruitcrow. Other potential sightings include Grey-winged Trumpeter, Cayenne Jay, Amazonian Barred Woodcreeper, Red-billed Woodcreeper, and Ferruginous-backed Antbird.

In the afternoon, a short walk will take us to a small stream crossing where we will look for Rose-breasted Chat, Guianan-streaked Antwren, Crimson Topaz, Black-chinned Antbird, Dusky Antbird, Cinnamon-throated Woodcreeper, and Chapman’s Swift.

Overnight at Atta Rainforest Lodge. (B, L, D)

After a final breakfast at Atta Rainforest Lodge, we will enjoy a short morning birding session in the surrounding forest. Possible sightings include Pied Puffbird, Red-throated Caracara, and Amazonian Grosbeak. We will then begin our drive toward Surama Village, home of the Makushi people, making frequent birding stops along the way.

This transfer offers excellent opportunities to observe a wide variety of forest species, with possibilities including Marail Guan, Green Aracari, Guianan Puffbird, Dusky Purpletuft, Black-spotted Barbet, Green Oropendola, and the striking Crimson Fruitcrow. Raptors are a particular highlight in this region, and we will be on the lookout for Harpy Eagle, Crested Eagle, Ornate Hawk-Eagle, Black Hawk-Eagle, Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle, and Tiny Hawk. There is also a chance of encountering mammals, and sightings of Jaguar, Puma, or Ocelot are all possible during this drive. If an active Harpy Eagle nest is known along our route, we will make a special effort to enter the forest for a closer look at this extraordinary bird.

Additional stops may be made at selected trails en route, where Gray-winged Trumpeter, Guianan Cock-of-the-rock, Ferruginous-backed Antbird, and even Black Spider Monkey are possible. We will then continue on to Surama Ecolodge, arriving in time for lunch.

Upon arrival, we will be welcomed by the lodge staff and settle into our accommodations. Surama is a friendly indigenous community set within approximately five square miles of savanna and surrounded by the forested foothills of the Pakaraima Mountains. The lodge offers rustic yet comfortable benab-style accommodations with en-suite bathrooms, and meals feature excellent locally sourced produce. The Makushi people who live here continue to practice many of their traditional customs.

In the late afternoon, we will explore the area around the lodge, including forest edge and open savanna habitats. Target species may include Savanna Hawk, Fork-tailed Palm-Swift, Red-bellied Macaw, Black, Crested, and Yellow-headed Caracaras, Scaled Pigeon, Plain-crested and Lesser Elaenias, Cayenne Jay, Ruddy-breasted Seedeater, and Finsch’s Euphonia. We will also walk the Great Potoo Trail, where we hope to find one or more Great Potoos roosting in good light. Other possibilities here include Grassland Sparrow, Forest Elaenia, White-throated Toucan, Finch’s Euphonia, Scarlet Macaw, Striped Woodcreeper, Spotted Puffbird, King Vulture, and—time permitting—the elusive Ocellated Crake.

As dusk falls, nocturnal birds become active around the lodge, with Common Pauraque, White-tailed Nightjar, Least and Lesser Nighthawks, as well as Tropical and Tawny-bellied Screech-Owls often heard and seen. Overnight at Surama Eco Lodge. (B, L, D)

Surama Village is renowned as a raptor haven, thanks to its exceptional combination of hábitats -open grassland surrounded by primary tropical rainforest and rugged mountains. This unique setting offers outstanding opportunities to observe some of the world’s most impressive birds of prey, including the planet’s most powerful eagle. Active Harpy Eagle nests have been found near the community, and we will dedicate this day to observing Harpy Eagles at their nesting sites.

A scenic 30-minute drive from Surama Ecolodge will bring us to the Harpy Eagle Nature Trail. From there, we will walk along a flat forest trail for approximately one hour to reach the nesting area. If the eagles are not present upon our arrival, we will patiently wait for their return from hunting. On previous visits, we have witnessed adult Harpy Eagles bringing prey to the nest, including monkeys, sloths, iguanas, macaws, and Red-rumped Agoutis.

In addition to the Harpy Eagles, this area offers several other highlights. We may visit a reliable roosting site for Long-tailed Potoo and look for Northern Tawny-bellied Screech-Owl. A White-throated Manakin lek is visible along the trail, and in the canopy we may also encounter Capuchinbirds displaying at their lek. This is also an excellent opportunity to search for a variety of secretive forest species, including Rufous-bellied Antwren, Collared Puffbird, White-crowned Manakin, Cinnamon-crested Spadebill, Scale-backed Antbird, and White-plumed Antbird.

