Guyana & Suriname in 3 weeks

21 days – from €9,075 – per person

nature – off the beaten track – culture

Day 4 | Iwokrama Rainforest

Before sunrise, you’ll return to the canopy walkway for some peaceful birdwatching amongst the treetops. Here, you might spot colourful species such as hummingbirds, aracaris and cotingas. With a bit of luck, you may also spot red howler monkeys or black-and-white spider monkeys moving through the canopy. Around the lodge, too, you can enjoy walks along the forest trails, home to countless species of birds, insects, amphibians and monkeys. Deer, tapirs and agoutis also make regular appearances. Keen birdwatchers can try their luck in the undergrowth, searching for rarer species. After sunset, the forest comes to life. During an evening walk, you may spot unusual nocturnal animals, such as the elusive white-winged potoo or even one of the big cats that inhabit this area.
Accommodation: Atta Rainforest Lodge | full board

Day 5 | Iwokrama Rainforest – Rupununi

Early in the morning, enjoy the rainforest’s morning concert from the canopy walkway. You’ll then return to the lodge for breakfast and get ready to set off. The journey continues straight through the rainforest to Corkwood, where you’ll go on a relatively short walk in search of one of Guyana’s most striking birds: the brightly coloured rock partridge. Along the way, the guide will tell you more about the unspoilt forest and how the plants are traditionally used for medicines and other purposes. After this stop, you’ll travel on to Ginep Landing, where you’ll board a boat for a trip along the Rupununi River towards Karanambu Lodge. Depending on the water level, this is an excellent opportunity to spot giant otters, as several family groups live along this river. The Northern Rupununi is renowned for its vast swamps and savannahs, and is home to an unparalleled biological and cultural diversity. Here you will find savannah, swamp pools, riverine forests and a 50 km stretch of the Rupununi River. Thanks to the proximity of both the river and the savannah, there are many activities on offer. For example, in the late afternoon you’ll set off by boat in search of wild giant otters. At dusk, you’ll visit the pools where the giant water lily, Victoria amazonica, opens its flowers. On the way back, you’ll use a spotlight to search for black caimans and other nocturnal animals.
Overnight stay: Karanambu Lodge | bed and breakfast

Day 6 | Rupununi

Early in the morning, you’ll set off for an area of grassland – the habitat of the giant anteater. With a bit of luck, you might spot one of these impressive animals – up to two metres long – as it digs out its breakfast from a termite mound. Giant anteaters live solitary lives within overlapping territories and are usually only seen together during the mating season, in fights between males, or when a mother carries her young on her back. In the evening, you can take a boat trip along the river, or – for birdwatchers – explore the forest edges and gallery forests along the banks in search of rare species. A striking sight in this area is the rare Agami heron. During an evening walk along the airstrip, you may spot seven species of nightjars and, in the surrounding grasslands, the double-striped thick-billed bird.
Accommodation: Karanambu Lodge | bed and breakfast

Day 7 | Rupununi – Georgetown

If you didn’t spot the giant anteater the previous morning, there’s still time to explore the savannah again. You can also cruise down the Rupununi River in search of wild giant otters, black caimans and arapaimas during a boat trip along calm stretches of the river. You will then return to the lodge for breakfast, after which you will depart. The transfer will take you from Karanambu Lodge across the savannah to Lethem. From there, you’ll take a flight back to Georgetown. On arrival in Georgetown, you will be collected again and taken to your hotel. This evening you will enjoy a special dinner, hosted by the ‘Singing Chef’. Guyana boasts a rich culinary tradition featuring fresh fish, succulent prawns, grass-fed meat and colourful fruit and vegetables. Chef Eon John, better known as the Singing Chef, combines classic Guyanese dishes with a modern twist and cooks live for you in his charming garden, surrounded by herbs and fruit trees. Enjoy a personalised dinner with carefully selected ingredients, accompanied by his live music under the stars – a fantastic experience.
Accommodation: Cara Lodge | bed and breakfast

