Perhaps you have never heard of Guyana? Well, that is not too surprising, given that the country receives around the same number of visitors per year as Machu Picchu does in one day! But that is sure to change over the coming years. Because this underrated gem is emerging as one of the hottest ecotourism destinations on the planet. In fact, around 80% of Guyana is covered in pristine tropical rainforests. And its lush interior, cascading waterfalls, and tropical wildlife rival the best nature destinations in the world.
Guyana is located in the northern tip of South America, bordering Brazil, Suriname, and Venezuela. As an ex-British colony, the national language is English, though the culture is decidedly Creole and has a Caribbean flavour. Like many former colonies in the Caribbean, Guyana is mad about cricket, and locals will happily discuss the international scene with willing fanatics!
Densely covered in rainforest, travel to Guyana’s interior can be arduous. And in fact, most remote villages and jungle camps are only accessible by air or water. But those who do take the time to venture deep into Guyana will be richly rewarded. The Jaguar, Giant River Otters, Black Caiman, Harpy Eagle, Hoatzin, and several sea turtle species inhabit this small country. And it is also an excellent destination for bird lovers. Some species that can be found are the magnificent Guianan Cock-of-the-rock, Toco Toucans, Scarlet Macaw, and Red-billed.
Guyana also boasts a substantial indigenous population, such as the Surama community. They offer visitors unique opportunities to experience traditional tribal life in the forest. A hammock camp will be your base for night walks, canoe trips, and hikes through the forest in search of wildlife.
When to go to Guyana?
– Guyana has two main dry seasons February to May and August to November. During these months, travel around the interior of the country is easier. However, you can expect rainfall at any time of the year.
– Even during Guyana’s peak season, you will often be the only guest at a jungle lodge! This is a fantastic destination for escaping crowds!
Our Experts Choice
– Consider a challenging and rewarding 4-day trek to the spectacular Kaieteur Falls. This is an unforgettable journey through Guyana’s rainforest-clad landscape.
– Don’t miss the wonderful display of bright orange male Guianan cock-of-the-rocks dancing on the forest floor to attract the females’ attention!
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Highlights
Kaieteur Falls
A highlight of any trip to Guyana is the amazing Kaieteur Falls- an immense single-drop falls much like Venezuela’s Angel Falls, set in misty jungle surrounds. Unlike Angel Falls however, Guyana’s relative obscurity on the international tourism radar means that you’ll experience these falls all on your own- a magical feeling.
Iwokrama Canopy Walk
Explore the forest canopy at this state-of-the-art Canopy Walkway in the heart of Iwokrama Reserve. This series of suspension bridges and decks tower up to 30 metres in height and 154 metres in length, giving visitors a unique perspective from within the treetops.
Karanambu Lodge
Located on the banks of the Rupununi River, this lodge has been the home of the McTurk family since 1927. Traditional thatched huts feature private facilities and 100% solar electricity. Wildlife opportunities abound with the lodge’s resident river otters a huge draw card.
TOURS
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?
There’s a lot of competition out there! So why should you book with Contours Travel? With decades of experience, Contours Travel stands out as Australia’s longest-running and most trusted tour operator to Latin America. Here’s why choosing us ensures a holiday of a lifetime.
Australia’s Longest-Running Latin America Tour Operator
Since 1975, we’ve specialised exclusively in Latin America, from South America to Central America, Mexico, Cuba, and even Antarctica. With 50 years of expertise, our knowledge of the region is unparalleled.
We Know Latin America By Heart
Contours Travel owner and founder Ted Dziadkiewicz has travelled to Latin America more than 125 times! And every one of our Travel Specialists has travelled widely throughout the region. That’s why we feel confident in saying you’d be hard-pressed to find a better-travelled team of Latin American experts in Australia! As a matter of fact, there is only ONE country in all of Latin America that no member of our team has been to…..can you guess which one?
Tailor-Made Journeys, Designed Just for You
Every single member of the Contours Travel team has travelled extensively around Latin America. And because we’re all a little bit different – we’ve experienced this amazing continent in different ways.
Likewise, we encourage all our clients to discover Latin America in their own way. This means getting together with one of our expert consultants and discussing your must-see destinations, specific interests, budget, and preferred accommodation options. Then it’s time for us to get to work, creating a unique holiday designed specifically for you.
Tailor-made means no two journeys are exactly alike. We invite you to browse the many suggested, sample itineraries on our website for inspiration. Or better yet, give us a call. Our passionate Travel Specialists love sharing their enthusiasm for all things Latin America.
