Arrival Day Your tour leader or driver will be waiting at the airport to transfer you to Grand Coastal hotel in Georgetown. The drive into Georgetown can take approximately 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on traffic. Georgetown is located in the north of Guyana on the Atlantic coast, and about a one-third of the Country’s population lives in this English speaking metropolis.

Overnight at Grand Coastal Hotel

Georgetown and Surrounding: Mahaica River tour and Botanical Garden Tour This morning we will leave our hotel at 5:00am and head eastward along the Atlantic coast to the Mahaica River, this is where you will have an opportunity to see and photograph Guyana’s national bird, the “Hoatzin”. This pre-historic bird is abundantly found along this amazing river system. We very often see the beautiful Blood-coloured Woodpecker among many other target birds as well. The rare and elusive Blood-coloured Woodpecker is a species most birdwatchers visiting Guyana wish to add to their birding list and we have a very good chance of seeing it or perhaps, taking some pictures. The Blood-colored Woodpecker is among one of the restricted species to the narrow coastal plains and is considered a Guianan shield endemic species.

On the way to Mahaica or on the return trip, we will be stopping at some of the mud-flats and mangrove forest for a chance to observe several birds. These includes the very colorful Scarlet Ibis, Little blue, Tricolored and Cocoi Heron. Larg-billed and Gull-billed Tern, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Semipalmated Plover, Whimbrel, Mangrove Rail if you’re lucky, Northern Scrub Flycatcher, Lesser Nighthawk at day roost, Pied Water Tyrant, Bicolored Conebill, Black-throated Mango, Spotted Tody-Flycatcher, Rufous Crab-Hawk and many other species.

Once we arrive at the Mahaica river, we will begin the tour. Other birds we often see along the river includes, Black-collared Hawk, Black Hawk Eagle, Barred Antshrike, Black-crested Antshrike, Silvered Antbird, Striped Cuckoo, Little Cuckoo, Green-tailed Jacamar, Long-winged Harrier, Brown-throated Parakeet, Red-shoulder Macaw, Orange-winged and Yellow-crowned Parrot, Winged-barred Seedeater, Pale-breasted Spinetail, White-tailed Goldenthroat, Green-tailed Goldenthroat, White-bellied Piculet and many other species.

We will keep our eyes out for the Guianan Red Howler Monkeys as this is the best place to see and photograph them. If we see them, you will notice they are quite happy to sit around in the trees without even feeling scared of you; a clear sign that they are not hunted nor do they have any predators around this area. With good weather, this should be a trip that is well worth doing.

After Lunch we will visit the Georgetown Botanical Gardens. The Botanical Garden is a wonderful spot, despite their location in central Georgetown, there are exclusive grounds of large tropical trees, lawns and wetland provided for some exciting birding. Some of the species we are likely to see includes Great Black-Hawk, Common Black-Hawk, Zone-tailed Hawk, Snail Kite, Green-rumped Parrotlet, Great Horned Owl, Orange-winged and, Yellow-crowned Amazons in very good numbers and Festive Parrot. White-bellied Piculet, Wing-barred Seedeater, Wattle Jacana, White-throated Toucan, Pale-tipped Tyranulet, Red-Shoulder Macaw, Yellow-chinned Spinetail, Grayish Saltator and a number of other amazing birds. Birding in the garden gives a great introduction to the birds of Guyana.

Overnight at the Grand Coastal Hotel (B)

Georgetown to Whichabai  Today will be an early start; we will leave our hotel around 5:15am and transfer to the nearby Ogle Airport to check in and continue to Lethem. The flight is approximately 1 hour. Our Rupununi team will be waiting with their 4x4s to take us on the journey to Whichabai Ranch but not before having breakfast in Lethem. From Lethem, Whichabai is approximately 90km away so we will not waste any time as the drive could take close to 3.5 hours depend on the road condition and how often we stop as well for birds etc.

Nevertheless, Whichabai is located in the south Rupununi savanna region. Along the way; we will see why this is one of the most beautiful region in Guyana. With spectacular grasslands, mountains, and some amount of forest. We will be passing through some of the indigenous Amerindian villages, plus some of the local cattle ranches before reaching our destination.