Day 8 | Georgetown

You’ll start early this morning with breakfast at a local stall, together with your guide (and culinary master) Chef Delven Adams. He’ll take you on a guided trip of Bourda Market, the largest of the four markets in Georgetown. You’ll start at the Guyana Shop, which sells all manner of local Guyanese produce, before visiting the market where the chef does his daily shopping. You’ll see, touch and taste a variety of local fruit and vegetables, unique to this region. The chef will do his shopping based on your preferences and then head home to start cooking, whilst you go on a city trip of Georgetown with an experienced guide who will tell you all about the history, stories and facts of the city and its inhabitants. During the city trip (partly by car, partly on foot), you’ll see, amongst other things, historic buildings along the boulevard, such as the Public Library, the Town Hall, the Victoria Law Courts, St Andrews Kirk, the Stabroek Market – once described as a ‘bizarre bazaar’ – and St George’s Cathedral, one of the tallest free-standing wooden buildings in the world. You’ll also visit the Botanical Gardens, with their extensive collection of tropical plants, and head to a pond in the gardens or the National Park to feed the endangered West Indian manatees. After the city trip, you’ll have lunch at Backyard Café, a hidden gem in the chef’s back garden. You can watch him prepare a delicious meal using fresh produce from the market, or relax under the pergola and enjoy some fresh juices or a cold beer. As soon as the food is ready, you’ll start on the various courses – take your time, because you’ll want to savour every bite!
Overnight stay: Cara Lodge | bed and breakfast

Day 9 | Georgetown – Paramaribo

Today it’s time to leave Guyana and travel on to Suriname. You’ll be picked up from your hotel and taken to the airport, from where you’ll fly to Paramaribo. Paramaribo is one of the few real cities to be found in Suriname. Suriname is a melting pot of cultures, and this is very much evident in the capital. A stay in Paramaribo is like a journey back in time: traces of the Dutch colonial past are still clearly visible, and wherever you go, you’ll feel the history. Almost all the buildings here are made of wood. Along the Waterfront, you’ll find plenty of lovely little restaurants and bars. One thing you certainly mustn’t miss during a stay in Paramaribo is a visit to the Central Market – it’s the largest covered market in the Caribbean! This colourful market sells items including clothing, fruit and vegetables.
Overnight stay at the Greenheart Boutique Hotel | bed and breakfast

Day 10 | Paramaribo

Free day(s) planned! The historic centre of Paramaribo has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2002. Almost all the buildings you’ll find here are made of wood. That’s what makes the historic centre of Paramaribo so special. If you’re a history buff, you can visit Fort Zeelandia. This fort was founded by the Dutch in 1600 and is now a museum. From the fort, the Dutch conducted trade and defended their settlements. On Independence Square, you’ll find the city’s most important buildings. Not far from the square, tucked away behind the Governor’s Residence, lies the beautiful Palmentuin city park. So there’s plenty to see and do in this city!
Overnight stay at Greenheart Boutique Hotel | bed and breakfast

Day 11 | Paramaribo – Visit to the Bakkie Plantation

You will be taken to Mon Tresor, situated in the picturesque district of Commewijne. Here, you will board a comfortable, covered boat for a river cruise. In about an hour and a half, you’ll sail through the serene Surinamese countryside to Plantage Reynsdorp, better known as ‘Bakkie’. This historic coffee plantation, founded in 1744 by Nicolaas Reynsdorp, still exudes the atmosphere of bygone days with its old locks and characteristic buildings. During a guided trip of the botanical garden, you’ll learn about the various herbs that grow here and discover their medicinal properties. You will then visit the small but very special museum on the plantation. This museum houses one of Suriname’s most unique private collections, featuring rare books, prints, maps and historical documents, including original sales contracts from 1863 belonging to former slave owners. After lunch, you’ll return to your hotel.
Overnight stay at Greenheart Boutique Hotel | bed and breakfast

Day 12 | Paramaribo – Peperpot

It’s time to leave Paramaribo and head to Peperpot. This hotel is situated on the oldest coffee and cocoa plantation along the Suriname River. The hotel’s rooms feature a blend of colonial and modern styles. You can relax in style on the terrace by the swimming pool. There are some wonderful walks to be had in the surrounding area. In the evening, you can dine on the terrace of the Pepre Patu restaurant, where you’ll have views over the Suriname River and can enjoy the sounds of the night. During the day, too, you can enjoy delicious local and international dishes in the restaurant.
In the evening, you’ll take a walk through Peperpot Nature Park with your guide. The nature park covers 1,730 hectares and was once one of Suriname’s most prosperous coffee and cocoa plantations. You’ll set off from the hotel and take a walk through the park, where you’ll have the chance to spot monkeys, sloths, snakes, spiders, scorpions, frogs and other animals.
Overnight stay at Boutique Hotel Peperpot | bed and breakfast

Day 13 | Peperpot

Free day(s) planned. Your hotel is situated on the edge of the Peperpot Nature Reserve. You’ll be staying in an oasis of tranquillity, yet just a stone’s throw from the town. The hotel rooms feature a blend of colonial and modern styles. You can relax on the terrace by the swimming pool. There are wonderful walking trails in the surrounding area. You can also choose to explore the Commewijne district and the plantations at your own pace.
Overnight stay at Boutique Hotel Peperpot | bed and breakfast

