Greenheart Tour: 3 Days & 2 Nights

Greenheart (Chlorocardium rodiei)

*Greenheart, found only in the Guiana Shield, has dark, greenish and extremely durable wood.  It is harvested for worldwide use in bridges, walkways, and other construction projects where water (fresh or salt) is a concern; also used locally in home building.

Day1:

Transportation from Georgetown - Trails - Nocturnal Wildlife Spotting

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, we're off for a nighttime boat ride on the Essequibo River to experience the thrill of using powerful flashlights to look for (and usually find!) wildlife like tree boas, frogs, kinkajou, Black Caiman and other nocturnal creatures.

Day 2: Turtle Mountain - Fairview Village - Petrogylphs - Canopy Walkway and Satellite 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.

Then return to the Field Station for lunch, 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).

From there, travel south through the pristine forest 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 3: Cock-of-the-Rock - Ranger Station - Georgetown

Rise with nature to enjoy the dawn chorus and observe the wildlife from this amazing spot of the Forest. Breakfast is served, then we'll drive to the Cock-of-the-Rock site where this rare bird nests.

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$1,340 ($268 each)
• 10 Persons: US$2,800 ($280 each)
• 15 Persons: US$3,535 ($235 each)

Cancellation Refund Policy

1 week or more: 100%

6-3 days:50%

2 days or less: Non-refundable

Updated March 18, 2004