Purpleheart Tour: 4 Days & 3 Nights

Purpleheart (Peltogyne spp.)

A native tropical American tree, Purpleheart is prized for its deep purplish chestnut color and its wood is used for furniture, doors, and crafts.

Day 1: Transportation from Georgetown - Aranaputa Village

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, where you'll cross by pontoon to the other side of the river.

A short distance away, we'll stop at the Ranger Station to collect a packed lunch, followed by 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.

Day 2: Canopy Walkway and Satellite Camp

Yesterday's activities continue through morning and then after lunch, 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: Fairview Village - Petroglyphs - Turtle Mountain - Nocturnal Wildlife Spotting

Rise with nature to enjoy the dawn chorus and observe the wildlife from this amazing spot of the Forest. After breakfast travel 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).

Then take a sort boat ride back to the Field Station for lunch. After lunch, 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.

We will return in the evening to the Field Station for dinner. After dark, we're off for a 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, caiman and other nocturnal creatures.

Day 4: Aquatic Wildlife Spotting - Ranger Station - Georgetown

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

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$1,675 ($332 each)
• 10 Persons: US$3,350 ($335 each)
• 15 Persons: US$4,200 ($280 each)

Cancellation Refund Policy

1 week or more: 100%

6-3 days:50%

2 days or less: Non-refundable

Updated March 18, 2004