3 Guianas Tours

Book A TOUR FOR 3 Guianas!

Our scheduled group tours for 3 Guianas

3 Guianas overland: Guyana, Suriname and French Guyana

3 Guianas overland: Guyana, Suriname and French Guyana

Our first expedition to the Guianas!

Jul 18-28, 2027
3390
11 Days
Kris Garriga
3 Guianas overland: Guyana, Suriname and French Guyana Round 2

3 Guianas overland: Guyana, Suriname and French Guyana Round 2

Our second expedition to the Guianas!

Aug 1-11, 2027
3390
11 Days
Kris Garriga

what travelers say about us

Sample itinerary for our 3 Guianas tours

Here’s our standard 11-day tour we offer on most of our expeditions.

Day 1 – Arrival in Georgetown (Guyana)

  • The 3 Guianas expedition will officially start in Georgetown, the capital of Guyana.
  • We’ll pick you up from the airport, and check in the hotel.
  • In the evening, we’ll also give you a briefing on the upcoming adventure, and then, we’ll have some evening drinks.
  • Overnight in Georgetown.

Day 2 – Full day in Georgetown

  • Today, we’ll explore Georgetown, the capital of Guyana.
  • While Georgetown may not be the most appealing city in the world, it’s a typical Caribbean city, reflecting the strong blend of African, Indian and indigenous influences.
  • We’ll visit the bustling Stabroek Market, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, as well as the many wooden colonial buildings and colorful architecture scattered throughout downtown.
  • Spending a full day in Georgetown will also help us experience the local atmosphere, and enjoy our first proper introduction to Guyanese culture before continuing our journey deeper into the Guianas.
  • Overnight in Georgetown.

Day 3 – Day trip to Kaieteur Falls

  • In the morning, we’ll take our 1-hour charter flight to Kaieteur Falls.
  • We won’t know the actual time of departure until the day before but it usually departs around 11 am.
  • About Kaieteur Falls… We can genuinely confirm that this is one of the most incredible and remote natural places that exist on Earth: plunging 250 meters in a single drop, nearly five times higher than Niagara, Kaieteur is incredibly powerful, dramatically remote and surrounded by striking scenery.
  • We’ll have time to explore the falls before flying back to Georgetown.
  • Overnight in Georgetown.

Day 4 – Overland from Georgetown to Paramaribo: Guyana-Suriname border crossing

  • Most world travelers will agree that border crossings are always exciting.
  • Guyana and Suriname are separated by the Courantyne River, but there is no bridge connecting the two countries, only a ferry that operates once a day.
  • This means we’ll have to wake up extra early that day, otherwise we might miss it.
  • The journey to Paramaribo will take most of the day, but that’s all part of the adventure.
  • Overnight in Paramaribo.

Day 5 – Full day in Paramaribo

  • Overlanding across South America and suddenly arriving in a city whose main language is Dutch feels rather weird, but that’s part of the beauty of traveling through the Guianas.
  • Paramaribo does indeed feel very Dutch, yet at the same time this Caribbean city has a very strong character that comes from a fascinating blend of cultures, where wooden colonial architecture, palm trees and a remarkably diverse population create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in South America.
  • We’ll spend the day exploring the city, including the local market, where Maroons (descendants of escaped African slaves) sell all sorts of products, including a particularly photogenic section dedicated to natural herbs and traditional medicine.
  • We’ll also visit Frederiksdorp, a former coffee and cocoa plantation established in the 18th century, once worked by enslaved Africans.
  • In the evening, we’ll take a small boat along the Suriname River, where, if we’re lucky, we may spot pink dolphins.
  • Overnight in Paramaribo.

Day 6 – Trip to the Upper Suriname River

  • On Day 6, we’ll head deep into the interior of Suriname, driving all the way to the end of the road. From there, we’ll board a small traditional canoe and continue upriver towards Jaw Jaw, a Saamaka village surrounded by pristine rainforest.
  • The Saamaka are descendants of escaped African slaves who established independent communities in the jungle centuries ago and managed to preserve their own traditions, language and way of life. Even today, many villages along the Upper Suriname River remain accessible only by boat.
  • Overnight in Jaw Jaw.

Day 7 – Full day in Saamaka village (Jaw Jaw)

  • At Against the Compass, we like to take things slowly, soak in the places we visit and truly get to know where we are, rather than rush from one attraction to another. That’s why we’ll spend a full day immersed in the culture of the Saamaka people.
  • We’ll learn about their history, customs and daily life while exploring the nearby communities.
  • Overnight in Jaw Jaw.

Day 8 – Return to Paramaribo

  • In the morning, we’ll take things slowly and make our way back to Paramaribo, following the same route as before: first by traditional canoe and then by road.
  • Upon arrival, we’ll give some free time to just chill but, for those interested, we’ll also offer an optional visit to Peperpot Nature Park, an urban nature reserve where, if you are lucky, it is possible to spot sloths, monkeys and a variety of tropical birds.
  • Please note that this activity is optional and not included in the tour. The park is currently charging foreigners a 70 USD fee.
  • Overnight in Paramaribo.

Day 9 – Overland from Paramaribo to Kourou: Suriname–French Guiana border crossing

  • Today, we’ll leave Suriname and enter French Guiana, an overseas department of France and therefore part of the European Union.
  • Entering French territory also feels odd, especially because the border area is kind of rough.
  • After crossing the Maroni River by boat, we’ll arrive in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, a town famous for its colonial architecture and its connection to the notorious French penal system.
  • For decades, Saint-Laurent served as the main gateway to the French Guiana penal colonies. Thousands of convicts from mainland France passed through here before being sent to prisons scattered throughout the territory, including the infamous Devil’s Island. Some of the original prison buildings still stand today.
  • After exploring the town, we’ll continue our journey to Kourou.
  • Overnight in Kourou.

Day 10 – Devil’s Island (Îles du Salut)

  • From Kourou, we’ll take a boat to the Îles du Salut, a small archipelago best known for the infamous Devil’s Island penal colony, immortalized by the book and film Papillon.
  • Surrounded by abundant wildlife, the islands offer a pretty cool combination of history and exotic landscapes. We’ll spend the day exploring the former prison facilities, learning about their dark past, and enjoying one of the most scenic locations in French Guiana.
  • We’ll also have a chance to awim at the beach.
  • After that, we’ll head for Cayenne, where we’ll tour around the city.
  • Overnight in Cayenne.

Day 11 – Cayenne and departure

  • After checking out, the expedition will officially come to an end.
  • From Cayenne, travelers can fly directly to Paris, return to Paramaribo, where flight connections are more plentiful, or continue overland into Brazil to extend their South American adventure.
  • Whatever you decide, we’ll be more than happy to assist you with your onward travel plans.