We expect to do some birding looking out for some of our main targets including, White-naped Xenopsaris White-tailed Goldenthroat, Sharp-ailed Ibis and Finsch’s Euphonia. While these birds might not be a target for the group, we should expect to see Jabiru Stork, Double-Stripped Thick-knee, Crested Bobwhite, Yellowish Pipit, Plain-breasted Ground Dove, Ferruginous-Pygmy Owl, Brazilian Teal, White-tailed Kite, South American Snipe better known as Paraguyan Snipe, Giant Snipe and much more. We hope to arrive at Whichabai ranch in time for Lunch.

Some of the birds possible around the ranch includes, the very shy Sharp-tailed Ibis, Amazonian Scrub Flycatcher, Pale-bellied Tyrant Manakin Black-bellied Whistling Ducks, Blue-winged Teal, Burrowing Owl, Bearded Tachuri, Yellowish Pipit, Grassland Sparrow, Aplomado Falcon, Wedge-tailed Grass-finch and many other amazing birds.

Overnight at Whichabai Ranch (B, L, D)

Wichabai Ranch and Transfer to Manari  Today will be an early start; we will leave our hotel around 5:15am and transfer to the nearby Ogle Airport to check in and continue to Lethem. The flight is approximately 1 hour. Our Rupununi team will be waiting with their 4x4s to take us on the journey to Whichabai Ranch but not before having breakfast in Lethem. From Lethem, Whichabai is approximately 90km away so we will not waste any time as the drive could take close to 3.5 hours depend on the road condition and how often we stop as well for birds etc.

Nevertheless, Whichabai is located in the south Rupununi savanna region. Along the way; we will see why this is one of the most beautiful region in Guyana. With spectacular grasslands, mountains, and some amount of forest. We will be passing through some of the indigenous Amerindian villages, plus some of the local cattle ranches before reaching our destination.

We expect to do some birding looking out for some of our main targets including, White-naped Xenopsaris White-tailed Goldenthroat, Sharp-ailed Ibis and Finsch’s Euphonia. While these birds might not be a target for the group, we should expect to see Jabiru Stork, Double-Stripped Thick-knee, Crested Bobwhite, Yellowish Pipit, Plain-breasted Ground Dove, Ferruginous-Pygmy Owl, Brazilian Teal, White-tailed Kite, South American Snipe better known as Paraguyan Snipe, Giant Snipe and much more. We hope to arrive at Whichabai ranch in time for Lunch.

Some of the birds possible around the ranch includes, the very shy Sharp-tailed Ibis, Amazonian Scrub Flycatcher, Pale-bellied Tyrant Manakin Black-bellied Whistling Ducks, Blue-winged Teal, Burrowing Owl, Bearded Tachuri, Yellowish Pipit, Grassland Sparrow, Aplomado Falcon, Wedge-tailed Grass-finch and many other amazing birds.

Overnight at Whichabai Ranch (B, L, D)

Manari Ranch and Surrounding Today well focus our attention on two birds with exceedingly restricted ranges, the Hoary-throated Spinetail and the Rio Branco Antbird. Both species are only found in gallery forest along the Rio Branco River, Iring River and other main tributaries, all of which ultimately flow into the Amazon. Recent agricultural pressures have seriously reduced the amount of available habitat for these birds, and as a result the Spinetail is now classified as endangered, with the Rio-Branco Antbird treated as near-threaten. In addition, there is good news surrounding the faith of both species. The South Rupununi Conservation Society received funding from National Geographic in 2021, which would be use to carry out several bird surveys and research within the gallery forest along the Iring river and other surrounding habitats where the Rio-Branco Antbird and Hoary-throated Spinetail is found. The ultimate goal is for this area to become a new KBA or IBA area. In order to reach suitable habitat for these birds, we will travel via 4×4 through the open Savannah.

