Turtle Mountain and Turtle Mountain Camp

A trip to Iwokrama would not be complete without a hike to the 300 metre (950 ft.) summit of Turtle Mountain, boasting the signature vista for the Iwokrama Forest. The view is absolutely breathtaking, and visitors will gaze upon several often hazy mountain ranges, the dense, emerald jungle and the mighty Essequibo River. The summit also offers the opportunity to see several species of monkeys such as the Red Howler, the Black Spider, and the Wedge-capped Capuchin (see primates in the online mammal guide)

A Breathtaking View from Turtle Mountain

(Photo courtesy T. H. Silcott)

The path to this summit winds up the mountain and takes hikers past massive trees under the shade of the their dense canopy.  The journey takes anywhere 45 to 90 minutes and has some fairly steep inclines.  Handrails will soon be added to the path, making the climb a bit easier.

Turtle Mountain is so named because it looms over Turtle Pond, where, during the dry (low-water) season, turtles can be seen basking in the warm tropical sun.

Turtle Mountain Camp

Consider also staying at the new Turtle Mountain Camp.  This is a comprehensive facility for groups of up to 30 individuals who wish to stay in the heart of the rainforest, but with some conveniences. Each of the three wooden huts can accommodate up to 10 guests in hammocks.  The camp also has running water, flush toilets, washbasins, and a kitchen and dining hut.

One of the three sleeping huts at Turtle Mountain Camp

(Photo courtesy T. H. Silcott)

The camp is located at the foot of Turtle Mountain near Paddle Rock Creek, a refuge for Brazilian Tapirs, occasional Jaguars, Peccaries, Agoutis, Pacas (see hoofed mammals and large rodents in the online mammal guide) and other wildlife.

Iwokrama greatly appreciates the support of Trekforce, a UK volunteer conservation service organization that partnered with Iwokrama to build the facility.