Cayenne to Boa Vista

Day 1 Cayenne

Welcome to French Guiana! Today there is an important welcome meeting at 6 pm. Please meet for it in the hotel reception. Other than that, the day is yours to explore Cayenne as you please. Consider a two-hour kayaking trip to the Iles Dupont, exploring sea islets positioned less than a half-mile off the beach of Cayenne’s Grand Hotel de Montabo. This site is perfect for the observation of sea turtles and dolphins. Alternatively, perhaps take an afternoon and evening trip in a pirogue (dugout canoe) up the Kaw River to view the flora and fauna of the marshes, keeping an eye out for caiman.

Day 2 Cayenne

Enjoy a half-day walking tour around Cayenne. This three-hour hike takes you to the important historical and cultural spots around town, and up Cepenou Hill to enjoy a panoramic view of the city. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy.

Day 3 Kourou

Travel to the town of Kourou. This is where the European space station is found, and it's the starting point for boat trips around the former penal colony on Devil’s Island (one of the infamous Iles du Salut off the coast of French Guiana). The ordeal of Frenchman Henri Charriere, who spent 12 years here, would later inspire the book Papillon. Today's approximate driving time is 2 hours.

Day 4 Kourou

Today you'll visit the European spaceport (Guiana Space Centre) near Kourou, en route to the town of Saint Laurent du Maroni. Enjoy a boat trip to the Iles du Salut, the Devils islands; explore the old church, school and hospital of Ilhe Royale, photograph the native wildlife and even take a dip in the convicts swimming pool. Today's approximate driving time is 3 hours.

Day 5 Saint Laurent du Maroni

Enjoy a free day to explore the border town of Saint Laurent du Maroni, located on the Maroni river. It's got an interesting and very dark history as an arrival point for prisoners during the 19th century. You might like to take an optional tour to the 'Ile Portal' river island, to the Amerindian village of Biguiston and its polishing stones, and finally to the Wacapou creek.

Day 6 Albina

Travel by ferry across the Maroni River to Albina in Suriname. At certain times of the year, it may be possible to arrange a local boat to take us to the turtle nesting site of Galibi further north. (Note: if this is not available due to local circumstances or the timing, we may choose to head directly to Paramaribo).

Day 7 Paramaribo

Continue the journey west to the lively town of Paramaribo, the capital of Suriname. This evening, enjoy a sunset boat trip in the hope of seeing some dolphins playing in the Suriname River (snacks and drinks are included on the tour). In Paramaribo you'll stay in a locally owned hostel in dorms and twin rooms with shared bathrooms.

Day 8 Paramaribo

Enjoy a free day to explore Paramaribo's historic inner city and the Commewijne area. You can easily explore the historic centre on foot, visiting Fort Zeelandia and the Suriname museum, and enjoying the fantastic architecture of Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral, one of the largest wooden buildings in the western hemisphere. Alternatively, hire a bike and take a boat across the river to cycle the peaceful Commewijne Plantation Loop, or visit the star shaped fort at Neiu Amsterdam. There are plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from too. A good optional activity is to take a tour to explore the historical timeline of Suriname and learn about its bittersweet past of sugar and slavery. Another option is a day tour filled with authentic Maroon culture, art, music and dance.

Day 9 Upper Suriname

Leave the truck behind and embark on an unforgettable adventure into the interior of Suriname. First you will travel by minibus (for approximately 190 km) to the port at Atjoni; from there, hop on a boat for an one-hour trip along the Suriname River. This leads deep into the rainforest, and your base for the next two nights is an exclusive private island. Be sure to pack light for this excursion, as there will only be space to take a small bag. The cabins are comfortable, and there's a pool to enjoy. All meals are provided during your time here, but you will need a small amount of money for drinks and tips for the local guide. During this stay you're free to either relax and unwind, or take part in various activities such as cultural workshops, forest walks, canoe trips or visit the local population. The pristine rainforest, turbulent rapids, beautiful flora and fauna, idyllic islands and the fascinating Maroon culture make for an unforgettable experience.

Day 10 Upper Suriname

Perhaps visit some local villages on a walk around the island, keeping an eye out for some of the furry inhabitants of the area. You could also learn about medicinal local plants, spot caiman on a night-time canoe trip, or take a dip in the river at the Ferulassi rapids (a natural jacuzzi). Otherwise, kick back, relax and soak up the ambience of the Amazon.