Day 14 | Peperpot – Frederiksdorp

Today, you’ll set off and travel on to your next destination: Frederiksdorp. You’ll be staying at Plantage Resort Frederiksdorp, situated on the banks of the Commewijne River and accessible only by boat. Facilities include a swimming pool and a riverside terrace. It was originally a coffee and cocoa plantation. You will be taken to the small harbour of Leonsberg in the north of Paramaribo. From here, you will sail along the Commewijne River towards Frederiksdorp. En route, you will visit Fort Nieuw Amsterdam and the Rust en Werk Plantation. With a bit of luck, you might even spot the pink river dolphin along the way!
Overnight stay: Plantage Resort Frederiksdorp | bed and breakfast

Day 15 | Frederiksdorp

Free day(s) planned. From your accommodation, you can take part in various activities (for a fee). For example, you could visit the Rust en Werk Plantation, which is still in operation today. You can also go on a guided cycle trip to the Marienbosch and Kroonenburg plantations; it’s best to book this trip locally. Another enjoyable activity is a boat trip to spot dolphins. Highly recommended are the historical walk, where you’ll learn about the history of Frederiksdorp, and the Story Museum. Here, you’ll learn more in an interactive way about life on the banks of the Commewijne River and be immersed in the stories of local residents. So there’s plenty to do – enjoy the beautiful surroundings!
Accommodation: Plantage Resort Frederiksdorp | bed and breakfast

Day 16 | Frederiksdorp – Knini Paati

From Frederiksdorp, you’ll take the boat back across to the other side. Here, the driver will be waiting for you and will take you to Atjoni, where you’ll transfer to a dugout canoe. After about an hour’s boat ride, you’ll reach Knini Paati. This lodge is situated in the interior of Suriname. Due to the creation of Lake Brokopondo in 1964, many Maroon villages had to be relocated. The inhabitants of these villages now live in so-called transmigration villages, many of which are situated in Brokopondo. Owing to the isolated location of the Maroon villages in the interior, they have developed a culture entirely of their own, with many African influences. Knini Paati is an island in the middle of the Ferulasi Sula. The name Knini Paati comes from the Saramaccan words ‘kindie’ (knee) and ‘paati’ (island). You’ll stay at a resort run by local staff from the surrounding villages. The combination of a small-scale setting with the comfort of cosy cottages, a swimming pool and a bar makes it a wonderful place to be!
Accommodation: Jungle & River Resort Knini Paati | full board

Day 17 | Knini Paati

During your stay at Knini Paati River Resort, there are various activities you can enjoy. Naturally, a refreshing dip in the sula is a must during your stay here. You can also visit a nearby Maroon village, where you’ll meet the local people and learn about their unique way of life and their traditional customs and practices. Alternatively, you can go for a walk through the jungle, during which a guide will explain the local medicinal uses of the plants. In the evening, you can go on a boat trip to spot caimans. Of course, you can also simply relax in your hammock or take a refreshing dip in the swimming pool.
Accommodation: Jungle & River Resort Knini Paati | full board

Day 18 | Knini Paati – Houttuyn

You’ll then travel on to the Houttuyn Wellness River Resort. This is Suriname’s first wellness resort, which opened in 2016. It’s a paradise for nature lovers seeking comfort, relaxation and freedom. You’ll spend the night in one of the luxury bamboo glamping tents.
Accommodation: Houttuyn Wellness River Resort | bed and breakfast

Day 19 | Houttuyn – Visit to Jodensavanne

In the morning, you’ll set off for the Jodensavanne. Accompanied by a guide, you’ll take a walk across the Jodensavanne whilst he tells you more about its history and the events that took place here. The Jodensavanne was the first Jewish settlement in Suriname in the 17th century and became a prosperous community with more than forty sugar plantations. The remains of the synagogue and the cemetery are situated in a picturesque spot on a hill. There is also a natural spring whose water is said to have healing properties. Furthermore, a large part of the action in Cynthia McLeod’s well-known book, which has been made into a film – *How Much Was the Sugar?* – takes place at Jodensavanne. After your visit to Jodensavanne, you’ll have lunch at Overbridge, where you can
enjoy the surroundings and swim in the Suriname River. Afterwards, you will return to Paramaribo
Overnight stay: Houttuyn Wellness River Resort | bed and breakfast

Day 20 | Houttuyn – Paramaribo – Amsterdam

Unfortunately, your unique journey through Suriname comes to an end today. You will be collected from your hotel and taken to Paramaribo Airport, where you will board your intercontinental flight to Amsterdam.

Day 21 | Amsterdam

You arrive in Amsterdam today.