We will have lunch at Surama Junction before returning to the lodge. The remainder of the afternoon will be at leisure until we reconvene for dinner in the evening. Overnight at Surama Eco Lodge. (B, L, D)

This day has been set aside to revisit several key areas around Surama in order to search for any target species we may have missed earlier in the tour. The birding in this region can be challenging, with several notoriously elusive species, and having this extra day greatly increases our chances of success. One such species is the Ferruginous-backed Antbird, which can require patience and repeated effort.

We will focus much of our time along the Burro-Burro River trail, an area well known for its diversity and for offering some of the most reliable opportunities in the region to search for the highly sought-after Rufous-winged Ground-Cuckoo, one of the true specialties of the area. While this species is always difficult to find and never guaranteed, the surrounding forests here are considered among the best places in the Neotropics to look for it. Encounters are often associated with active army-ant swarms, which are surprisingly regular in this area and can also attract a variety of ant-following species.

Other possible sightings along this trail include Blue-throated Piping-Guan, Capuchinbird, Guianan Puffbird, Rufous-bellied Antwren, Rufous-throated Antbird, White-plumed Antbird, Brown-bellied Antwren, Golden-collared Woodpecker, Fiery-tailed Awlbill, Red-legged Honeycreeper, and, with luck, the scarce Red-billed Woodcreeper.

The grasslands surrounding the lodge also deserve special attention, as they support a healthy population of the elusive Ocellated Crake—although considerable effort and patience are usually required to see this “mega” species. Additional grassland and savanna birds may include Plain-crested Elaenia, Lesser Elaenia, White-naped Xenopsaris, and Cayenne Jay.

More regularly encountered species in the broader area include Great Jacamar, Black-necked and Green Aracaris, Crimson-crested and Red-necked Woodpeckers, Rufous-bellied Antwren, and White-crowned and Golden-headed Manakins. This flexible day allows us to maximize our chances of connecting with these difficult and highly desired species before continuing onward in the itinerary. Overnight at Surama Eco Lodge. (B, L, D)

This morning is known as our “Clean-Up Campaign.” We will spend the entire morning birding the surroundings of Surama Village as we gradually make our way toward Rock View Lodge. Several key areas will be revisited in order to look for any species we may have missed earlier. Possible sightings include an Ornate Hawk-Eagle nest, Spotted Antpitta, Painted Tody-Flycatcher, Blue-backed Tanager, Guianan Red Cotinga, and a variety of hummingbirds such as Racket-tailed Coquette and Fiery-tailed Awlbill.

Lunch will be served at Surama Junction, and in the mid-afternoon we will continue our drive to Rock View Lodge.

Rock View Lodge is situated in the Northern Rupununi savannas, framed by the Pakaraima and Kanuku mountain ranges. To the east, the dramatic Makarapan and Iwokrama Mountains rise prominently on the horizon. This region is characterized by vast open flatlands extending south toward the Brazilian border and supports a mosaic of tropical grasslands, scattered trees, savanna, shrubs, and scrubby vegetation.

At dusk, we will search for nocturnal species such as Nacunda, Least Nighthawk, and Lesser Nighthawk. Once we return to the lodge, and prior to dinner, we will review the day’s bird checklist. Overnight at Rock View Lodge.  (B, L, D)

This morning, we will once again set out early in our 4×4 vehicles, driving through this remarkable landscape in search of the endangered Sun Parakeet. Ecologically, this region forms part of a series of savannas that separate the forests of two vast biomes, the Orinoquian and the Amazonian. Although the terrain may appear uniform at first glance, it contains a variety of microhabitats that support highly specialized bird species.

We will spend the morning exploring wetlands and scrubby vegetation, where we may encounter a Pinnated Bittern along muddy pond edges, while tall grasses may yield the charming Bearded Tachuri and Crested Doradito. The White-tailed Goldenthroat (a hummingbird) may be seen visiting flowering plants in or near shallow wetlands, and the widespread Burrowing Owl often stands in areas that remain unflooded. We will also search short seasonal grasslands for pairs of Buff-necked Ibis and listen for the subdued song of the Yellowish Pipit.

Beyond birds, this expansive landscape also offers excellent chances to spot Giant Anteater. Additional open-country species we may encounter include Aplomado Falcon, Pearl Kite, White-tailed Hawk, Double-striped Thick-knee, Maguari Stork, Azure Gallinule, and Jabiru.

After a productive morning of savanna birding, we will continue to the village of Karasabai, an Amerindian community located in the foothills of the Pakaraima Mountains and one of the strongholds of the spectacular Sun Parakeet. This area is a fine example of community-led conservation. Once nearly eliminated from the region due to trapping for the pet trade, the Sun Parakeet population has begun to recover under the protection of the Karasabai community. We will likely spend some time learning about this successful conservation initiative while searching for the parakeets.

