Small Group Experiential Travel

1-800-665-3998

12 Day Guyana, Suriname & French Guiana Tour

Land of Many Waters

Tour Code

GY1

When To Go

Feb, Mar, Nov

Start

Georgetown (GEO)

End

Paramaribo (PBM)

Countries Visited (3)

French Guiana,...More >

Overnight In (6)

Georgetown, Pa...More >

Activity Level

2 - Moderate?

Tour Type

Cultural?

Overview
Info & Inclusions
Itinerary
Map & Hotels
Photos
Reviews
Extend
Dates & Prices

Highlights

Max Group Size 18
Flight-seeing over Kaieteur Falls, the world's highest single-drop waterfall
Three nights at remote Kabalebo Nature Resort, home to 250+ bird species
Essequibo River motorboat excursion to Sloth Island for wildlife spotting
Guided tour of the Ariane Space Centre
Full-day excursion to the infamous Îles du Salut penal colony
Exploring Paramaribo's UNESCO-listed colonial centre
Singles friendly
(view options for single travellers)

Description

With a thoughtfully crafted itinerary, this tour showcases one of South America's most enigmatic corners—the three Guianas, where Dutch colonial elegance meets Amazonian wilderness and French Caribbean culture. From Georgetown's towering wooden cathedral to the thundering heights of Kaieteur Falls, this adventure leads through UNESCO-inscribed colonial towns, untouched rainforest sanctuaries, and the infamous penal islands that once held France's most notorious prisoners. A major highlight is our three-night immersion at Kabalebo Nature Resort, a pristine wilderness sanctuary accessible only by light aircraft—where 250 bird species inhabit virgin rainforest and jungle rivers wind through territories unchanged for millennia. We explore Paramaribo's black-and-white Dutch streetscapes standing beside Caribbean mosques and centuries-old synagogues, witness the Ariane Space Centre where modern rockets launch from equatorial jungle, and drift by dugout canoe past cascading rapids under the forest canopy. The tour concludes with the haunting beauty of the Îles du Salut, where Devil's Island's stone-cut prison steps now lead to palm-fringed views of turquoise Caribbean waters, offering a richly rewarding finale to this culturally diverse and ecologically extraordinary South American experience.

Price Includes

Full-time Tour Leader services plus local guides at several locations
Breakfast and dinner daily (hotels and local restaurants).
All transport (including internal flights) accommodation, sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as "visited" in the detailed itinerary.
Gratuities for local guides, drivers, restaurant staff, porters.
Airport transfers for land & air customers and for early arriving/late departing land & air customers who book their extra hotel nights through us.

Exclusions

International airfare to/from the tour.
Tour Leader gratuity, some lunches, drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), departure taxes, domestic and international air taxes (if applicable).
Airport transfers for Land Only customers.
Optional trip cancellation insurance.

Trip Info

Seasonality and Weather:
Overall, while the Guianas can be visited year-round, the period from November to March offers a balance of warm weather and occasional rainfall, making it a suitable time for travellers who are prepared for tropical conditions.

What you can expect:

• Warm-hot temperatures: Expect average temperatures around 25-30°C (77-86°F)
• High humidity: The tropical climate ensures high humidity levels, making it feel even warmer.
• Frequent rainfall: While the rains are generally shorter and less intense compared to the main rainy season (April-June), expect occasional showers and thunderstorms.
Transport and Travel Conditions:
Local land transport provided by air-conditioned bus, minibus, and/or taxi. Kaieteur Falls and Kabalebo flights via light charter aircraft.

For our nights at Kabalebo, you must bring a smaller bag max weight 7 kg/15 lbs due to the nature of the light aircraft used. Larger bags will be kept securely during this time.

This tour is not strenuous per se, but our "2" level rating refers to the ambitious nature of the itinerary, the remote locations covered, the tropical heat/humidity, and several activities (ie jungle walks) that one must be prepared for in order to fully enjoy all elements of this trip.