Day 11 Paramaribo

Spend this morning however you wish: explore, swim, or relax. After lunch, take a transfer back to Paramaribo. Consider an optional evening tour to see turtles in the their natural habitat.

Day 12 Paramaribo

Paramaribo and its surroundings definitely deserve at least one more day for exploration. Why not take a boat trip to Jordensavanne, take part in a Moengo Cultural experience, go walking in the Peperpot Nature reserve or Brownsberg Nature Park, learn the art of Surinamese cookery, take a boat trip to the ruins of Jodensavanne, or visit the partly renovated plantation Peperpot and take a walk in the nature park.

Day 13 Georgetown

Settle in for the long drive to Guyana's capital city, Georgetown. You'll cross the border by ferry. Georgetown is known as the 'Garden City' of the Caribbean, despite actually being on the Atlantic. It's wide, tree-lined avenues and canals follow the layout of the old sugar estates. There are stunning colonial buildings everywhere, as well as botonical gardens and even a National Park, where you can visit the resident Manatees who live in the lakes here. From Georgetown it's possible to take a light aircraft to visit the magnificent Kaieteur Falls, one of the highest single drop waterfalls in the world, and home to incredible wildlife such as the stunning, orange Cock of the Rock and the tiny Golden Frogs. Your accommodation is basic but cosy – a locally run hostel with shared bathrooms in a combination of twin and dorm rooms.

Day 14 Georgetown

Take a morning tour of the city. This includes the old canals and great sea wall, the incredible wooden cathedrals and the huge market. Try to spot the manatees swimming in the National park's lake along the way. Georgetown is a busy place, and feels happily free from mass tourism. Be sure to take your camera!

Day 15 Georgetown

Enjoy a second free day in the city. Perhaps one of the greatest highlights of Guyana is the spectacularly remote and impressive Kaieteur Falls, one of the tallest single drop waterfalls in the world, reachable only by light aircraft. Take a half-day flight to the falls, then enjoy a walking tour to the falls and search for the tiny golden rocket frogs, hiding in the tank bromeliads leaves, as well as an impressive variety of butterflies. Consider a full day trip to the Arrowpoint Nature Resort.

Day 16 Iwokrama Forest

Today the adventure really begins. Embrace an early start and travel south into the Guyanan Interior. Enjoy the comforts of a tarmac road for around 120 km, as far as the town of Linden; after that the dirt road begins. It's the only road that connects Georgetown to Brazil, and at some times of the year it becomes impassable due to the rains, but most of the time you'll find trucks and minibuses happily bumping along the road transporting people to and from Lethem. Many people choose to fly to the jungle resorts, but as an overlander you'll get to enjoy the pristine rainforest. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive jaguar which are known to be spotted crossing the road from time to time. Tonight you'll bunk down in a room in the Iwokrama Forest with basic amenities.

Day 17 Iwokrama Forest

Deep in the Guyanan rainforest, in one of the most pristine and untouched eco-systems in the world, there are some unique wildlife spotting opportunities. Head out walking, bird watching, canoeing, searching for nocturnal wildlife at night – even a spot of swimming (if the water is low enough). While you're here you'll experience the Iwokrama Forest Canopy Walkway; set 30 metres above the forest floor, it allows you to experience the jungle's mid-level canopy through a series of suspension bridges and decks. Visits during dusk or dawn are best for bird spotting of macaws and toucans. You may even be lucky enough to see a red howler monkey or two.

Day 18 Rupununi

Leave the dense rainforest behind and head towards a village eco-camp in the Rupununi Savannah area of Savannah. Here you'll camp or stay in a hammock, and all meals are included. Enjoy a village walk, go wildlife spotting and birdwatching, hike up the nearby mountain, or take a canoe trip – all great ways to soak up the natural beauty that surrounds.

Day 19 Rupununi

Head further south and into the more open savannah area, where there are further opportunities for spotting wildlife, snapping photos of the landscape, walking and cultural activities. Today you'll camp with basic facilities. Optional activities include a half-day horse riding adventure, a full-day bicycle hire to explore on two wheels, or a guided hike.

Day 20 Boa Vista

On your final day in Guyana, head south past the town of Lethem and on to the city of Boa Vista in Brazil. Today's approximate driving time is 5 hours.

Day 21 Boa Vista

Today is the final day for passengers finishing their trip in Boa Vista. If you are finishing in Boa Vista, you will most likely exit Brazil at Boa Vista-Atlas Brasil Cantanhede International Airport.