Along the way we might come across Maguari and Jabiru Storks, Black-Collared Hawk, Ring Kingfishers, and Rufous-tailed Jacamar. Spot-breasted Woodpecker, Black-chinned Antbird, Orange-backed Troupial and other species before reaching our site along a comparatively short stretch near the Iring River. We will specifically target the Hoary-throated Spinetail and the Rio Branco Antbird in this area, although other interesting species may include Pale-legged Hornero, Golden-spangle Piculet, and Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, Flavescent Warbler, Bearded Tachuri, Aplomado Falcon, Nacunda Nighthawk and more. The entire morning will be spent birding in this area. After our time here, we will return to the Ranch for Lunch.

In the afternoon we will head across to the Kanuku Mountain to see if we can locate a few other target; the White Bellbird. This area has a wide range of birds including the recreantly reported Bearded Bellbird, White-bellied Antbird, Golden-Spangled Piculet and many other. We will have dinner at Manari and get ready for another very early start next day.

Overnight at Manari Ranch (B,L,D)

Manari Ranch to Caiman House Lodge via Karasabai Village This morning we will continue on our journey to Karasabai on dirt road passing through very nice habitats such as open savanna and the Pakarima mountain range with gallery forest patches including some ponds and lakes. Here Aplomado Falcon hunts over expansive plains with Grassland Yellow-Finches mixed with a variety of seedeaters, including Gray, Plumbeous, Chestnut, Ruddy and Lined Seedeaters. We also have good chances of encountering Giant Anteaters as they pass through the savanna. In addition, Jabiru, Wood and Maguari Stork, Buff-necked Ibis, Purple Gallinule, Azure Gallinule, Pale-tipped Inezia Least Bittern, White-faced Whistling- Duck, Black-bellied Whistling Duck and many other amazing species. Upon Arrival we will take time to visit some of the locals in order to secure official permission to bird the area. There are very few visitors here and we wish to ensure good relations and encourage ongoing conservation efforts, especially when considering that these people ultimately control the fate of the Sun Parakeet.

This riparian forest along the border of Brazil where we will be birding during the morning offers some very interesting birding opportunities. Our primary target species will be the Sun Parakeet, but we may also have chances to observe many other birds, including Red-and-Green Macaw, Green-rumped Parrotlet, Black-and-White Hawk-Eagle, Zone-tailed Hawk and Rufous-browed Peppershrike, to name a few. We will be visiting nearby forest through some local farm lands in search of the Sun Parakeet. Once we secure satisfying views of this bird, we will head back to the village for Lunch and soon after that, we will continue our journey to Caiman House Lodge. Depending on the time we arrive to Caiman House, our afternoon will be spent patrolling the gallery forest surrounding Caiman House in search for more target species including Spotted Puffbird, Green-tailed Jacamar, Blue-backed Manakin, Black-crested Antshrike, Slate-headed Tody-Faycatcher, Cream-colored Woodpecker, Chestnut Woodpecker, and many other amazing birds.

Overnight at Caiman House (B,L,D)

Caiman House and Environs Today we will take a packed breakfast and head out in search of many target birds and other wildlife. We will have a chance to do some birding in the Savanna and forest patches that surrounds Caiman House. We will be mainly looking for several species of birds including the rare Crested Doradito and Bearded Tachuri. Other birds we expect to see are the Jabiru Stork, Maguari Stork, White-face and Black-bellied whistling Duck, Pinnated Bittern, White-tailed Hawk, Savanna Hawk, Zone-tailed Hawk, White-tailed Kite, Aplomado Falcon and many other species.

Meanwhile, we will keep a close eye out for Yellowish Pipit, White-tailed Goldenthroat Double striped Thick-knee, King Vulture and Orange-backed Troupial and this will be good location for birding. In addition, this will be the best time to see the very beautiful, Giant Anteater! If we’re lucky enough to find one, we will enjoy the view and possibly take pictures. Eventually we will make our way back to Caiman House before lunch.