One must also be mindful of the nature of the places we visit within this region, one of the least-visited corners of this continent. Tourist-related infrastructure, facilities, and service levels are not well-developed, and you will no doubt experience some "rough edges" and things that don't work as efficiently as one would expect or hope. While every effort is made to ensure that you get the most out of your experience, comfortably and safely, in these three out-of-the-way places, one must pack one's sense of adventure in order to enjoy the unique attributes of each destination for what they are.

Am I suitable for this tour? Please refer to our self-assessment form
Activity Level: 2
These are particularly busy tours that feature a lot of moving around, sometimes by train and short journeys on local transport. Walking tours of towns and cities are leisurely but you should be prepared to be on your feet for several hours. Some of our cultural trips that occur at high altitude and/or require greater independence with baggage handling (at hotels, airports, train stations) also fall into this category.

To learn more about the Activity levels, please visit our tour styles page.
Accommodation:
Well-located, air-conditioned, mid-range (3 & 4 star) hotels/resorts with en suite toilet and bath throughout. Single rooms are limited in number and likely smaller than doubles. Porter service is sometimes available though you should be independent with your luggage, especially at airports and some hotels which may NOT have elevators. Please note that Wifi, though available in theory, may be weak or suffer from outages. Please note that internet is a chargeable service at Kabalebo owing to the cost of the satellite uplink.

Maximum 3 single rooms available (additional singles may be available upon request)

Please click on "Map & Hotels" for more details.
Staff and Support:
Tour Leader, driver/s, and local step on guides.
Group Size:
Maximum 18 (plus Tour Leader)

View / Print Itinerary

Day 1:
Arrival in Georgetown
Today we arrive in Georgetown, capital of Guyana and one of South America's lesser-known destinations.

Named after King George III, Georgetown lies on the Atlantic coast at the Demerara River estuary. The city is protected by a sea wall and elaborate drainage system designed by the Dutch. Called the "garden city" for its wide tree-lined avenues, Georgetown preserves a piece of colonial past in a modern world. Built mostly of wood, the city is an architectural wonder with many buildings dating to the 18th and 19th centuries.

This evening we gather with fellow travellers for our first meal together.

Overnight in Georgetown.

Included Meal(s): Dinner, if required
Day 2:
Georgetown - Fly to Kaieteur Falls - Riverside Resort
Today we fly to Kaieteur Falls, approximately 1 to 1.5 hours into Guyana's interior.

We witness Guyana's astonishing Kaieteur Falls, where the Potaro River drops over a precipice 224 metres/741 feet into the depths of a gorge below. This is the highest single-drop waterfall in the world and one of the country's most impressive sights. Guyana's trademark feature produces breathtaking rainbows across the gorge when weather permits. Our aircraft circles the falls, giving views to passengers on both sides before landing nearby.

We walk through a tropical gorge, stopping at viewpoints along the way. Many legends surround Kaieteur, but the most enduring tells of Kaie, a great chief of the Patamona tribe. To save his people from being destroyed by the savage Caribishi, Kaie sacrificed himself to Makonaima, the Great Spirit, by canoeing over the falls.

After our visit, we travel by boat to our jungle resort on the Essequibo River.

NOTE: For our time here and later at Kabalebo in Suriname, please pack a smaller collapsible overnight bag due to light aircraft weight restrictions. Your larger baggage will be securely stored.

Overnight at our jungle resort.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 3:
Riverside Resort - Sloth Island - Georgetown Touring
This morning we travel by boat to Sloth Island on the Essequibo River for wildlife spotting and lunch. We stop at Fort Zeelandia to visit the fort and museum before continuing by boat to Georgetown.

Upon arrival in Georgetown, we enjoy a half-day tour focusing on the capital's most distinctive features. The city's relationship with the Atlantic becomes immediately apparent as we explore the waterfront area, where Georgetown's Dutch-engineered seawall and elaborate drainage system protect this low-lying settlement. We witness the canal pumps, mangroves, and historic waterfront buildings that define the city's character.
We view St George's Cathedral, one of the world's tallest free-standing wooden buildings, along with St Andrews Kirk. Time permitting, we may drive past the historic Stabroek Market, recognizable by its distinctive iron clock tower, and the Parliament building.

