Wonders of the Guianas: French Guiana, Suriname & Guyana
Start in Cayenne, French Guiana End in Georgetown, Guyana | 10 Days | FROM $10,990
departs October 14, 2027
Travel with Michel Behar
With an optional post-trip extension through the Iwokrama Rainforest & the North Rupununi
Experience the vibrant cultures, rich history, and stunning natural wonders of French Guiana, Suriname, and Guyana on this immersive 10-day journey. Begin in Cayenne, exploring the colorful streets, historic landmarks, and the Guiana Space Center before sailing to the Îles du Salut, including the infamous Devil’s Island. Cross into Suriname to discover Paramaribo’s UNESCO-listed heritage, colonial plantations, and riverfront wildlife, highlighted by a sunset dolphin cruise and a hands-on culinary experience with a local chef. Continue to Guyana, where Georgetown’s markets, historic sites, and tropical wildlife along the Mahaica River—including the Hoatzin and rare Blood-colored Woodpecker—bring the region to life. The adventure culminates at the breathtaking Kaieteur Falls, the world’s largest single-drop waterfall by volume, set amid a vibrant ecosystem of rare plants and wildlife.
Three moments you’ll never forget
Fly over Guyana’s pristine rainforest to witness the spectacular Kaieteur Falls, plunging 741 feet into a dramatic gorge.
Travel by catamaran to French Guiana’s Salvation Islands, exploring the ruins of a notorious former penal colony and its fascinating history.
Venture into Guyana’s remote rainforest in search of the striking Guianan Cock-of-the-rock, known for its brilliant orange plumage and elaborate courtship displays.
FIELD LEADER, LECTURER & PHOTOGRAPHER
Go with Michel
A Dutch citizen, Michel Behar studied Russian and Arabic in the Netherlands and completed advanced Arabic studies at the University of Khartoum in Sudan. He speaks 12 languages,...DAY 1
ARRIVE CAYENNE, FRENCH GUIANA
Arrive in Cayenne, the capital of French Guiana, and transfer to your hotel. This evening, meet your field leader and group for a welcome briefing and dinner.
DAY 2
CAYENNE / KOUROU
Explore Cayenne’s historic center, including Fort Cépérou, Place des Palmistes, and its colorful Creole architecture. Continue to the Guiana Space Center for a guided tour of its launch facilities, assembly buildings, and control centers, subject to operational schedules.
DAY 3
KOUROU & SALVATION ISLANDS
Travel by catamaran to the Salvation Islands, once home to France’s notorious penal colony. Explore Île Royale and Île Saint-Joseph, discovering historic prison buildings and learning about the islands’ fascinating history, including their connection to Alfred Dreyfus.
DAY 4
KOUROU / PARAMARIBO, SURINAME
Travel to Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni to visit the historic Camp de la Transportation, once part of the French penal system. Cross the Maroni River by canoe into Suriname and continue to Paramaribo, the country’s capital.
DAY 5
PARAMARIBO
Discover Paramaribo’s UNESCO-listed historic center and distinctive Dutch colonial architecture. Visit Fort Zeelandia, Independence Square, the Presidential Palace, Palm Gardens, and St. Peter and Paul Cathedral before enjoying a traditional Surinamese culinary experience.
DAY 6
PARAMARIBO & COMMEWIJNE
Explore Commewijne’s historic plantations, including Peperpot, and visit Fort Nieuw Amsterdam. Enjoy a sunset river cruise in search of dolphins before visiting the restored Rust & Werk plantation and its Javanese community.
DAY 7
PARAMARIBO / GEORGETOWN, GUYANA
Fly to Georgetown and join local chef Delven Adams for a culinary tour of Bourda Market, followed by a freshly prepared meal at the Backyard Café. Later, cruise along the Demerara River at sunset, watching colorful birds return to their mangrove roosts.
DAY 8
GEORGETOWN & MAHAICA RIVER
Explore the Mahaica River in search of the Hoatzin, Guyana’s national bird, and other wildlife. Return to Georgetown to discover its historic landmarks, including St. George’s Cathedral and Stabroek Market, before visiting the Botanical Gardens to observe tropical birds and West Indian Manatees.
DAY 9
GEORGETOWN & KAIETEUR FALLS
Fly by small aircraft to spectacular Kaieteur Falls, plunging 741 feet into a rainforest gorge. Explore scenic viewpoints and discover the surrounding ecosystem, home to Golden Frogs, Guiana Cock-of-the-rock, and remarkable tropical plants. Return to Georgetown for a farewell dinner.
DAY 10
GEORGETOWN / HOMEWARD
Transfer to Georgetown’s airport for your independently arranged homeward flight.
Optional Post-Trip Extension: Venture into Guyana’s remote Iwokrama Rainforest and North Rupununi, exploring rainforest trails, the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway, and Karanambu Lodge, renowned for its Giant Otters, giant anteaters, and extraordinary wildlife.
Post-Trip Extension
Into the Guyana Wild: Jaguars, Giant Otters & Canopy Trails5 Nights
DAY 1
GEORGETOWN / IWOKRAMA RAINFOREST RESERVE
Continue your journey into Guyana’s remote interior with a flight to Fairview Airstrip. Travel through the rainforest to Atta Rainforest Lodge, watching for wildlife along the way. Explore the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway, with suspension bridges rising 100 feet above the forest floor.
DAY 2
IWOKRAMA RAINFOREST RESERVE
Experience the rainforest at dawn from the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway, searching for tropical birds and monkeys among the treetops. Explore surrounding forest trails in search of wildlife, including tapirs, agoutis, and rare bird species, with opportunities for nighttime wildlife viewing.
DAY 3
IWOKRAMA RAINFOREST RESERVE / KARANAMBU LODGE
Travel through the rainforest in search of the striking Guianan Cock-of-the-rock before continuing by boat along the Rupununi River to Karanambu Lodge. This renowned conservation property encompasses wetlands, savannah, and forest habitats supporting Giant Otters and diverse wildlife.
DAY 4
KARANAMBU LODGE
Explore the Rupununi savannah at dawn in search of giant anteaters foraging among termite mounds. Later, enjoy a river excursion and explore nearby forests and grasslands, looking for colorful birds, including the elusive Agami Heron, and nocturnal wildlife.
DAY 5
KARANAMBU LODGE / GEORGETOWN
Enjoy a final wildlife excursion in search of giant anteaters, Giant River Otters, and other remarkable species. Transfer to Lethem for your flight to Georgetown, where an evening tasting introduces Guyana’s celebrated El Dorado rums and their fascinating history.
DAY 6
GEORGETOWN / HOMEWARD
Transfer to Georgetown’s airport for your independently arranged homeward flight.
trip details
October 14, 2027 – October 23, 2027
optional Post-Trip Extension
October 24, 2027 – October 30, 2027
DEPARTURE
Start in Cayenne
“The Guianas are among the world’s most biodiverse regions, where Indigenous traditions, Dutch colonial history, and generations of migration have shaped a remarkable cultural mosaic. This journey explores the region’s complex past, rich diversity, and extraordinary natural heritage.”
— Michel Behar
More Detail
PRICING
Per Person: $10,990
Single Supplement: $1,990
EXTENSION PRICING
$5,990 per person
Add $490 for a single room
DEPOSIT
$1,500
GROUP SIZE
18 Travelers
What’s Included
Ready to Go?
Save your spot on our expedition by booking now.
October 14, 2027 – October 23, 2027