In the afternoon, we will take a boat trip on the Rupununi river. Here we are likely to find kingfishers including both Green-and-Rufous and American Pygmy, if we are lucky, we may see the beautiful Agami Heron, Capped Heron, Sungrebe, Sunbittern, Pied Lapwings, Boat-billed Herons, Large-billed Tern, Black Skimmer, Pale-legged Hornero, Bare-necked Fruitcrow, and we may have a chance to spot the very shy Crestless Curassow. In addition, we may see both Black and Spectacled Caimans, Giant River Otter, many species of monkeys, and largest fresh-water scale-fish in the world; the Arapaima. As the sun sets we may see Band-tailed Nighthawks, Greater and Lesser Bulldog Bats flying around and above us as they get ready for the night shift. Return to Caiman House for dinner.

Overnight at Caiman House (B,L,D)

Caiman House to Surama Lodge  After an early breakfast, we will embark on our journey to Surama Lodge. The drive can take approximately 3 hours. We will use the entire morning for birding along the way. Some of the species we may see in the savannas includes Savanna Hawk, White-tailed, Zone-tailed and Black-collared Hawk. King Vulture, Lesser-yellow-headed Vulture, White-tailed Kite, White-tailed Goldenthroat, Crested Bobwhite, Pale-breasted Ground-Done, American Kestrel, Burrowing Owl, Ferruginous Pygmy Owl and many other. As we get closer to Surama, this is where we will say goodbye to the open savannahs and enter into the rainforest. From here, we expect to start seeing several different species of birds we mainly see in the forest including, Guianan Toucanet, White-throated Toucan, Scarlet Macaw, Painted Parakeet, Golden-winged Parakeet, Guianan Red Cotinga, Spangled Cotinga, Long-tailed Tyrant, Guianan Woodpecker, Yellow-backed Tanager, Paradise Tanager and many other. Eventually when we arrive at the Lodge, we will receive a welcome by the staff and then settle into our rooms.

The Amerindian community of Surama is located in the heart of Guyana. The village is set in five square miles of savannah which is ringed by the forest-covered Pakarima Mountains. Surama’s inhabitants are mainly made up of the Makushi people, one of the nine indigenous people of Guyana, and they still observe many of the traditional practices of their ancestors. After lunch, will venture out into the savanna and through the forest along the Burro Burro river trail for a chance to target several bird species including the elusive Rufous-winged ground Cuckoo, Gray-winged Trumpeter, Brown-bellied Stapplethroat, Black-throated Antshrike, Rufous-bellied Antwren, Ash-winged Antwren, Spot-tailed and Todd’s Antwren. If we happen to run into any ant swarm, we will most likely have a great chance of seeing the Rufous-throated Antbird. In addition, we will also be targeting Spotted Antpitta, Olive-green Tyrannulet, and if we’re lucky, we may see the very difficult Ocellated Crake and many other targets.

Just before sunset, we will spend some time on the Burro Burro river trail to see if we can locate the elusive Lined-forest Falcon. It must be stress that forest falcons tend to be very shy birds and can be very difficult to locate as these birds spend most of their time sitting very quiet in the forest. Also they are mainly vocal at dawn and at dusk when the light is not great enough to see them. So keep in mind the difficulty in which it may take to get a good look of this species. The White-tailed Nightjar is often seen coming in the gardens at the Lodge, so we use the opportunity to locate this species well.

Overnight at Surama Lodge (B,L,D)

Surama Lodge and Surroundings  Today we will be spending the entire morning birding the trails surrounding habitats at the Lodge. Our main focus would be to target several species of birds including, Ocellated Crake, Black-spotted Barbet, Red-legged Tinamou, Spotted Antpitta, Fiery-tailed Awlbill, Capuchinbird, the elusive Rufous-winged ground Cuckoo, Ash-winged Antwren and Chivi Vireo. Black Nunbird, Wing-banded Antbird Rufous-throated Antbird and Black-chinned Antbird. In addition, we will be targeting Todd’s, Spot-tailed and Ash-winged Antwren which is found more in the canopy forest (Spotted Antpitta) flocks along with Guianan Woodcreeper, Golden-colored Woodpecker and Red-billed Woodpecker.