We visit the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology to learn about Guyana's indigenous peoples, then stop at the colonial-era Red House. The Promenade Gardens provide a peaceful retreat, showcasing why Georgetown earned its reputation as the "garden city" with manicured lawns under shade trees.

Our final stop is the National Park, home to Georgetown's most captivating residents - West Indian manatees. These gentle marine mammals can often be spotted in the park's waterways, offering one of the region's most memorable wildlife encounters.

Overnight in Georgetown.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4:
Georgetown, Guyana - Fly to Paramaribo, Suriname
This morning we fly from Georgetown to Paramaribo, Suriname.

Suriname is the smallest country in South America with a population just over half a million. Set in natural tropical wilderness, Suriname offers a combination of Caribbean and South American character. Dominated by mighty rivers providing highways into the rainforest interior, much of Suriname remains virtually untouched.

Paramaribo is a former Dutch colonial town from the 17th and 18th centuries. The original street plan remains intact, with black-and-white colonial buildings lining grassy squares. In 2002 the historical inner city was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

On arrival we have a city tour. At the central market you can find tropical fruit and vegetables galore, and here one can meet a cross-section of Suriname's ethnically diverse population. We stop at the Neveh Shalom Synagogue, standing in the centre of town next to the largest mosque in the Caribbean.

As we explore part of the city on foot we witness the diversity of Paramaribo, including the monuments and historical buildings in and around the city centre that were added to the World Heritage List by UNESCO. The Palm Garden, which is behind the Presidential Palace, is famous for its stately palm trees, and the Waterfront at Independence Square is the centre of activity during national holidays. Here one often finds several food stands. We see the historic Fort Zeelandia, which has been turned into a museum highlighting Suriname's history and arts.

Overnight in Paramaribo.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 5:
Paramaribo - Fly to Kabalebo Nature Resort
Today we fly to Kabalebo Nature Resort, a beautiful lodge lying in one of the most beautiful areas of Suriname, deep in the untouched Amazon rainforest. Accessible only by air, this is an area of pristine uninhabited Amazon jungle in the western part of Suriname. The precise spot can be narrowed down to the area of the Bakhuys Mountain at the Kabalebo River. Within hundreds of kilometres one finds nothing except rainforest flora and fauna. The name "Kabalebo" in the Caraib Amerindian language means "arch in the river."

Our schedule over the next three days is kept flexible and will be adjusted to meet the group's interests and weather conditions. Upon arrival we enjoy lunch, then set out for our first rainforest experience. This afternoon we might take a forest walk along trails passing through dense vegetation, learning about medicinal plants and trees from our guides. Alternatively, we drift downriver by dugout canoe, a peaceful introduction to the surrounding wilderness. These long pirogues with outboard motors provide comfortable seating as we glide through the forest, watching for birds and wildlife along the banks.

NOTE: For our time here, pack a smaller collapsible overnight bag due to light aircraft weight restrictions. Your larger baggage will be securely stored.

Overnight at Kabalebo Nature Resort.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6:
Kabalebo Nature Resort
This truly is one of Suriname's most beautiful pieces of jungle. Because no people live in the wide surroundings, pure untouched nature is found here. The resort lies in the middle of Amazon jungle, and exotic tropical animals surround you.

Today we venture deeper into the rainforest on a full-day excursion. We travel by boat along the river, then hike to one of the area's waterfalls, perhaps Kilotri Falls depending on conditions. Our guides share their knowledge of the extensive flora and fauna as we walk, pointing out medicinal plants and explaining their traditional uses. The region is a birders' paradise with more than 250 species recorded at the property. We might spot macaws, caracaras, parrots, and other colourful birds. With some luck, we may also encounter caimans along the riverbanks or catch glimpses of other rainforest inhabitants.

