When is the best time to visit Guyana for the Legends of El Dorado tour?

The optimal time for the Legends of El Dorado tour is from September to April. This period offers the best conditions for viewing the ancient Amerindian petroglyphs at Kurupukari Falls, which are most visible during the low water season.

Can you really see giant otters in the wild on this Guyana tour?

Yes, the tour includes giant otter encounters at Karanambu Lodge on the Rupununi River, led by the famous 'Otter Lady' Diane McTurk. You'll observe wild giant otter families in their natural habitat, witnessing one of South America's greatest conservation success stories. These highly social otters live in family groups with complex vocalizations and cooperative hunting behaviors.

How challenging is the Turtle Mountain hike included in the tour?

The Turtle Mountain summit hike is described as mildly challenging yet incredibly rewarding, taking 1.5-2 hours to reach the 290-meter summit. The trek offers breathtaking panoramic views of pristine rainforest canopy, mountain ranges, and the mighty Essequibo River, with excellent opportunities to spot various monkey species.

What is included in the price of the Legends of El Dorado Guyana tour?

The tour includes 6 nights accommodation in eco-lodges, all meals from Day 1 dinner through Day 7 breakfast, private charter flight to Kaieteur Falls, all transfers, professional guides, and all activities like the canopy walkway and giant otter viewing. Park fees, permits, and welcome drinks with rum tasting are also included.

How much does the Legends of El Dorado tour cost per person?

Prices range from $3,995 to $5,295 per person based on group size, with larger groups receiving better rates. A single supplement of $650 applies for solo travelers. Early bird bookings 120 days in advance save $200 per person, and returning clients receive a 5% discount.

What wildlife can you expect to see on the Rupununi Savannah?

The Rupununi Savannah safari offers opportunities to track giant anteaters with skilled vaqueros on horseback and motorcycles. The area also features crab-eating fox, armadillos, jabiru storks, colorful flocks of parrots and macaws, and is home to seven giant anteaters that typically roam this pristine grassland area.

What is the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway experience like?

The Iwokrama Canopy Walkway is a 154-meter suspended bridge system that places you 30 meters above the pristine rainforest floor. You can spot scarlet macaws, howler monkeys, Green Aracari, and rare endemic species while exploring orchids and bromeliads in the canopy.

Are the ancient petroglyphs at Kurupukari Falls really 6,000 years old?

Yes, the ancient Amerindian petroglyphs at Kurupukari Falls are estimated to be over 6,000 years old. These stunning works of rock art represent the earliest stories of Guyana's indigenous peoples and are best viewed during the low water season when they're most visible.

What makes Karanambu Lodge special for wildlife conservation?

Karanambu Lodge is famous for the work of Diane McTurk, known as 'The Otter Lady,' whose contributions to giant otter conservation have made her one of Guyana's most famous icons. The lodge represents a major conservation success story, particularly for the giant otter population along the Rupununi River.

Guyana

Legends of El Dorado: Guyana's Hidden Wilderness

Duration

7 Days

From

$4,200

From thundering waterfalls to pristine rainforests and endless savannas, discover the untamed landscapes that inspired South America's greatest legend

Book This Expedition

View Itinerary See Pricing

Ecovoyager Experiences

Tour Highlights

The moments that make this journey unforgettable.

Kaieteur Falls — Private Access to One of the World's Most Powerful Waterfalls

Two Days Inside the Iwokrama Rainforest

Atta Canopy Walkway — 30 Meters Above the Iwokrama Forest Floor

Night on the Essequibo — Black Caiman by Spotlight

Karanambu Lodge — 115 Square Miles of Private Wilderness

Giant Anteater Tracking with the Karanambu Vaqueros

Giant Otters on the Rupununi River at Dawn

Guyana Tour Overview

Legends of El Dorado: Guyana's Hidden Wilderness

From thundering waterfalls to pristine rainforests and endless savannas, discover the untamed landscapes that inspired South America's greatest legend

Duration

7 Days

Price

$4,200

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Time

September - April

Journey into the heart of Guyana, the legendary realm of El Dorado where Spanish conquistadors once searched for cities of gold. At Kaieteur Falls, one of the world’s most powerful waterfalls by water volume, you’ll stand at the edge of a 226-meter drop as the Potaro River thunders through untouched rainforest. Travel deep into the Iwokrama Rainforest, where jaguars prowl ancient trails among more than 500 bird species, then cross into the vast Rupununi Savannas to track giant anteaters alongside local vaqueros on horseback and encounter giant otter families along the Rupununi River. Guyana remains one of South America’s least-visited wilderness destinations, and this journey covers its most compelling landscapes and wildlife in seven days.

Legends of El Dorado: Guyana's Hidden Wilderness

Your Guyana Tour Itinerary

Route Overview 7 Days · Guyana

DAY 1 - ARRIVAL

Georgetown Welcome

Your Guyana adventure begins with an early afternoon arrival at Cheddi Jagan International Airport, where our team will greet you and provide seamless transportation to the historic Cara Lodge Hotel in Georgetown. After settling into your colonial-style accommodations and refreshing from your journey, embark on a late afternoon exploration of Georgetown's most iconic landmarks including the towering St. George's Cathedral and the vibrant Stabroek Market.

