The Full Iwokrama Experience Tour: 5 Days & 4 Nights

Iwokrama - "Place of Refuge"

At 1000 metres high, the Iwokrama Mountains form the geographic focal point of the Forest. They once provided a "place of refuge" for the Makushi people. The Centre and Forest are named after this striking formation, now a refuge for people and wildlife... and an extraordinary mission.

Day 1: Transportation from Georgetown - Field Station Trails - Relaxation

You will leave Georgetown for the adventurous drive to Kurupukari Landing via the Georgetown to Lethem road. Along the way, we'll take a 15 min. break for a late breakfast. The 5-6 hr. journey takes you through the historic mining town of Linden and south through the dense forest to the Essequibo River. From there you will take a short boat to the Field Station for lunch and a brief rest.

In the afternoon, you will join one of our very knowledgeable Forest Rangers for a wildlife walk. Birds often encountered on these trails include Black-necked Aracari, Screaming Piha, Grey-chinned Hermit, Crested Oropendola, Blue-and-Yellow Macaw and Black Curassow.

After dinner, spend a relaxing evening in the beautiful setting on the bank of the Essequibo River.

Day 2: Turtle Mountain and Base Camp

After breakfast and a short boat ride, you will take an hour-long hike up Turtle Mountain to the 300 metre (950 ft.) summit. The reward is an absolutely breathtaking view over the forest canopy with the winding river below and the Pakaraima Mountains in the distance.

After settling in, you will spend the remainder of the afternoon exploring the area and trails near Turtle Mountain Base Camp. That night you'll sleep to the sounds of the forest in a cozy hammock.

Day 3: Field Station - Fairview Village - Petroglyphs - Nocturnal Wildlife Spotting

This morning travel back to the Field Station along the Essequibo River, with the chance to see assorted wildlife. After this mildly challenging hike, you can spend the rest of the morning relaxing.

Lunch is followed by another short river journey to Fairview, an indigenous community within the Iwokrama Forest. You will tour the village and have opportunities to purchase local crafts and honey and see flocks of spectacular Blue and Yellow Macaws feeding on the Acuru Palms.

We will then go view the nearby 7,000 year old petroglyphs at Kurupukari Falls (dependent upon water level).

Day 4: Aquatic Wildlife Spotting - Aranaputa Village - Canopy Walkway and Satellite Camp

Before breakfast, a river trip around Indian House Island awaits you with the chance to spot aquatic wildlife.

Return to the Field Station for breakfast then depart for the Crossing by boat for 2.5 hr. journey through the pristine forest then a hike to the Ecotourism Nature Trail and Rest Cabin, a unique project perched 1000 feet above the indigenous community of Aranaputa with one of the most fabulous panoramic views of the North Rupununi Savannah. Here, visitors are offered a comfortable and enjoyable stay. The rest cabin includes a simple kitchen, dining hall and comfortable hammocks. Activities include mountain hikes, nature trail walks, bird watching, night trekking, and animal spotting.

In the late evening we will go to Mauishparu to visit the only Canopy Walkway in the Guiana Shield, the new state-of-the-art facility that winds 35m through the treetops. You will hear about the function of the reserve and ongoing research. After a nighttime visit to the Walkway you will spend the night at the nearby satellite camp.

Day 5: Ranger Station - Georgetown

Rise with nature to enjoy the dawn chorus and observe the wildlife from this amazing spot of the Forest and enjoy a relaxing breakfast.

On the journey back to Georgetown, there will be a brief stop at the Ranger Station at the Crossing where you will collect a packed lunch and continue your journey back to Georgetown.

What to Bring

Comfortable waking shoes, light clothing, long sleeved shirts, long pants, insect repellant, binoculars, camera, extra film, hat, poncho, sun lotion.

Rates

Group rates include all road and river transfers, meals, accommodations, tours, village fees, Iwokrama Forest User fee, Canopy Walkway fee and Ranger/Guide fees.

• 5 Persons: US$1,925 ($385 each)
• 10 Persons: US$3,754 ($375.40 each)
• 15 Persons: US$4,950 ($330 each)

Cancellation Refund Policy

1 week or more: 100%

6-3 days:50%

2 days or less: Non-refundable

Updated March 18, 2004