Rainforest and Rupununi Experience

This special program combines the pristine beauty of Guyana’s rainforests with the rugged landscape of the Rupununi savannahs.  Explore the Iwokrama Forest, see giant river otters, visit an Amerindian village, and enjoy the Shanklands Rain Forest Resort.

Day 1: Arrive in Guyana. Pick up and transfer to Cara Lodge, 150-year-old heritage house converted into a small hotel. Overnight at Cara Lodge.

Day 2: Today you will enjoy a city tour of Georgetown highlighting the extraordinary wooden architecture. The tour will include the Cathedral, the tallest wooden building in the world. We’ll conclude at the extensive and beautiful Botanic Garden. Overnight at Cara Lodge. Breakfast is included.

Day 3: Transfer to Ogle Airstrip for a flight to Karanambu Ranch. This is the home of Diane McTurk, widely known for her work in rehabilitating orphaned, giant river otters to the wild. Diane and her otters have appeared on National Geographic, Jeff Corwin Experience, Really Wild Show (BBC) and Calgary’s “Zoo World”. Karanambu has a long history of visiting naturalists and Diane’s father, Tiny McTurk, has welcomed David Attenborough and Gerald Durrell. Today’s generation of Edward and Melanie McTurk are your hosts, leaving Diane more time to develop the Karanambu Trust and work with her otters. Dinner with Diane, Edward and Melanie will include stories on the history of the family and the Rupununi Savannahs. Overnight at Karanambu Ranch. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

Day 4: Diane sometimes has resident orphaned otters and you can help her as she tends to them. You can visit Simoni Pond for some of the best inland fishing in Guyana (including Peacock Bass) or explore the flooded forest or savannah. Visits can be made to nearby ponds for birdwatching and to view the Victoria Amazonica, the world’s largest water lily and Guyana’s national flower. Explore the Rupununi River in search of wild Giant River Otters, Black Caiman and Arapaima. In the evening, you can visit Crane Pond to see hundreds of Ibis, Anhinga, Heron and Egret roosting. Overnight at Karanambu Ranch. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 5: After breakfast transfer by boat on the Rupununi River to Ginep Landing and then by 4x4 to the Amerindian village of Surama for a side trip. A local guide will escort you on a tour of the village. Visit the local school, medical centre and church along with some of the village houses. Take a walk across the savannah and then the gentle climb up Surama Mountain for incredible views across the village and savannah to the Pakaraima Mountains. Afternoon transfer back to Annai, Rock View Lodge. Overnight at Rock View Lodge. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

Day 6: Transfer before dawn to the new canopy walkway in the Iwokrama Forest; this allows you to experience the rainforest from 35 meters up in the treetops. After dinner we return to the walkway to experience the canopy at night. Overnight in Iwokrama Atta Rainforest Lodge. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

Day 7: This morning you can welcome the dawn chorus from the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway. After breakfast transfer by 4x4 Annai. After lunch take a scheduled flight to Georgetown and transfer by boat to the Essequibo to Shanklands Rain Forest Resort. Shanklands Rainforest Resort which is carved from the tropical rainforest on a majestic cliff overlooking the silver water of Guyana’s largest river, the Essequibo. White colonial style gingerbread cottages are set amidst twenty-five acres of rolling lawns with views of the Essequibo and Mazaruni Rivers and the gold mining town of Bartica. Afternoon free to enjoy activities at Shanklands. Overnight at Shanklands Rainforest Resort. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

Day 8: Today you can enjoy the nature trail which leads into the thick forest where you may encounter Tapir, Labba or other wildlife. The bird life at Shanklands is diverse; nearly 200 species have been observed here. The Essequibo River provides an excellent arena for water sports. Enjoy sunfish sailing, kayaking, water skiing and tubing. Less strenuous activities such as croquet, mini golf and volleyball can be played on the lawns and beaches. Overnight at Shanklands Rainforest Resort. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

Day 9: Morning to enjoy the facilities at Shanklands. This afternoon return to Georgetown. Overnight at Cara Lodge. Breakfast and lunch are included.

Day 10: Transfer to Cheddi Jagan International Airport for departing flight. Breakfast is included.

This trip can be customized to fit your wishes. For more information, contact PanAmerican Travel Services at 800.364.4359.

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