Nestled on the northeastern coast of South America, French Guiana offers an extraordinary blend of European sophistication and untamed Amazonian wilderness. As an overseas department of France, this destination is a unique slice of Europe in the tropics, where French culture mingles with vibrant Creole and Amerindian traditions.
A visit to Kourou, home to the European Space Agency’s Guiana Space Centre, is a must for science and space enthusiasts. Witnessing a rocket launch is a thrilling experience, showcasing cutting-edge technology in the heart of the rainforest. Even if your visit doesn’t coincide with a launch, guided tours provide fascinating insights into the world of space exploration.
For history buffs and nature lovers, the Îles du Salut, or Salvation Islands, are a captivating escape. Once a penal colony, these islands offer a glimpse into the past with remnants of prison buildings amidst lush tropical scenery. The most famous island, Île du Diable (Devil’s Island), gained notoriety through the story of Captain Alfred Dreyfus and the novel Papillon.
French Guiana’s capital, Cayenne, is a vibrant city where colorful colonial architecture, bustling markets, and a lively food scene invite exploration. Don’t miss the chance to sample local Creole dishes, such as bouillon d’awara or freshly caught seafood, alongside French pastries.
The best time to visit French Guiana is during the dry season, from August to December, when rainfall is minimal, and outdoor activities are most enjoyable. During this period, you can explore the region’s rich biodiversity, from mangroves and savannahs to dense rainforests teeming with wildlife.
Whether you’re drawn by its natural wonders, cultural heritage, or cutting-edge space science, French Guiana promises a travel experience unlike any other.
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The 3 Guianas – 2026 Fully Escorted Small Group Tour
Recently a group of intrepid travellers ventured to the remote northeast corner of South America – the region known as The Three Guianas. This 20-day tour offered an adventure of a lifetime, taking in the highlights of Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. With 13 enthusiastic explorers led by Contours Tour Leader Heather Poppelier, this journey combined staggering natural beauty, immersive cultural experiences, and unique historical insights. It was so good, that we are doing it again in 2026. We are pleased to advise that this tour is now ready to book.
“I absolutely loved it all, especially the tricky bits and adventurous boating sections. Loved the small planes and beautiful scenery, animals, birds, local people….and the cities with their incredible history.”
Guest feedback from 2024 Tour
Some of the 2026 highlights will be:
Discovering the staggering beauty of Kaieteur Falls in Guyana, a natural wonder unlike any other.
Unforgettable wildlife encounters, including the possibility of a rare jaguar sighting.
A stay at the community-run Rewa Ecolodge, showcasing the serene Rupununi region.
Warm hospitality at Karanambu Lodge, where we will search for giant anteaters and learned about Guyana’s rich history and vibrant future.
Immersion in village life along the Suriname River at Danpaati River Lodge.
A glimpse of Europe in South America during our time in French Guiana.
A visit to notorious Devil’s Island – made famous by the book and movie – “Papillon”.
A night of sumptuous Suriname cuisine in Paramaribo
Contours Tour Group – The Three Guianas October 2024
Exceptional wildlife, unique indigenous cultures and an adventure like no other await you on this comprehensive, fully escorted small group tour to Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana – aka – The Three Guianas.
Now, let’s dive into the 2026 journey, day by day, so you can get a taste of the kind of adventures we are expecting.
2026 Three Guianas itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Georgetown – Arrive Georgetown and transfer to the hotel.
Day 2 Georgetown – City tour & visit to local market. Lunch at the Backyard Cafe. BL
Day 3 Georgetown/ Rewa Ecolodge – Experience the awe-inspiring Kaieteur Falls in the heart of Guyana. Fly to the Rupununi region and transfer to Rewa Ecolodge. BLD
Day 4 Rewa Ecolodge – Explore the rainforest on guided hikes, spot vibrant bird species, and encounter diverse wildlife such as jaguars, giant river otters, and howler monkeys. BLD
Day 5 Rewa Ecolodge – Another day exploring the pristine interior of Guyana with your local guides. BLD
Day 6 Rewa Ecolodge/ Karanambu Lodge – Transfer to Karanambu Lodge, a haven for nature enthusiasts seeking a truly authentic and immersive experience. BLD
Day 7 Karanambu Lodge – Explore the surrounding savannah looking for Giant Anteater. See the incredible Victoria Amazonica flower and spot black caiman during your evening excursion. BLD
Day 8 Karanambu Lodge/ Georgetown – A morning excursion and lunch before you fly to Georgetown. Evening at leisure. BL
Day 9 Georgetown – An early morning river excursion to look for Hoatzin and other wildlife. This evening, savour a farewell dinner hosted by the famous Singing Chef. BD
Day 10 Georgetown/ Paramaribo – Fly to Suriname and enjoy a guided tour of Paramaribo, the multicultural capital. B
Day 11 Paramaribo/ Danpaati River Lodge – Transfer by road and dugout canoe to the Danpaati River Lodge, gateway to the local Saramak Maroon population. BLD
Day 12 Danpaati River Lodge – Visit a local Saramak village. Explore the surrounding rainforest with your guide on foot or in dugout canoe. Later this evening there will be a cultural dance performance. BLD
Day 13 Danpaati River Lodge/ Cayenne – Take a short charter flight to Paramaribo. Travel overland to French Guiana. BL
Day 14 Cayenne – Spend the morning exploring this sleepy capital.Afternoon at leisure. B
Day 15 Cayenne/ Kourou – Transfer to Kourou and visit the Guiana Space Centre. BL
Day 16 Kourou – Visit notorious Devil’s Island, made famous by the book & movie, Papillon. BL
Day 17 Kourou/ Paramaribo – Transfer to Paramaribo by road. This evening enjoy a sumptuous dinner which showcases Suriname cuisine. BLD
Day 18 Paramaribo – Explore the historic plantation district on Paramaribo’s outskirts. Afternoon at leisure. BL
Day 19 Depart Paramaribo – Transfer to the airport for your onwards flight. B
We were happy we took the plunge and returned to South America to see these unique nations that differ so much and add to the diversity of the continent.
