Uchi Expedition
The Uchi expedition offers a captivating journey into one of South America's most untouched and diverse natural landscapes. Known for its lush rainforests, majestic waterfalls, and rich wildlife.
Visitors can explore the iconic Kaieteur Falls, one of the world's tallest single-drop waterfalls, embark on river expeditions through the Amazon Basin, and experience the vibrant culture of the indigenous communities.
Best time to go
October to March
Duration
11 nights
Cost
Single from £8,857
Double/Twin from £12,921
From the diverse wildlife of the rainforest to the bustling markets of Georgetown, the tour of Guyana provides a unique blend of nature, culture, and adventure, making it a truly unforgettable trip.
Tour highlights
Georgetown
Kaieteur Falls
Uchi Gorge
Cloud Forest
Your tour itinerary
This well-rounded itinerary takes in the ‘must-see’ sights of Guyana. From the bustling markets of historic Georgetown, to the majestic Uchi, Kaieteur and Kamarang waterfalls and the wildlife of the pristine rainforest, it provides a unique blend of nature, culture, and adventure, making it a truly unforgettable trip.
Day 1
Arrival in Georgetown
Depart from Gatwick and arrive at Cheddi Jagan International Airport in Georgetown. Transfer to Cara Lodge, an historic colonial hotel. Built in the 1840s, Cara Lodge was once home to Georgetown’s first Lord Mayor, it has since been visited by many notable figures including, King Edward VIII, President Jimmy Carter and Mick Jagger! The charm and elegance of this wooden colonial building offers a fascinating glimpse into Georgetown’s past. Check-in is from 14:00.
Day 2
Georgetown market & city tour
Start the day with breakfast at a local stand with your host and guide, culinary master Chef Delven Adams. Explore Bourda Market, the largest in Georgetown, where you will find fish, meat, dried goods, and many fruits and vegetables that are unique to this part of the world. Next enjoy a guided tour of Georgetown, visiting landmarks and historic buildings such as the National Museum, Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology, and St. George’s Cathedral. Lunch at the Backyard Café, where Chef Adams will cook using ingredients from the market. Overnight stay at Cara Lodge.
Day 3
Kaieteur falls tour
Transfer to Eugene F. Correia International Airport for a scenic flight over the Demerara and Essequibo Rivers and tropical rainforest to Kaieteur Falls. Known as the world’s highest single-drop waterfall, Kaieteur offers stunning views and unique wildlife, such as the Golden Frog and Guiana Cock-of-the-rock. Learn about the Amerindian legend of Chief Kai while enjoying the breath-taking landscape, and perhaps a glimpse the Kaieteur Swifts. Return to Georgetown for overnight stay at Cara Lodge. Breakfast is provided during the Kaieteur Falls tour.
Day 4
Paruima village experience
After breakfast, transfer to Eugene F. Correia International Airport for a flight to Paruima, an Arecuna indigenous community in Guyana’s highlands. Explore the village, where about 45% of the 500 residents still speak their native language. The Arecuna are known for their traditional basket weaving, wood skin canoes, and unique hunting techniques which include using blowpipes. Their unusual diet includes Tuma, a fermented drink Kachiri and savannah termites. Listen to stories from local hunters before preparing for the next day’s trek. Overnight stay at Paruima Guest House.
Day 5
Trek to Plateau Campsite
Begin your day with an early breakfast before trekking 7.5 miles, ascending 1,503 feet to a plateau campsite. The hike starts with a steep climb, transitioning to flatter terrain through lush primary rainforest. Encounter tepuis, ancient flat-topped mountains, remnants of the supercontinent Pangea. The serene environment of Forest Creek Camp offers a basic yet immersive camping experience in the heart of the rainforest. On reaching the plateau, set up a tarp-covered hammock camp, then, as night falls, explore the jungle’s nocturnal critters with your guide.
Day 6
Highland savannah trek
After breakfast, pack up your hammock camp and begin a 9.5-mile trek. Start with a 4.7-mile hike through dense rainforest before emerging into expansive highland savannahs, with towering tepuis in the distance. Keep an eye out for tracks of wild animals like Jaguars and Peccaries as you navigate this remote wilderness. Upon reaching Kamarang Falls, cross the Kamarang River to set up your hammock camp. Spend the remainder of the day exploring the falls and surrounding area before spending the night in the hammock camp at Kamarang Falls.
Day 7
Trek to Uchi Falls Plateau
Pack up camp and trek 4.4 miles across highland savannahs to Uchi Falls. This leg of the journey involves some hilly terrain and streams but is flatter compared to previous days. Pass termite mounds – your guide will demonstrate traditional harvesting methods – and enjoy views of both Kamarang and Uchi Falls with distant tepuis. In the afternoon, hike to the top of Uchi Falls for exceptional views of the gorge and surrounding rainforest. Overnight stay at Uchi Falls campsite, on the Uchi Plateau. The simple shack accommodation includes beds, nets, and blankets.