Historic Stabroek Market in Georgetown with clock tower and busy street vendors with colorful umbrellas

White wooden Gothic cathedral with tall spire and arched windows in Georgetown, Guyana

Wooden pier extending over water toward Georgetown waterfront with church spire and hillside buildings

DAY 2 - PRIVATE KAIETEUR FLIGHT

Kaieteur Falls Experience

Rise early for your private chartered flight to the magnificent Kaieteur Falls, one of the world's most powerful waterfalls. Unlike standard day tours, you'll enjoy an exclusive extended experience with a dedicated park ranger who will guide you to spectacular viewpoints and hidden trails that most visitors never see. Your afternoon flight transports you deep into the heart of the Iwokrama Rainforest, one of the world's last remaining pristine wilderness areas.

Aerial view of Kaieteur Falls from small aircraft showing 741-foot cascade surrounded by endless Guyana rainforest

Kaieteur Falls framed by tropical vegetation on Guyana overland trek through pristine rainforest wilderness

Kaieteur Falls with vibrant rainbow arcing through mist, framed by layered sandstone cliffs and tropical Guyana rainforest

DAY 3 - RAINFOREST EXPLORATION

Turtle Mountain & Ancient Petroglyphs

Begin with a peaceful 30-minute boat ride downriver to the base of Turtle Mountain for a mildly challenging yet incredibly rewarding hike to the 290-meter summit. This 1.5-2 hour trek offers breathtaking panoramic views of the pristine rainforest canopy, with several often-hazy mountain ranges visible in the distance, the dense emerald jungle below, and the mighty Essequibo River snaking through the wilderness. The summit provides excellent opportunities to spot various monkey species including Red Howler, Black Spider, and Wedge-capped Capuchin monkeys. Return to the lodge for a well-deserved lunch before venturing to the spectacular Kurupukari Falls to explore ancient Amerindian petroglyphs estimated to be over 6,000 years old - stunning works of art best viewed during the low water season. Dinner at the lodge, served in the Fred Allicock Building overlooking the scenic vistas of the Essequibo River, provides the perfect opportunity to reflect on the day's discoveries.

Misty rainforest canopy along pristine river in Guyana's untouched wilderness for luxury eco-tourism adventures

Guide pointing across vast Guyana rainforest canopy from elevated viewpoint during eco-adventure tour

Ancient petroglyphs carved in rock formations at Guyana wilderness archaeological site for eco-tourism exploration

DAY 4 - CANOPY WALKWAY TO SAVANNAH

Canopy Walkway & Journey to Karanambu

Begin at dawn with an early morning boat trip around Indian House Island, where wildlife including butterflies, snakes, and magnificent macaws emerge for their morning activities. After breakfast, experience the world-renowned Atta Forest Canopy Walkway, a 154-meter suspended bridge system that places you 30 meters above the forest floor. Watch for Green Aracari, Scarlet Macaw, and Red Howler Monkeys while exploring orchids and bromeliads. After your canopy experience, embark on a scenic 4-hour overland journey through dramatically changing landscapes as you leave the dense rainforest behind and enter the vast Rupununi Savannah, arriving at the legendary Karanambu Lodge.

Suspended canopy walkway bridge through Iwokrama rainforest treetops in Guyana wilderness

Pristine waterfall cascading over layered rock formations in Iwokrama rainforest, Guyana's untouched wilderness

4WD adventure vehicle on red dirt road through Guyana savanna with mountains backdrop - eco-tourism wilderness expedition

DAY 5 - RUPUNUNI SAVANNAH

Savannah Safari & Giant Anteaters

Awaken to the serene stillness of Karanambu as dawn breaks over the Rupununi savannah. Begin your day with an exhilarating savannah safari in a specially designed vehicle that navigates through vast grasslands. Karanambu's skilled vaqueros on horseback and motorcycles serve as your search team, tracking one of the seven giant anteaters that typically roam this pristine area. The savannah teems with wildlife beyond the elusive giant anteater - watch for crab-eating fox, armadillos, jabiru storks, and colorful flocks of parrots and macaws. After returning for breakfast and hearing captivating stories of Karanambu's conservation history, spend your afternoon exploring walking trails before embarking on another magical river journey in search of the famous giant otters.

