South America: Off the Beaten Track Deep Into the Rainforest

Your journey begins with a daytime flight to Paramaribo, the vibrant capital of Suriname. As you travel to your hotel, soak in the city's diverse culture and colorful atmosphere. Rest and rejuvenate at your hotel (or similar) for the night.

After breakfast, we'll drive to Atjoni, where civilization gives way to the untouched beauty of the South American jungle. Board a small boat and delve into the wilderness, keeping an eye out for caimans and other wildlife. Spend the night in a comfortable lodge (or similar) amidst the serene jungle.

Dedicate your morning to the Saramaka Maroon, descendants of African slaves who found refuge along the Suriname River. Learn about their history and traditions, and gain insights into their daily life. In the afternoon, embark on a hike through the captivating rainforest, marveling at the symbiotic relationship between its flora and fauna. Spend another peaceful night at the lodge (or similar).

Savor the tranquility of the morning before setting off on your return journey to Paramaribo. Travel by canoe to Atjoni, where vehicles will be waiting to take you back to the city. Rest for the night at your hotel (or similar).

Today, explore the capital on foot. Visit historical sites like Fort Zeelandia, the Presidential Palace, and the Peperpot Plantation. Wander through colonial alleyways and marvel at the city's diversity, symbolized by the neighboring synagogue and mosque. End the day with a visit to Fort Nieuw Amsterdam. Optionally, you can take an evening boat trip in Leonsburg to watch dolphins. Spend the night at your hotel (or similar).

Today, embark on a long drive through the picturesque farmlands of Suriname, crossing the border into Guyana. Travel by ferry across the border river and reach Georgetown by evening. Rest for the night at your hotel (or similar) in Georgetown.

Start your day with Chef Delven Adams, visiting the bustling Bourda Market and the fish market. Stroll through the historic old town, home to the world's largest free-standing wooden building, St. George's Cathedral. After lunch at the Backyard Cafe, visit the botanical garden and a wildlife sanctuary. Optionally, you can take an afternoon excursion to the Demerara River to witness the evening spectacle of flocks of birds flying in. Spend the night at your hotel (or similar).

In the morning, take a small plane over the endless rainforest to the majestic Kaieteur Falls, one of the highest free-falling waterfalls in the world. Explore the unique nature and fauna of the area, home to numerous bromeliads, a diverse bird population, and the small 'Golden Frog'. Return to Georgetown by evening and spend the night at your hotel (or similar).

Leave the city behind and drive to Kurupukari, crossing the Essequibo River. Your destination is the Atta Rainforest Lodge. Ascend to lofty heights (30 m) and explore the upper levels of the rainforest on the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway, crossing four suspension bridges. Keep an eye out for the Crimson Fruitcrow and the Black Currasow. Spend the night at the lodge (or similar).

Start your day early with a walk to the canopy walkway to spot birds such as the Rufous-throated Sapphire, Green Aracari, and Pygmy Antwren. You might also spot the Guianan Toucanet, Pompadour Cotinga, and howler and spider monkeys. Spend the day on various observation tours to discover mammals, reptiles, birds, and insects. After dusk, embark on a night hike under the glow of flashlights. Spend another night at the lodge (or similar).

Start your day early on the canopy walkway, observing the awakening rainforest and its inhabitants. Drive to Corkwood and hike to spot the beautiful Guiana cock-of-the-rock. Take a boat trip on the Rupununi River to Rewa, looking out for caimans and giant otters. At the Rewa Eco-Lodge, visit a lake home to the gigantic Victoria amazonica water lilies. Spend the night at the lodge (or similar).

Start your day with a breakfast by the river. After a short boat trip on the Rupununi River, hike up Awarmie Mountain for a panoramic view of the savannah and the Kanuku Mountains. Keep an eye out for the local wildlife. After lunch, embark on a thrilling hunt for the Goliath giant spider, the largest spider in the world. Spend another peaceful night at the lodge (or similar).

Bid farewell to your hosts and continue your journey along the Rupununi River and through the rainforest to the Pakaraima Mountain Inn. After lunch with Charlie De Freitas, continue to Karanambu Lodge. Embark on various excursions to discover the local flora and fauna. Spend the night at the lodge (or similar).

Start your day early in the vast savannah, searching for the giant anteater. After breakfast, continue your journey to Yupukari, where you'll stay at Caiman House. Learn about the research conducted here on the black caimans, and witness the process of catching, measuring, and releasing these creatures. Spend the night at the lodge (or similar).

Start your day early on an electric or paddle boat, observing the wildlife at Lake Awariku. Later, travel via Lethem to Boa Vista, and then fly to Manaus, the gateway to the mighty Amazon in Brazil. Spend the night at your hotel (or similar) in Manaus.

Depending on your flight time, you may have some leisure time in the morning. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Europe via Sao Paulo.

Arrive in Amsterdam with a heart full of unforgettable memories, and continue your journey to your departure airport.