Optional: Those preferring a less strenuous day can enjoy shorter forest walks near the lodge and a leisurely afternoon boat ride.

A packed lunch is included during our excursion.

Overnight at Kabalebo Nature Resort.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7:
Kabalebo Nature Resort
Today we continue enjoying the resort and its pristine surroundings. Activities are tailored to the group's interests and can include river excursions upstream or downstream along the Kabalebo River. Traveling upstream takes us toward fishing areas, while downstream journeys often feature the engines turned off, allowing for better wildlife observation in the quieter conditions.

The resort has miles of landscaped paths where you can wander independently, and shorter forest walks remain available for those who wish to explore at a more relaxed pace. Our guides continue to share their expertise on the rainforest ecosystem. Birds you might encounter include the Blue-headed Parrot, Black Skimmer, Aracaris, and the Buff-throated Saltator.

The river offers opportunities to cool off in shallow areas away from the jetty, always under the guidance of our local experts who know the safest spots.

Overnight at Kabalebo Nature Resort.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8:
Kabalebo - Fly to Paramaribo, Suriname - Kourou, French Guiana
This morning we depart by charter flight back to Paramaribo. On arrival we transfer to the Albina River, board a boat, and cross into French Guiana. We then proceed by road to Kourou.

This overseas departement of France sits on the northeastern coast of South America, bounded by Brazil to the south and east, Suriname to the west, and the Atlantic Ocean to the northeast. The Kourou River empties into the Atlantic, and at the river's mouth sits the town, ringed by four hills. Not much is known of the pre-colonial era, but mostly Kalina or Galibi peoples populated the area before the French arrived in the late 17th century.

Overnight in Kourou.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 9:
Kourou: Ariane Space Centre & Cayenne
This morning we visit the Ariane Space Center for a guided tour. Ariane rockets, whose path over the Atlantic is tracked from Devil's Island, have put two-thirds of all Western satellites into space. This base is French Guiana's biggest source of income.

Launch schedules at the Centre Spatiale Guyanaise are closely-held secrets, so our schedule may be amended on short notice. The usual visit includes a bus tour criss-crossing the facility, with stops at assembly buildings and control centres.

This afternoon we tour Cayenne, French Guiana's atmospheric capital and chief port. The cultural milieu reflects diverse ethnic communities, with a distinctive mixed-Creole culture dominating urban areas, highlighted by brilliantly coloured costumes.

Avenue General de Gaulle is the main commercial street. At the east end are Place des Palmistes and Place de Grenoble, where most official buildings are located, including the Hotel de Ville built by Jesuits in the 1890s. We visit the Musee Departemental, featuring exhibits on indigenous peoples and the notorious Devil's Island penal settlements. Lively cafes and market stalls fill the Place des Palmistes.

NOTE: As tour dates are published before rocket launch schedules are known, a launch could impact our plans if security lockdowns curtail our visit. Though unlikely, if this happens we will substitute other sightseeing.

Overnight in Kourou.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 10:
Kourou & Iles du Salut
Today we enjoy a full-day excursion to the former penal colony on the Iles du Salut (Isles of Salvation). Commonly referred to collectively as "Devil's Island," this is really a triangle of three islands situated seven miles off Kourou's coast. This famous archipelago lies about an hour out into the Caribbean and consists of Ile Royale, Ile St Joseph, and Devil's Island (Ile du Diable - inaccessible for visitation).

The islands played a central role in French history as far back as 1792 when they were first employed as a transit point for explorers, then slaves, and later political prisoners. More than 30,000 French convicts died in horrendous prisons here. Those sent to the islands were traitors or convicts who had proved unbreakable in mainland prison camps.

Today the islands are attractive and lush, with flights of stone-cut steps under palms leading to superb views of the blue sea, and a church framed in scented frangipani trees. Turtles swim in the channel below Ile Royale where once sharks waited for prisoners' bodies to be thrown into the sea. The cells, guards' quarters, and administration blocks on Ile Royale have been converted into a hotel and restaurant, and there's an excellent small museum recounting the place's history. There's a small church, hospital remains, and a cemetery with memorials to prison staff.