Giant river otter resting on sandy riverbank in Guyana's pristine wilderness waterways

Giant anteater foraging on grass in Guyana's Rupununi Savannah wilderness during luxury eco-tourism safari

Two horseback riders exploring Guyana's Rupununi savanna with rolling green hills under dramatic sky

DAY 6 - GIANT OTTER ENCOUNTERS

Rupununi River Expedition

Your mission begins before dawn as you venture out on the river hoping to reach an otter family's holt before they awaken. Giant otters, these remarkable apex predators with their complex vocalizations and playful social behavior, represent one of Karanambu's greatest conservation success stories. From a respectful distance, observe a family as they begin their day with early morning dips, breakfast, and grooming rituals. After this intimate wildlife encounter, explore the 20-mile stretch of Rupununi River that flows through the Karanambu area. Navigate serpentine channels and oxbow lakes while where arapaima, one of the world's largest freshwater fish, are occasionally spotted in the deeper channels. As afternoon transitions to evening, journey to the Simoni Lakes via Teraqua creek, concluding with a festive barbecue dinner under the mango trees.

Wooden boat navigating muddy river through pristine Guyanese rainforest canopy with misty mountains backdrop

Giant otters swimming in pristine waters of Guyana's wilderness during luxury eco-tour adventure

Illuminated eco-lodge camp at night under large trees in Guyana wilderness with outdoor lighting and safari setup

DAY 7 - DEPARTURE

Return to Georgetown

After a final breakfast at Karanambu, your charter flight departs directly from the Karanambu airstrip for Georgetown, offering sweeping views of the Rupununi Savannas and the vast wetlands below as you retrace the landscapes you explored on the ground. The flight provides one last perspective on the scale and wildness of this region before you arrive back in Georgetown with a week of extraordinary encounters behind you.

Ecovoyager Experiences

Possible Wildlife Encounters

Species you may spot along this route.

Giant Anteater

Myrmecophaga tridactyla

Distinctive savannah mammal with elongated snout and bushy tail

Early morning or late afternoon

Rare

Jaguar

Panthera onca

South America's largest and most powerful cat

Dawn, dusk, or night

Rare

Giant River Otter

Pteronura brasiliensis

South America's largest otter and apex aquatic predator

Early Morning

Very Common

Red Howler Monkey

Alouatta macconnelli

Loudest land animal in the Western Hemisphere

Early Morning and Late Afternoon

Very Common

Black Caiman

Melanosuchus niger

World's largest member of the alligator family

Night

Very Common

Guyana Tour Details

Tour Pricing

Transparent pricing, comprehensive inclusions, and exactly what to expect.

Per Person

$4,200

Based on group of 4

Deposit$1,050

CurrencyUSD

Group Rates

Group Size	Per Person	Notes
2 travelers	$5,150	Per personPrivate expedition rate
3 travelers	$5,000	Per personPrivate expedition rate
4 travelers	$4,200	Per personBest value
5 travelers	$4,200	Per personGroup rate
6 travelers	$3,950	Per personGroup rate
7 travelers	$4,050	Per personGroup rate
8 travelers	$3,900	Per personGroup rate

Deposit & Payment: A 25% deposit secures your place (credit card accepted). 50% balance due 90 days before departure. Final balance due 60 days prior. ACH bank transfer available at reduced fees. Bookings within 60 days require full payment.

Cancellation: 90+ days: full refund minus $500 admin fee. 60-89 days: 50% refund. Under 60 days: no refund. Comprehensive travel insurance covering emergency evacuation is required for all participants.

Ready to secure your place on this expedition? Spaces are limited to ensure an intimate experience.

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Destination

Explore the Places You'll Visit

Each stop on this journey through Guyana, and the country that ties them together.

Guyana

Venture into South America's best-kept secret, where pristine rainforests cascade into thundering waterfalls and jaguars still roam free.

Explore Guyana

Legends of El Dorado: Guyana's Hidden Wilderness

Tour Highlights

Kaieteur Falls — Private Access to One of the World's Most Powerful Waterfalls

Two Days Inside the Iwokrama Rainforest

Atta Canopy Walkway — 30 Meters Above the Iwokrama Forest Floor

Night on the Essequibo — Black Caiman by Spotlight

Karanambu Lodge — 115 Square Miles of Private Wilderness

Giant Anteater Tracking with the Karanambu Vaqueros

Giant Otters on the Rupununi River at Dawn

Legends of El Dorado: Guyana's Hidden Wilderness

Request More Information

Georgetown Welcome

Cara Lodge Hotel

Kaieteur Falls Experience

Iwokrama River Lodge

Turtle Mountain & Ancient Petroglyphs

Iwokrama River Lodge

Canopy Walkway & Journey to Karanambu

Karanambu Lodge

Savannah Safari & Giant Anteaters

Karanambu Lodge

Rupununi River Expedition

Karanambu Lodge

Return to Georgetown

Possible Wildlife Encounters

Giant Anteater

Jaguar

Giant River Otter

Red Howler Monkey

Black Caiman

What's Included

What's Included

Not Included

Tour Pricing

Group Rates

Book Your Adventure

What Our Adventurers Say

More Adventures in Guyana

Guyana Deep Wilderness Expedition

The Guyana Birding Expedition

Kaieteur Falls Overland Expedition w/ Georgetown Extension

Rupununi Savanna Safari

Kaieteur Falls Overland Trek

Explore the Places You'll Visit

Guyana

Kaieteur Falls

Georgetown

Iwokrama Rainforest

Rupununi Savanna