Guyana

Iwokrama Forest Reserve

Set in the heart of the country is the Iwokrama Forest Reserve, which is a vast tract of forest encompassing almost 370,000 hectares (almost 1 million acres). This is one of only four pristine parts of tropical rainforest left in the world (along with Papua New Guinea, the Congo and the Amazon) and it was established to promote the conservation and sustainable utilisation of tropical rainforest in a manner that leads to lasting ecological, economic and social benefits.

Why visit Iwokrama Forest Reserve ?

Hike to the top of Turtle Mountain for stunning 360 degree forest views
Enjoy the dawn chorus and many bird species on the canopy walkway
Sunset boat trip on the Essequibo River in search of the elusive Jaguar
Relax with a coconut sundowner across the river on Michelle’s Island

On account of the forest’s location, the eco-system is at a crossover point between the Amazonian and Guianan flora and fauna, which means it has species from both eco-systems and is therefore particularly species-rich. Not only is it home to the world’s largest freshwater fish, the Arapaima, but also to the world’s largest otter and the continent’s largest bird, the Harpy Eagle and largest predator, the jaguar as well as endangered species such as the Giant Anteater. This incredible bio-diversity extends to over 200 mammals, 500 bird species, 420 fishes, 150 species of reptiles and amphibians and over 1500 species of plants.

Part of Iwokrama’s mission is to work alongside the indigenous Makushi people to develop new sustainable uses for tropical rain forest in order to increase the value of these ecosystems and thereby encourage their conservation. Visitors to the forest have the chance to enjoy some excellent wildlife viewing and located in the southern sector of the reserve at Mauisparu is the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway. This is a series of suspension bridges and decks offering visitors a chance to see the flora and fauna of the forest canopy and it provides a very different perspective on the viewing of wildlife.

Atta Rainforest Lodge

Iwokrama River Lodge

LOCATION

GUYANA INFO

Visa

No visa is required for UK passport holders.

Health Requirements

No mandatory vaccinations are required.

Time Difference

GMT - 4 Hours

Flight Time

12 hours with one stop

Talk to an expert

Get in touch

You can follow our adventures and travel inspiration and share your holiday experiences with us through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

NEWSLETTER SIGNUP

Keep up-to-date with the latest travel trends, inspiration for future trips and competitions to win luxury travel vouchers.

"Many thanks indeed. Fab holiday! Everything went incredibly smoothly, and all the staff/drivers etc charming and all our connections etc went smoothly. Highlights included white water rafting, zip wires, releasing new-born turtles into the sea, being in a boat amongst 200 dolphins, riding on beaches... Children and parents ticked off many from our “must do things in our lives” list. In terms of lodges, would rank Pacuare and Lapa Rios equal first. Quite different, but both outstanding in terms of people, location, set up, activities, comfort etc. So overall a brilliant holiday, expertly organised by WO/HL/JF! Many thanks indeed, and see you soon!"
J. & A. Family - Costa Rica: December
"Thank you so so much for including me in your adventure... Salt cathedrals, courtyard lunches, llamas, steak, Botero, humming birds, treks, cool pools, birthdays and lovely pressies, snorkelling, eating, drinking, music, bars with pools, boganvilla, large breakfasts, history, balconies and wooden windows, cocktails at sunset with humid sea breeze, Carribean ocean, ceviche, convents, markets, views, avocado, music, street acrobats... warmth in people, temperature and friendships. The list is endless... It was wonderful. Thank you."
Mrs S. Crawford - Colombia: November
"Couldn’t have been better, we took 1,400 pictures! We can’t thank you enough for putting the itinerary together, it was as perfect as perfect can be. If I can help you in return by being a reference or whatever, please just let me know. Rest assured next time we go on a serious vacation we’ll be in touch H xx"
M. Party – Peru: August 2016
"We have had a marvellous holiday! All the arrangements ran smoothly, the itinerary was just what we wanted and the guides, without exception, were fantastic. The hotels were very good too. The guides exceeded our expectations in terms of punctuality, courtesy and attentiveness. We have so many amazing memories and everyone agreed that it was one of the best holidays ever! Special highlights (and there were many) included Condors at Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, Machu Pichu and the Galapagos. Thank you for all your help in making the arrangements".
The M. Party - South America: June
"We had the most fabulous time at the bottom of the world. We believed it would be good but in fact it turned out to be one of the best adventures ever. All of our arrangements rolled as planned and we felt very well cared for. Our guides were superb. Their English was excellent and they were good company."
Eileen & Jane - Chile & Argentina
"Couldn’t have been better, we took 1,400 pictures and it was a very good balance between being busy and having time to relax. We can’t thank you enough for putting the itinerary together, it was as perfect as perfect can be. If I can help you in return by being a reference or whatever, please just let me know. Rest assured next time we go on a serious vacation we’ll be in touch"
Margerrison Party - Peru
"Fab holiday! Everything went incredibly smoothly, and all the staff/drivers etc charming. Your partner on the ground was efficient and good. And all our connections etc went smoothly. So overall a brilliant holiday, expertly organised by WO/HL/JF! Many thanks indeed, and see you soon!"
J&A - Costa Rica