What’s your passion?
The reasons behind a trip can be as diverse as the people who decide to embark on the travel adventure. Birdwatchers, tango dancers, orchid growers, train enthusiasts, and cattle farmers. We’ve worked with them all to design unique special interest holidays. Book with Contours Travel and indulge in your unique passion! Browse our website for inspiration, or let one of our travel specialists create a bespoke journey just for you.
Embark on a journey of discovery aboard the Belmond Andean Explorer.
Exceptional Value for Money
We aim to provide the best value for money, regardless of whether you’re on a budget or looking to splurge. Our long-established relationships with suppliers mean competitive prices & quality service. And we want to ensure you’re getting the best advice and the most competitive price at the moment you make an inquiry. That’s why there are no prices on our website!
Hassle-Free Travel with Expert Guidance
When you book with Contours Travel, we share our in-depth knowledge of Latin America so that you get even more out of your trip! Our comprehensive pre-departure kit includes a Spanish phrase book, suggested reading and restaurant lists & more! And of course, we provide you with 24/7 emergency contacts throughout your trip! So you don’t need to worry about a thing! Just relax, and enjoy the holiday of a lifetime.
Hammock in Bariloche Lake District Patagonia Argentina
Committed to Ethical and Sustainable Travel
Contours Travel is committed to building a more sustainable tourism industry. We support local communities and encourage travellers to engage with social projectsduring their journey. Ask us how you can make your trip more meaningful.
Hear What Our Clients Say
Don’t just take our word for it—hundreds of satisfied clients and travel agents recommend Contours Travel. Join our community of happy travellers and see why we’ve been Australia’s Latin America experts for nearly 50 years.
At Contours Travel we take pride in our numerous repeat clients who develop a deep affection for South America and eagerly plan their return. For first-time Australian visitors to South America, popular highlights like Machu Picchu, Iguazu Falls, and Rio de Janeiro are common choices. However, if you’re lucky enough to return and want to discover more unique destinations in South America, you’re in the right place! Our team of Travel Specialists possesses extensive experience, having journeyed to almost every corner of this fabulous continent, and they are enthusiastic about sharing their first-hand knowledge and expertise with you!
We’ve compiled a list of unique destinations in South America, unknown and downright weird destinations for you to consider. Dare to go somewhere different! These places will make this, a year to remember.
1. Explore Colombia’s coffee plantations It is no secret Aussies love a good cup of coffee. This is why we have created an itinerary that gives you the freedom to drive through the majestic Coffee Triangle in Colombia. The fertile valleys with seemingly endless coffee plantations, traditional wooden houses with brightly coloured balconies, and constructions in guadua (bamboo) come together to create the typical and vibrant landscape of this region.
2. Discover hidden Guyana Explore Guyana, one of the lesser-known countries in South America, and beat the tourist crowds while immersing yourself in a pristine jungle that reveals the impressive Kaieteur Falls. On this adventure, you’ll have the chance to visit Amerindian villages and meet the locals, gaining insights into the unique destinations in South America and discovering the hidden gems of this secluded region of the world.
3. Marvel at the Marble Caves in Chile Experience the wonder of the Marble Caves in Chile – also known as the Marble Cathedral. These breathtaking caves, formed by the movement of glaciers in the region, await you on our Patagonia Self-Drive tour. Marvel at the dazzling blue hues of these unique destinations in South America, located on Lake General Carrera.
4. Travel through the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia Over 10,000 km2 in size, Salar de Uyuni is the world’s most extensive salt flats. Marvel at a white horizon that transforms into the clearest night sky after the sun sets. Play with scale and perspective to take some of the most original pictures by creating optical illusions. And, for the ultimate experience, stay in Uyuni’s salt hotels an accommodation entirely made out of salt.
5. Visit Peru’s Northern Kingdoms While many visitors go to Peru for the famous Machu Picchu ruins, the country also harbours remarkable pre-Inca civilisations. If you’re considering a return to enchanting Peru, why not explore the Moche Route or Chachapoyas region? There, you’ll encounter impressive ancient ruins and witness the breathtaking beauty of Peru’s northern kingdoms; undoubtedly a unique destination in South America.
Contact us today if you want to book one of these unique destinations in South America. Or if you wish to learn about other marvellous destinations in Latin America. After all, our team is always ready to assist you throughout the process.
Looking for unique destinations for your trip to South America? Check out some of our most recommended off-the-beaten track favourites!