Return to Surama Lodge for Lunch. Later in the afternoon, we will join our 4×4 and head out along the main Georgetown/ Lethem road. This is another excellent area to target birds including Crimson Fruitcrow, Blue-cheeked Parrot, Black-spotted Barbet, Marail Guan, Guianan Red Cotinga, Guianan Puffbird, Guianan Toucanet, Green Aracari, Guianan Trogon, Caica Parrot, Dusky Parrot, Waved Woodpecker, Black Nunbird, Blue-chinned Sapphire and Dusky Purpletuft. After our time along the road, we will return to the Lodge for dinner.

Overnight at Surama Lodge (B,L,D)

Surama to Atta Lodge  After an early breakfast, we will begin our journey north of Surama Lodge to Atta Lodge. Depending on what targets we might have missed in Surama; we will spend some time trying to locate them. If any of the targets can be seen throughout the rest of the trip, then we will continue to Atta Lodge. The main road however is an excellent place to focus on getting some of our main target including Purple-breasted Cotinga, Crimson Fruitcrow, Dusky Purpletuft, Caica Parrot, Painted Tody-Flycatcher, Painted Parakeet, Dusky Parrot, Todd’s and Spot-tailed Antwren, Ash-winged Antwren, Guianan Toucanet, Golden-sided Euphonia, Blue-cheeked Parrot, Guianan Trogon, Guianan Puffbird, Guianan Streaked Antwren and many other targets.

Along the way to Atta Lodge, we will have the option to visit the Guianan Cock-of-the Rock let. To access this lek, it (Guianan Cock-of-the Rock) takes about 15 minutes hiking on flat terrain in primary forest. However the trail itself is a great area to check for other species including Rufous-winged Ground Cuckoo, Guianan Warbling-Antbird, Rufous-throated Antbird, Gray-winged Trumpeter, Rufous-bellied Antwren, Black-faced Hawk, Guianan Trogon, Brown-bellied Stipplethroat, Black-throated Antshrike and more. After this trail, we will continue birding along the way to Atta Lodge in time for latish lunch.

Upon arrival, we will settle in our accommodation, have lunch and get ready for the afternoon birding. The lodge is situated approximately 750 meters from the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway. The walkway has three platforms, the highest of which is over 30 meters above the ground. These platforms will allow us to get great looks at a range of canopy species. Among the likely Targets/highlights are Tiny-tyrant Manakin, Waved Woodpecker, Guianan Puffbird, Guianan Woodcreeper, Guianan Tyrannulet, Spot-tailed, Todd’s and Ash-winged Antwrens. The walkway is also an excellent place to look for various species of Cotinga including the Dusky Purpletuft as well as Guianan-red Cotinga and Purple-breasted Cotinga. Another area where we will spend some time is the clearing at the lodge, as this is one of the best places to see the Crimson Fruitcrow. The forest edge at the lodge is also very good for us to try and locate the Red-billed Woodcreeper, Guianan Warbling Antbird, Green Aracari, Black-spotted Barbet and many other amazing birds.

About 15 minutes North of the Lodge along the main road, there is a great spot where we stand a very good chance of seeing the White-winged Potoo. So just before sunset, we will join our 4×4/bus and drive across to this special spot to try and locate his beautiful bird. Return to the Lodge for Dinner.

Overnight at Atta Lodge (B,L,D)

Atta Rainforest Lodge and Environs  This morning we will head out to the walkway at first light for opportunities to spot canopy species including Blue-backed Tanager, Todd’s Antwren, Spot-tailed Antwren, Tiny-tyrant Manakin, Guianan Toucanet, Painted Tody-Flycatcher, Caica Parrot, Guianan Puffbird, Dusky Purpletuft, Golden-sided Euphonia, Buff-cheeked Parrot and Black Nunbird. The entire morning will involve birding on the canopy walkway and the trails around the lodge.

Within the forest that surrounds the lodge, we can look for Spotted Antpitta, Red-and-Black Grosbeak, Grey-winged Trumpeter, Black-throated Antshrike, Spot-winged Antbird, White-throated Manakin, Ferruginous-backed Antbird, Guianan Warbling Antbird, Rufous-throated Antbird, Wing-banded Antbird, Rufous-bellied Antwren, Brown-bellied Stipplethroat many other.