2024 Tour Guest Comment
West Indian Manatee spotting on our The Three Guianas Tour 2024
2026 Trip Highlights
Kaieteur Falls
Located in the heart of Guyana, Kaieteur Falls is among the world’s tallest single-drop waterfalls, plunging an astonishing 741 feet. Unlike heavily commercialized tourist spots, this waterfall receives only around 10,000 visitors per year and is surrounded by pristine rainforest, offering an untouched and tranquil experience. Visitors often describe the roar of the falls and the mist-filled air as awe-inspiring.
The area around Kaieteur Falls is home to endemic species like the tiny golden frog and the rare Guianan cock-of-the-rock bird, if you’re lucky enough to spot these.
Devils Island
Located off the coast of French Guiana, Devil’s Island is infamous for its brutal history as part of a French penal colony. Immortalized in the book and film Papillon, the island’s ruins serve as a stark reminder of the harsh conditions endured by prisoners. A guided tour will take you through remnants of the prison and provide insight into its fascinating history.
The penal colony operated from 1852 to 1953, housing some of France’s most notorious criminals alongside political prisoners. Escape attempts were near impossible due to shark-infested waters.
Take time to explore the old cells and learn about the lives of the prisoners who were sent here, all the while you are surrounded by lush greenery and views of the Atlantic, contrasting sharply with the island’s grim past.
Thank you for leading an amazing trip to an exotic and untapped part of the world. It was an adventure that I am finding hard to explain to people who are unfamiliar with the Guianas of South America. It’s a mix of historical colonialism, untouched wilderness, bird and wildlife wonder and a melting pot of peoples.
Our 2024 fully escorted tour to The 3 Guianas was such a success that we are heading back in 2026. Read on to find out more about this incredible region and the new tour that has now been released for 2026.
Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana: the forgotten corner of South America
Tiny Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana offer a very different Latin American experience! Speaking English, Dutch and French respectively, these nations have a distinctly Caribbean culture. And each contains a cultural melange that has created diversity in everything from food and music to religion. Even better, they receive a tiny fraction of the tourists that their South American neighbours attract. So why not discover these fascinating destinations before the rest of the world catches on?
Guyana
All three of the Guianas are incredible destinations for the emerging ecotourism market with impressive waterfalls, lush rainforest and tropical wildlife. But the ex-British colony, Guyana, is perhaps the best for wildlife lovers. Because an incredible 80% of the country is covered by rainforest. And Guyana is also home to one of the regions few well-known attractions (relatively speaking!). Kaieteur Falls are a must-see for any visitor to this stunning country. And here’s a fun fact! Did you know that Guyana receives fewer tourists in a year than Machu Picchu does in a day??
Suriname
While in Guyana the population speaks English and are mad about cricket, in Suriname the national language is Dutch. Here, in Paramaribo, the capital city, travellers can see the Dutch heritage in the architecture that resembles the old Amsterdam. Just like Guyana, Suriname is also covered in the lush jungle. And we think a trip to Suriname is incomplete without a trip into the interior for a stay at a jungle lodge.
French Guiana
This overseas department of France uses euros and has regular flights to and from Paris. In fact, the country is better connected to Europe than the rest of South America! So it is worth spending a few days here to make the journey worthwhile. Whilst in French Guiana your clients can explore the Kourou Space Centre and maybe even be lucky enough to witness a space launch! And then there’s the infamous Devil’s Island (actually named Iles du Salut) made famous by the book & movie of the same name, Papillon. You can ever visit H’mong villages which were created by Vietnamese migrants after the Vietnam War.
If you want to give your clients a truly off-the-beaten track adventure, don’t hesitate to call us. We’ll help you design a unique holiday to Latin America’s most underrated nations.
Tiny Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana offer a very different Latin American experience! Why not discover these fascinating destinations before the rest of the world catches on?
