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Located on the eastern shoulder of South America, the 3 Guianas — Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana — are among the least visited countries in the Americas.
They are all part of the same region known as the Guiana Shield, one of the world’s oldest geological formations and a region of immense biodiversity.
However, while the three countries share many similarities in terms of culture and geography, centuries of British, Dutch and French colonial rule have shaped very distinct identities, something best understood on an epic overland journey.
Culturally closer to the Caribbean Antilles than to the rest of South America, the Guianas offer the added benefit of vast rainforests, indigenous cultures and world-class natural wonders such as Kaieteur Falls.
We are finally offering an 11-day expedition through one of the rarest and least explored regions in the Americas.
Note that we always keep the itinerary flexible, and it may be subject to change, depending on the political situation.
1 – Jul 18th: Arrival in Georgetown (Guyana)
2 – Jul 19th: Day trip to Kaieteur Falls
3 – Jul 20th: Full day in Georgetown
4 – Jul 21st: Guyana-Suriname border crossing
5 – Jul 22nd: Full day in Paramaribo (Suriname)
6 – Jul 22rd: Upper Suriname River
7 – Jul 24th: Full day in Saamaka village (Jaw Jaw)
8 – Jul 25th: Back to Paramaribo
9 – Jul 26th: Suriname-French Guyana border crossing
10 – Jul 27th: Devil’s island (Îles du Salut)
11 – Jul 28th: Cayenne and departure
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Airport transfer on arrival
Chartered flight to Kaieteur Falls
10 nights of accommodation (twin shared), with breakfast
Meals on day 6 & 7
Private transportation across the 3 countries
Boats & ferries
International tour leader (see FAQ)
International flights
Optional activities, like Pepperpot Nature Reserve ($70)
Visa for Suriname: $58
Airport transfer on the last day
Meals (except on day 6 & 7)
Single supplement. Having your private room for 10 nights costs €350
Yes, we have a specific discount policy for those who have already traveled with us.
For first-time travelers, we offer up to a 10% discount when booking more than one expedition at the same time.
These are the hotels we stay but note they might be subject to availability.
The price of the tour includes accommodation in a twin room.
If you are a solo traveler, you will share the room with another like-minded traveler from the group.
If you want a single room, you will have to pay an additional €350.
Please note that single supplement might not be available in the local lodge at Jaw Jaw.
The starting point is Georgetown (Guyana).
Georgetown has two international airports – Eugene F. Correia International Airport (OGL) and Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).
Besides Port of Spain (POS) – capital of Trinidad and Tobago – common connections are Panama (PTY), Miami (MIA), New York City (JFK) and Bridgetown, Barbados (BGI).
Visa rules do vary for each country:
For entering Suriname, you need to have the Yellow Fever vaccine and present the ‘’International Certificate of Vaccination’’ booklet. Most travelers have that.
It is recommended to get vaccinated at least 10 days before entering the country of Suriname.
We limit this tour to 12 people.
Yes. If you want to join any of our expeditions, you must purchase travel insurance.
We recommend IATI Insurance.
Why do we recommend IATI?
Against the Compass has been a partner of IATI for a very long time. We personally know their CEO and marketing team, and we collaborate regularly, so in the unlikely event that something happens, we know exactly what to do.
Moreover, IATI Insurance covers all the countries where the FCDO advises against all travel, something that most insurance companies don’t.
You can also benefit from a 5% discount by purchasing it through the link below.
Get a quote here to claim your discount
Can I use a different company?
Yes, you can, as long as your insurance covers the destination you’re travelling to.
An international tour leader is an Against the Compass representative and a beloved member of our family who accompanies the group throughout the trip. You can learn more about our team here.
The role of the international tour leader is to support the local guide, help coordinate logistics, and ensure that everything runs smoothly throughout the tour. They also act as a bridge between travelers and the local team, assisting with communication, group management, and any issues that may arise during the trip.
Please note that an international tour leader will only join the tour if a minimum number of participants is reached. The exact number required depends on the destination and will be specified in the contract we share with you before confirming the trip.
Please check our General Conditions.
However, specific conditions might apply depending on the destination. Example: when the trip includes airfare.
Full details will be shared upon booking your spot.