We later return by catamaran to Kourou.

Overnight in Kourou (for logistical reasons, we include lunch today instead of dinner).

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
Day 11:
Kourou, French Guiana - Paramaribo, Suriname
This morning we travel by road back to Paramaribo. Though it may seem logical to fly onward from Cayenne, the lack of and high changeability of flights, and the inconvenience of the available schedules, mostly through Paris, result in this overland route.

We cross the border by boat and continue over the bridge spanning the Suriname River into Paramaribo. To the right sits the remains of a German cargo ship scuttled in the river during wartime.

Overnight in Paramaribo.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 12:
Departure
BON VOYAGE! Tot ziens!

Included Meal(s): Breakfast

Regions Visited: South America, Caribbean and Guyanas
Countries Visited: French Guiana, Guyana and Suriname

*The red tour trail on the map does not represent the actual travel path.

Location: Kabalebo Jungle Resort, Suriname

Squirrel Monkey | Location: Kourou, French Guiana

Îles du Salut | Location: Kourou, French Guiana

St. George's Cathedral | Location: Georgetown, Guyana

Gosselin Beach, Remire Montjoly | Location: French Guiana

Excellent

Overall Rating

4.7

Extend Your Trip

This tour is part of a series that can be upgraded to make for a longer trip.

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Have questions?

1-800-665-3998

Final payment: Due 90 days prior to departure.
Deposit: A non-refundable $500 USD Deposit is required at booking.
Internal Flight Taxes: An extra $175 USD applies for taxes and fees on tour flights. The internal airfares are included, but taxes are listed separately as they may change. Exceptions are noted in Red.
Optional Single Supplement: $1430 USD (number of singles limited).
(View options for
single travellers
)
Transfering Tour or Date: Transferring to another tour or tour date is only permissible outside of 120 days prior to departure and is subject to a $100 USD change fee.
(Read our cancellation policy)

Choose your departure date:

Prices below are per person, twin-sharing costs in US Dollars (USD). Pricing does not include airfare to/from the tour and any applicable taxes.

2026

11 Feb - 22 Feb 2026 $6,430 USD Please Contact Us

25 Feb - 08 Mar 2026 $6,430 USD Please Contact Us

11 Mar - 22 Mar 2026 $6,430 USD Please Contact Us

04 Nov - 15 Nov 2026 $6,430 USD

18 Nov - 29 Nov 2026 $6,430 USD

2027

10 Feb - 21 Feb 2027 $6,430 USD

24 Feb - 07 Mar 2027 $6,430 USD

03 Nov - 14 Nov 2027 $6,430 USD

17 Nov - 28 Nov 2027 $6,430 USD

01:
Can Adventures Abroad book my flights?
Yes! We have full-service in-house air department with years of experience booking our passengers to far-flung places around the world from any place that has an airport. Travelling from Los Angeles to Rome? No problem. Travelling from Deer Lake, Newfoundland to Antananarivo? Also not a problem!
- 01:
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  Here’s the clear answer: Usually, no.
  
  Booking your flights with us is super convenient—it’s like one-stop shopping! Plus, we’ll take care of you if something goes wrong, like a canceled flight or missed connection. We include airport transfers at your destination when you book flights through us. Some routes to less common destinations can be hard to find on your own or through online search engines. Which usually only show popular routes. Let us make it easy for you!
- 02:
  Why should I book my flights with Adventures Abroad?
  - Included airport transfers: Enjoy a smoother trip with airport transfers provided when you book flights with us.
  - Peace of mind: Feel confident knowing we’ve got you covered during your trip.
  - Help with disruptions: If your travel plans change, we assist with rebooking flights and updating our partners and staff at your destination.
  - Avoid stress and confusion: Booking with us means you won’t have to deal directly with airlines or ticket sellers if issues arise.
02:
Does the group fly together on a set route and airline?
Unlike with some companies, you are not obliged to fly with a particular airline on "bulk" group flights. Because our travellers are coming from (usually) across North America, everyone who flies with us receives a custom air quotation that best serves their situation and preferences—we do not have "set" routings on only a limited number of airlines.