Other notable species in the area include distinctive subspecies of White-bellied Piculet and Yellow-hooded Blackbird -both potential future splits- as well as Hooded Siskin, Toco Toucan, and Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl. After lunch in the village, we will bird our way back across the savannas toward Manari Ranch, located on the outskirts of Lethem, continuing to search for open-country species along the route.

The drive is likely to take much of the afternoon, but upon arrival at the comfortable Manari Ranch, we will relax and enjoy an early dinner. (B, L, D)

This morning will once again find us in the field before dawn as we drive to areas of dry scrub forest along the Takutu and Ireng Rivers, which form Guyana’s southwestern border with Brazil. Our primary targets here are two poorly known and highly localized endemic species: Hoary-throated Spinetail and Rio Branco Antbird. Another possible highlight is the lively Chestnut-vented Conebill, which moves in small, active groups through the riverine forest. We will also search for Crestless Curassow (often difficult to locate), Pearl Kite, Aplomado Falcon, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, White-throated Kingbird, and Flavescent Warbler.

We will return to Manari Ranch for lunch before departing for Wichabai Ranch in the southern Rupununi.

In the afternoon, we will set out in our 4×4 vehicles for a drive of approximately 90 km southeast of Lethem. The journey typically takes around three hours, depending on wildlife sightings along the way. The route follows a quiet, traffic-free sandy track winding across rolling savannas, offering numerous opportunities for spontaneous birding stops. We will scan wetlands for species such as Maguari Stork, Brazilian Teal, White-tailed Hawk, Double-striped Thick-knee, and Bearded Tachuri.

Along the way, we will pass the Amerindian communities of St. Ignatius and Shulinab, where traditional homes and lifestyles provide insight into the cultural heritage of southern Guyana. We will meet a local guide who has been studying the rare and localized Red Siskin, a species first recorded in Guyana in 2000. Our efforts will focus on finding Red Siskin, Pale-bellied Tyrant-Manakin, and Sharp-tailed Ibis -highly sought-after species for birders- though many additional birds are likely to be encountered.

Other possible species in the area include Point-tailed Palmcreeper, Little Chachalaca, Black-collared Hawk, Amazonian Scrub Flycatcher, Plain-crested Elaenia, Pale-tipped Inezia, Brown-crested Flycatcher, White-naped Xenopsaris, Burnished-buff Tanager, Rufous-browed Peppershrike, Tropical Gnatcatcher, Glittering-throated Emerald, Ashy-headed Greenlet, Hooded Tanager, Vermilion Flycatcher, and Flavescent Warbler.

We plan to arrive at the comfortable Wichabai Ranch just before dusk. (B, L, D)

Today we will focus on visiting Red Siskin habitat on community lands belonging to the villages of Sandcreek and Rupunau, located near the foothills of the Kanuku Mountains Protected Area. To maximize our chances, we will depart the lodge before dawn and drive to the community of Sandcreek. There, we will visit known siskin roosting areas, where we may observe individuals in adult male and female plumages, as well as subadults and possibly juveniles.

Along the way, we will watch for a variety of additional species, including Yellowish Pipit, Crested Bobwhite, Zone-tailed Hawk, White-tailed Hawk, Buff-necked Ibis, and the rare but localized Sharp-tailed Ibis. We may also encounter Plumbeous, Gray, Ruddy-breasted, and Yellow-bellied Seedeaters, as well as Rufous-winged Antwren along the forest edge canopy.

Once we have completed our time in the siskin habitat, we will return for lunch before beginning our journey back to Manari Ranch. En route, we will continue birding and may encounter species such as Red-bellied and Red-shouldered Macaws, Pale-bellied Tyrant-Manakin, White-barred Piculet, Pale-eyed Pygmy-Tyrant, and Finsch’s Euphonia.

This drive takes us through prime Giant Anteater territory, where these remarkable mammals often forage at the numerous termite mounds scattered across the landscape. We will then return to Manari Ranch for the night. (B, L, D)

On our final morning, we will be out before dawn birding the surroundings of Manari Ranch. Target species in this area may include Lowland Hepatic Tanager, Green-rumped Parrotlet, Brown-throated Parakeet, Little and Spot-breasted Woodpeckers, and White-throated Kingbird, with additional chances along the nearby river for Sungrebe. This morning’s outing will bring our Guiana Shield birding expedition to a close.

Lunch will be served at Manari Ranch, followed by a short 20-minute drive to Lethem, where we will board a one-hour commercial flight to Georgetown. Upon arrival at the city’s domestic airport, our driver or staff will meet us and transfer us to our hotel, where we will enjoy our final dinner of the tour. Overnight at Cara Lodge. (B, L, D)

The tour concludes this morning with a transfer to the airport for your international flights home.

Depending on the departure time of your flight, your airport transfer will be arranged to ensure arrival at the airport with ample time for check-in. (B)