Fourteen-Day Endemics of the Guiana Shield Birding Tour
A 14-day Guyana expedition linking Atlantic-coast wetlands, Iwokrama rainforest and Rupununi savannah, including the Sun Parakeet and Red Siskin extension.
About this tour
This 14-day Guyana journey begins on the Atlantic coast before moving deep into the Guiana Shield. The opening days connect Georgetown, the Mahaica River and coastal mudflats with the rainforest interior around Iwokrama. Canopy walkways, forest roads and lodge trails provide access to a varied community of antbirds, cotingas, jacamars, parrots, toucans and woodpeckers.
Farther south, the route crosses the Pakarima Mountains and Rupununi savannah. River trips, gallery forest, wetlands and Amerindian village areas create a sharp contrast with the lowland rainforest. A Guianan Cock-of-the-rock lek, possible Harpy Eagle activity near a known nesting area and searches for Rufous-winged Ground-Cuckoo are among the main-tour features, but every wildlife encounter remains dependent on current conditions.
The extension continues through remote savannah and riparian forest for Sun Parakeet, Hoary-throated Spinetail and Rio Branco Antbird, followed by a dawn search in the Red Siskin region. The published estimate is more than 370 species, including over 40 endemics or endemic subspecies considered likely. Internal travel uses flights, four-wheel-drive vehicles and boats. Trails are generally described as maintained and fairly level, with light or moderate climbs taken slowly. The maximum group size is ten clients plus the tour leader and an additional guide when required.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Guyana.
Guides
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Georgetown
Arrive at Cheddi Jagan International Airport and transfer to Georgetown. Green spaces, flowering trees and ponds around the capital can provide an initial introduction to parrots, raptors, toucans and other lowland birds as time allows.
Day 2
Mahaica River and Atlantic-coast wetlands
Travel east to the Mahaica River for Hoatzin and riverine birding, with Blood-colored Woodpecker among the scarce regional possibilities. Coastal mudflats and mangroves later add ibis, herons, terns, shorebirds and additional Guiana Shield species.
Day 6
Cock-of-the-rock lek and Pakarima Mountains
Bird around the rainforest lodge before traveling toward the Pakarima Mountains. A stop at a Guianan Cock-of-the-rock lek is followed by new searches in savannah and village-edge habitats, with optional nocturnal birding after dark.
Day 10
Sun Parakeet search in the Rupununi
Cross open savannah by four-wheel-drive and enter a remote village area with local permission. Riparian forest provides the route’s focused opportunity for Sun Parakeet, while wetlands and grassland may add raptors, seedeaters and other open-country birds.
Day 14
Georgetown departure
After breakfast in Georgetown, transfer to the airport for the homeward journey. This concludes the main route and its specialist Rupununi extension.
Locations & map
- Georgetown - Guyana
Availability & pricing
Price: Price on request
Availability is confirmed after your inquiry.
Included
- Domestic flights and boat transfers
- Accommodation and stated meals
- Tour transport and entrance fees
- Local and tour guides
Not included
- International flights
- Travel insurance and gratuities
- Personal expenses and other drinks
Transport & stays
- Flights, boats and private vehicles
Policies & FAQ
Insurance & Safety
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.