Guyana

Traveller Testimonial:
I've been a pretty consistent traveller with AA since 1999. I'd never been to the Caribbean and I particularly wanted to see Guyana and Suriname, the unspoiled islands appealed to me more than the cruise ship destinations. The whole experience in Guyana was excellent, especially Kaieteur Waterfall and Georgetown, and I very much enjoyed the sites we visited in Trinidad. Indeed, I found that the trip managed to show the highlights and essence of each island while also allowing downtime for swimming, snorkelling, etc.
-Nancy Grant   Tour Code: CB2 Guyana, Suriname & The Caribbean (Caribbean shorelines and South American paradises)

Often regarded as South America's best-kept secret, the small country of Guyana on the northern coast of the continent remains for the time being relatively untouched by mass tourism. A natural wonderland of splendid diversity and richness, Guyana's surroundings unquestionably number among the most exquisite, aesthetically pleasing and rewarding environments on the planet. Add to this the unblemished qualities of the natural setting, the captivating contemporary culture of its people and a wealth of fascinating historic sites and you have a little-visited destination that is certain to become increasingly popular before long.

Traveller Testimonial:
[The highlights were] Caroni Swamp in Trinidad (to see scarlet Ibises), the day trips to Bequia from St Vincent (very relaxing) and everything in Dominica. Virtually all the meals were good or excellent and [Tour Leader] Keri obviously spent a good deal of time and effort arranging some of them.
-Ron Clark   Tour CB1 The Caribbean: Lesser Antilles Island Hopper (The Mores of the Lesser Antilles)

Guyana fringes the Amazon Basin, a region world-renowned for housing a unique eco-system wherein one acre of territory is said to contain more variety of species of flora than do exist on the entire continent of Europe. This, along with its plethora of endemic and non-endemic fauna, makes Guyana the most bountiful of destinations for naturalists and botanists and since it is estimated that only about 40 per cent of species resident to the Basin have hitherto been discovered, this is also definitely the place to be for would-be explorers. Travellers will be taken aback by the kaleidoscopic array of colourful birds and the vast assortment of insects, mammals and plants that live within the borders of this wondrous country. Thick, verdurous rainforests, rugged mountains, snaking waterways and gushing waterfalls dominate the Guyana countryside, boasting an undefiled ecological purity that is only possible without the interference of Man. Guyana has a virgin landscape that is all to rare in modern times.

Traveller Testimonial:
I enjoyed my birdwatching trip in Dominica, as well as the trip into the Interior and Carib areas to learn about what grows in Dominica was fascinating. The trip to Asa Wright (especiatlly the add-on I did) was great; it should be offered as an option to the tour. The accommodation was comfortable, the food great, the activities varied and the service next to none.
-Helena Jefferson   Tour CB2 Guyana, Suriname & The Caribbean (Caribbean shorelines and South American paradises)

Having become a colony of the Dutch and British in the sixteenth and nineteenth centuries respectively, Guyana nowadays bears evidence of influence from both foreign powers. With, for example, snaking canals and charming wooden houses on stilts, modern day Guyana displays a peculiar blend of features indicative of other cultures, but perhaps no trait is more telling of the country's colonial past than the fact that English is the official language. Travellers will also discover visible influences from the Afro-Caribbean, Asian and Amerindian cultures and come to appreciate that Guyana's contemporary culture is rooted in an amalgam of foreign cultures. Venturing into the urban areas and mingling with the amiable locals is without doubt the best way to get a feel for Guyana and to experience a country that is a synthesis of Latin America and the Caribbean, all with a healthy dollop of Asian and European influences thrown in for good measure.

Traveller Testimonial:
I had had previous good experiences with Adventures Abroad and this itinerary allowed exploration of several West Indian islands on one tour. The excursions were utterly outstanding:the trips to Asa Wright Nature Centre and Caroni Swamp in Trinidad, the steelpan performance in Trinidad, the old turtle sanctuary in Bequia and the visit to the Carib territory/village in Dominica. The botanical gardens in Port of Spain and Kingston are excellent and should be featured more.
-Fiona Robertson Tour GY1 Guyana, Suriname & Trinidad (Ancient marvels of South America)

Traveller Testimonial:
Seeing the scarlet ibis roost in Trinidad was great. Kaiteur Falls was a fun experience and the local guides were excellent. I had visited 98 countries (now 100) and I was looking for unusual tours. I've travelled with Adventures Abroad before and it's good value.
Marily Adelman   Tour GY1: Guyana, Suriname & Trinidad (Ancient marvels of South America)