Day 8
Descent and Return to Paruima
Hike 3.6 miles into the Uchi Gorge for exceptional views of the waterfall’s base. Start with a trek across highland savannahs, then descend a steep path to the Kamarang-Uchi river junction. Follow a bush trail to Uchi Falls, experiencing the constant mist created by the waterfalls. Return to the junction and board inflatable rafts for an 8-mile journey downstream, navigating varying water conditions, portaging any areas too dangerous to pass such as Paracema Falls. Then, after a short hike, arrive back in Paruima for an overnight stay at Paruima Guest House.
Day 9
Return to Georgetown
Bid farewell to your porters and take a boat to Kamarang village. From there, board a scheduled flight to Eugene F. Correia International Airport. Transfer to Georgetown and check in at Cara Lodge (anticipated arrival 13:00) to enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Relax at the hotel or explore local dining options – we’ll be happy to offer recommendations for renowned Georgetown restaurants and make reservations. Overnight stay at Cara Lodge, where you can relax after your Guyana adventures.
Day 10
Exploring Georgetown
Today is yours to spend as you wish and you may choose to take one of two optional morning excursions: the Seven Curry Tour or the Taste of Freedom Tour. In the afternoon, we’ll take a drive through Georgetown to the Stabroek Market area to board a river taxi for a scenic cruise across the Demerara River. Your guide will highlight notable buildings along the waterfront before we continue on to the Demerara Harbour Bridge to enjoy birdwatching. Return to the ferry stelling, taking in the city lights from the water. Overnight stay at Cara Lodge.
Day 11
Mahaica River
0430 hrs: Pickup and transfer from Georgetown to the Mahaica River, a prime spot to see Guyana’s national bird, the hoatzin. Known for its unique appearance (and smell), the hoatzin thrives in the well-preserved river ecosystem, alongside egrets, herons, and ibises. Enjoy birdwatching and explore the river’s natural beauty before returning to Cara Lodge for your final night in Georgetown. Optional evening activity includes a visit to the Seawall, local bars, and street food to experience the local culture and cuisine before departure.
Day 12
Time to head home
Prepare for departure with a late checkout arranged. Transfer to Cheddi Jagan International Airport around 15:00 for your flight home. Enjoy your last moments in Georgetown before your flight.
Please Note
For evenings that you in Georgetown we can suggest restaurant to try.
The flights to the interior are on small light aircraft seating between 4-12 people.
The participant is expected to be reasonably fit as the tour is challenging, anyone with a medical condition or a disability should consult their doctor before booking this tour.
A detailed itinerary and additional travel information is available to download
Optional tour experiences
Option 1
The 7 Curry Tour
7 Curry is a beloved Guyanese dish enjoyed by all, traditionally served in a Lotus waterlily leaf. It features seven vegetarian curries—pumpkin, bagee (spinach), catahar, potato/channa, boulanger (eggplant), edoe, and dahl—served with rice and puri. The tour begins with gathering lotus leaves, followed by a visit to Bourda Market to buy vegetables and meet Buddy, who has been selling coconuts for over 50 years. At Tony’s Puri shop, watch puri-making demonstrations before heading to Jessica and Eon’s garden to cook and enjoy the meal. The experience concludes with a private concert by Eon John, the Singing Chef.
Option 2
A Taste Of Freedom Tour
We will begin by visiting the 1763 Monument of Cuffy, leader of the first slave uprising, and the 1823 Rebellion Monument to learn about the rebellion and the role of the church and abolitionists in emancipation. Traveling along the Eastern Coast, we’ll stop at Coven John for cane juice and local snacks before visiting Victoria, Guyana’s first village purchased by freed ex-slaves. Next, we’ll visit Buxton Train station, where freed female ex-slaves protested high taxes. The tour ends at the Secret Garden with a traditional cooking class and African drumming session with Chef Eon.
Option 3
Seawall Night Life Experience
Every Sunday evening Georgetown’s Seawall comes alive as families, courting couples and friends’ promenade along the seawall, enjoying the Atlantic sea-breeze. The narrow strip becomes a hive of pop-up cocktail bars, street food vendors, Caribbean music and parties. This excursion takes you into the heart of the scene visiting various bars and enjoying street food, with your guide, who knows all the best places. We will also visit other local bars around the city, looking for what is popular, traditional or unusual. Every Sunday is a new experience, tailored around the group and the level of immersion into the local culture they wish to enjoy.
Reservations
If you would like to book over the phone or simply have any questions you are welcome to contact our Customer Support team directly.