Guyana 164 Georgetown is the principal port and capital city of Guyana, situated on the Demerara River estuary. Most of the buildings in the city are still wooden with a unique architecture dating back to the 18th century. During your visit to Georgetown there are a number of interesting sights to see. Visitors with enough time should not miss a visit to the botanical gardens. They are home to one of the most extensive collections of tropical fl ora in the Caribbean; this in turn brings glorious birds including the blood- coloured woodpecker. Cara Lodge MID Cara Lodge is a pleasant family hotel with 34 rooms that combines tradition and nostalgia with the comfort of a modern establishment. This historic colonial hotel has a long and romantic history. Over the years it has hosted dignitaries and celebrities including Edward VII, Jimmy Carter, Prince Charles and Mick Jagger! Arrowpoint Nature Resort MID This is a charming rainforest lodge situated on the Pokero River, upstream from the Amerindian village of Santa Mission, near to Georgetown. The resort is set against a backdrop of rainforest and is staffed by a committed local team. There are four Amerindian- style bungalows offering eight comfortable rooms. A back to nature experience! Guyana is one of our favourite destinations - it is a pioneering destination and we have excellent sales knowledge. As one of the smallest ( and only English- speaking) countries in South America, Guyana is relatively new to the tourist trail. The main habitations are along a narrow coastal strip and the rest of the interior is virtually pristine rainforest. Guyana marks the meeting point between the Caribbean fauna and fl ora of the coast and the Amazonian wildlife in its heartlands. Being surrounded by the lush rainforest canopy and the calls of the multitude of animals and birds within is a fabulous experience. Georgetown Fact! Kaieteur Falls supports a unique micro- environment with the world's largest Tank Bromeliads providing a home for the tiny golden frog. Guyana cock- of- the- rock nests close by and you may be lucky enough to see Kaieteur swifts too. The Orinduik Falls, with a backdrop of the rolling grass covered hills of the Pakaraima Mountains, is truly one of the most beautiful locations in Guyana's hinterland. Here you will fi nd natural Jacuzzis. Visits to Kaieteur and Orinduik falls are generally conducted as day trips by air from Georgetown. Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982

Iwokrama The Iwokrama forest is a centre for rainforest conservation and sustainable development. This is an extremely worthwhile project because the 1,000 metre high Iwokrama Mountains are the focal point of the forest and provide a refuge for both the native people and wildlife. The wildlife here is spectacular and includes red howler monkey, wedge- capped capuchin, black spider monkey, black caiman, tree boas, pacas and hula tree frogs. There are over 500 species of birds including screaming piha, grey- chinned hermit, black-necked aracari, scarlet macaw, Guiana toucanette and channel-billed toucan. Iwokrama is also considered to be one of the best places to see wild jaguars. Iwokrama Field Station MID Iwokrama consists of eight large timber and thatch cabins - each beautifully situated on the banks of the mighty Esequibo River with private facilities and solar powered electricity. It is equipped with a lounge, bar and library, and whilst it is remote, it has all that you could possibly need for a comfortable stay; there are strategically placed hammocks for daytime relaxation and the bird- watching here is excellent. Atta Rainforest Lodge MID Atta is a simple hammock camp situated close to the entrance of the canopy walkway. It consists of two open- sided buildings in pristine forest. Sleeping is in hammocks - going to sleep to the night sounds of the forest and waking to the sound of howler monkeys will be one of the trip highlights, although alternative sleeping accommodation in buildings is due to open as we go to press. Iwokrama Canopy Walkway is a series of suspension bridges and decks high above the forest fl oor offering commanding views out over the forest and the chance to see a number of the canopy- dwelling species. The Surama Community The Amerindian village community of Surama is in the heart of Guyana where eight square kilometres of savannah are surrounded by the forest- covered Pakaraima Mountains. Surama's inhabitants are mainly from the Makushi tribe and still observe many of the traditional practices of their forebears. It's an isolated and idyllic location, which provides a fascinating insight into Guyana's rainforests due to the guides' knowledge - it's their home. And that's also why they welcome tourists - tourism means they can be employed at home without having to move away for work, and eco- tourism maintains their land as the forests are why people come to stay. It's a very worthwhile addition to an itinerary. Surama Eco- Lodge MID Surama Eco- Lodge has four simple cabins with en- suite bathrooms and a central dining, bar and lounge area offering fantastic views across the savannah, rainforest and mountains. Surama guides lead dawn nature walks up Surama Mountain, revealing a multitude of birds and fantastic vistas, and short nature walks in the nearby forest. THE AMERICAS | GUYANA 165 SUGGESTED ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Georgetown, 2- nights, Cara Lodge Day 2 Enjoy a city tour of Georgetown and visit Kaieteur and Orinduik Falls ( BLD, only breakfast and lunch included on day two) Day 3 Iwokrama, 2- nights, Iwokrama Field Station. Good bird- watching opportunities ( BLD) Day 5 Iwokrama Canopy Walkway, 1- night, Atta Rainforest Lodge. Four- wheel drive excursion to spot jaguar ( BLD) Day 6 Surama Village, 2- nights, Surama Eco- Lodge. Learn about the traditions and culture of the Macushi tribe ( BLD) Day 8 Annai Landing, 2- nights, Rock View Lodge. Explore the forests and mountains or simply relax at your lodge ( BLD) Day 10 Rupununi River, 2- nights, Karanambu Ranch. Explore the Rupununi River in search of giant river otters ( BLD) Day 12 Yupukuri Village, 1- night, Caiman House. Spot black caiman on a river trip ( BLD) Day 13 Georgetown, 1- night. Cara Lodge ( BL) Day 14 Return to UK ( B) Day 15 Arrive home We also have set group departures on this itinerary. Please ask us for details. Departure dates Daily, throughout the year Cost per person From £ 3875 ( Jan - June, Sept - Nov), £ 4175 ( July - Aug) What's included Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, thirteen nights lodge accommodation, guided activities LOST LAND OF THE JAGUAR An exciting itinerary which journeys through the main highlights of Guyana and affords ample opportunity for you to hopefully sight the elusive jaguar. TAILOR- MADE Or visit us on the web www. wildlifeworldwide. com