After lunch, we will spend the afternoon birding on the main road through the Iwokrama Forest and also visit another nearby white sand forest to target the Pelzeln’s tody-Tyrant, Guianan Red Cotinga, Bronzy Jacamar, Red-legged Tinamou, Guianan Schiffornis, Black Manakin and many other amazing birds within this forest. Return to the Lodge for Lunch.

After Lunch, depending on what birds we still have to target, we will try our best to locate them. The afternoon will either be spent along the main road or in the forest surrounding the Lodge. Perhaps we still need Blue-backed Tanager, Guianan Streaked Antwren, Ash-winged Antwren, Guianan Trogon and Blue-cheeked Parrot, these are all possibilities.

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

Atta Lodge and Surrounding  Today we will continue birding along several forest trails, the main road, and possibly the Walkway. At dawn we will rise early and begin our day spending some time around the clearing before taking the trails at the lodge. We will be mainly looking for our targets including Crimson Fruitcrow, Guianan Toucanet, Painted Tody-Flycatcher, Blue-backed Tanager, Golden-sided and Plumbeous Euphonia. We will then continue birding the trails looking for Red-and-Black Grosbeak, Royal Flycatcher, Spotted Antpitta, Gray-winged Trumpeter, Tiny Tyrant-Manakin, White-throated Manakin, Red-billed, Chestnut-Rumped and Amazonian-barred Woodpecker.

Among forest flocks includes Rufous and Brown-bellied Antwren, Dusky-throated and Cinereous Antshrike, Long-winged, Gray and white-flanked Antwren, Olivaceous Flatbill, Whiskered Flycatcher and Tawny-crowned Greenlet. The Walkway will be a good spot to look for some high canopy specialist includes Buff-cheeked Greenlet, Guianan Woodcreeper, Todd’s and Spot-tailed Antwren and Guianan Puffbird. While on the walkway we will keep our eyes out for Blue-Cheeked, and Red-fan Parrot, Guianan Trogon, Painted Parakeet and the high flying and most times hard to see, Lilac-tailed and Sapphire-rumped Parrotlet and once trees are blooming we should see Fiery-tailed Awbill, Rufous-throated Sapphire, Fork-tailed Woodnymph, and possibly Crimson Topaz.

After breakfast we will spend some more time around the clearing looking for Crimson Fruitcrow, Green Aracari, Blue-backed Tanager, Guianan and Olive-green Tyrannulet and most times in the forest at the lodge, Guianan-red Cotinga and Red-billed Woodpecker. We will then head back in the trails looking for Black-throated Antshrike, Ferruginous-backed Antbird, the very hard to find Rufous-winged Ground-Cuckoo and keep a very close eye out for Black-face Hawk. After Lunch the entire afternoon will be spent looking for birds that we might have missed during the morning and eventually venture out and along the main road at a spot where the Crimson Topaz now holds as a favorite area. Return for Dinner.

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

Atta Lodge to Iwokrama River Lodge This morning, we will have another opportunity to focus on any other targets we might have missed. Perhaps it’s Wing-winded Antbird, Chestnut-rumped Woodpecker, Rufous-throated Antbird, White-plumed Antbird, Ferruginous-backed Antbird, Rufous-bellied Antwren, Rufous-winged ground Cuckoo or Blue-cheeked Parrot. We will spend the entire morning trying to locate our targets.

After our time birding here, we will leave Iwokrama for Georgetown by road. The drive will take approximately 4-5 hours which included stopping of any possible target birds along the way. For this journey, participants should keep their passport handing, you may have to show it at a police checkpoint. Depending on the time we leave Iwokrama, we may take a packed Lunch or have lunch along the way at the very popular 58-mile restraint and gas station. Our journey will end at the Grand Coastal Hotel where we would spend our final night in Guyana.

Overnight at Grand Coastal Hotel (B,L)

Bon Voyage!  Today you will catch your international flight home. See you again soon!