While fare and convenience are always at the top of the list of criteria, we can work with you to find the option that suits you best.
03:
When should my flights be quoted / booked?
Everyone wants to know their flight details early. To get the best fares and routes, book your tour and pay your deposit as soon as possible. This helps us confirm the tour early. Booking 8-12 months ahead takes some trust, but it’s the best way to plan with so many factors involved. We can’t always provide exact flight costs more than 6 months out or before the tour is confirmed. But we almost always find a solution that works for our travellers.

If you are booking more than one person with different addresses and separate billing, please book each person individually.

Number of Travellers

7 or more travellers - Please contact us to book.
Single Travellers -

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Deposit Due Today: $500 USD

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Guyana, Suriname & French Guiana Tour

On our Guyana, Suriname & French Guiana tour, spectacular waterfalls, tropical jungles, and friendly and multicultural people all work their way into defining this rarely explored region of South America. Explore the highlights and the hidden gems of the Guyanas!

Exciting Videos of
Tourcode: GY1

Guyana, Suriname & French Guiana Tour

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum number of participants on a trip?
Most of our tours carry a maximum of 18 participants; some tours (ie hiking tours) top out at 16. In the event that we do not achieve our minimum complement by our 90-day deadline, we may offer group members the option of paying a "small-group surcharge" as an alternative to cancellation. If all group members agree, we will confirm the trip at existing numbers; this surcharge is refundable in the event that we ultimately achieve our regular minimum. If the small group surcharge is not accepted, we will offer a refund of your deposit or a different trip of your choice.
Can I extend my tour either at the beginning or end? What about stopovers?
Yes, you can extend your tour either at the beginning or the end and we can book accommodation in our tour hotel. Stopovers are often permitted, depending on air routing. Stopovers usually carry a "stopover" fee levied by the airline.
How do I make a reservation? How and when do I pay?
The easiest way to make a reservation is via our website; during office hours, you are also more than welcome to contact us by telephone.

A non-refundable deposit is payable at the time of booking; if a reservation is made within 90 days, full payment is required. Some trips require a larger deposit. If international airline bookings require a non-refundable payment in order to secure space or the lowest available fare, we will require an increase in deposit equal to the cost of the ticket(s).

Early enrolment is always encouraged as group size is limited and some trips require greater preparation time.

Once we have received your deposit, we will confirm your space and send you a confirmation package containing your trip itinerary, any visa/travel permit related documents, invoice, clothing and equipment recommendations, general information on your destination(s), and forms for you to complete, sign and return to us. Your air e-tickets (if applicable), final hotel list, final trip itinerary, and instructions on how to join your tour, will be sent approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure.
What about cancellations, refunds, and transfers?
Please review our cancellation policy page for details.
I am a single who prefers my own room. What is a single supplement?
All of our tours have a single supplement for those who want to be guaranteed their own room at each location.

This supplement is a reflection of the fact that most hotels around the world do not discount the regular twin-share rate for a room by 50% for only one person occupying a room. Most hotels will give a break on the price, but usually in the range of 25-30% of the twin-share rate. This difference, multiplied by each night, amounts to the single supplement.

The conventional amount can also vary from country to country and some destinations are more expensive than others for single occupancy. In order to be "single friendly," the supplements we apply are not a profit centre for us and we do our best to keep them as reasonable as possible.

On most tours we limit the number of singles available, not to be punitive, but rather because many hotels allow for only a limited number of singles; some smaller hotels at remote locations also have a limited number of single rooms available.

Please note that most single rooms around the world are smaller than twin-share rooms and will likely have only one bed.
Do you have a shared accommodation program?
Yes! If you are single traveller and are willing to share, we will do our best to pair you with a same-gender roommate. Please note that should we fail to pair you, we will absorb the single supplement fee and you will default to a single room at no extra charge.