Endemics of the Guiana Shield

Countries we will visit on this trip: Guyana

Overview

Guyana: The Land of Many Waters

Tucked away in the northeast corner of South America lies a little-visited but utterly spectacular country. This is a land in which an almost unfathomable 80% is draped in lush primary forest and boasts more than 850 species of birds from a remarkable 70 families! Included within these are 47 highly coveted Guiana Shield endemics - many of which are far easier to see here than in any of the other 5 countries (Columbia, Venezuela, Brazil, Suriname or French Guiana) perched atop this ancient craton of the South American plate.

Guyana is home to one of the last remaining truly wild places on our planet - the Iwokrama Rainforest - close to 400,000 hectares of unbroken lush forest primeval. In addition to staying within this tropical Eden, this trip provides you with the opportunity to explore other fascinating and incredibly rewarding habitats including the protected shell beaches and mangroves that line the northern coast, and the sweeping savannahs of Rupununi that dominate the south. 

On this unforgettable trip, we seek out majestic Harpy Eagles, jaw-droppingly stunning Guianan Cock-of-the-rock, critically endangered Sun Parakeets, Red Siskins, Rufous-throated, White-plumed and Wing-barred Antbirds, Grey-winged Trumpeters, Rufous-winged Ground Cuckoos, Blood-coloured and Waved Woodpeckers, Rufous Crab-Hawks, Guianan Red-Cotinga, White-winged Potoos, Black Curassow, Rio-Branco Antbird, Dusky Purpletuft, Black-faced Hawks, Crimson Topaz, Marail Guans, Little Chachalacas, Crimson Fruitcrow, Capuchinbird, Black Nunbirds, Red-and-black Grosbeak, Guianan Puffbird, Guianan Trogon, Guianan Toucanet, Guianan Warbling and Guianan Streaked Antwrens, Guianan Schiffornis, and Black Manakin. Interspersed amongst these specialities are some of the more classic South American species such as the mighty Jabiru, positively prehistoric Hoatzin, Spangled and Pompadour Cotingas, Long-winged Harrier, Pinnated Bitterns, and Scarlet Ibis. Numerous parrot species are also likely, and include Festive, Orange-winged and Yellow-crowned Amazons, Caica, Black-headed, and Red-fan Parrots, Painted Parakeet, Golden-winged Parakeet, along with Red-shouldered, Scarlet, Blue-and-yellow, and Red-and-green Macaws.

They’re all here - some of the continent’s most sought-after and unique species; and over the course of 2 weeks we target each and every one!

Not only is Guyana a remarkable and incredibly rewarding birding destination, but it also provides some of the most stunning wildlife watching opportunities on the entire continent (sitting behind only the pantanal of Brazil and remote Patagonia in terms of scale and dependability). The mighty Jaguar - largest and most powerful of the cats of the Americas - can sometimes be sighted pacing along trails and roadways; several species of monkeys including Guianan Red Howler, Guianan Spider, Wedge-capped Capuchin, Guianan Weeper Capuchin, Golden-handed Tamarin, Guianan-bearded Saki and Squirrel Monkeys are frequently seen; other large wildlife such as Capybara, Giant Otter, Sloth, Giant Anteaters and Black Caiman are also reliable. With luck our wildlife encounters will also include Tapir, Anaconda, and Puma. The largest fresh-water scaled fish in the world, the Arapaima, can be observed, along with an amazing diversity of reptiles and amphibians far too long to even begin to list.

This is a fascinating and magical land where something unexpected can turn up around every corner. Join us and be one of the few to have ventured into one of the last remaining wildernesses on the planet.

Upcoming Tour Dates

2024 - NEW DATES ADDED!

• October 9th - 18th (Main leg): There are currently 6 spaces available on this tour. Please contact us here to register your interest.

• October 18th - 22nd (Sun Parakeet & Red Siskin extension)

2025

• October 15th - 24th (Main leg): Fully booked. If you would like to be placed on the waitlist for this tour, please contact us here.

• October 24th - 28th (Sun Parakeet & Red Siskin extension)

2026

• October 12th - 20th (Main leg): Fully booked. If you would like to be placed on the waitlist for this tour, please contact us here.

• October 20th - 24th (Sun Parakeet & Red Siskin extension)

Tour Price

From USD$5895 per person - for detailed pricing please scroll to the bottom of this page

Tour Leader

Our ‘Endemics of the Guiana Shield’ tour is led by Barbados-born Ryan Chenery, owner and founder of Birding the Islands Ltd. Ryan is the author of the Birds of the Lesser Antilles HELM field guide and has over two decades’ worth of experience guiding birding clients through the Caribbean and South America. Ryan leads birding trips throughout the world for our company and for several other international birding companies. Click here for a little bit more about Ryan.

Sample Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Georgetown

Touching down at Cheddi Jagan International Airport, you are collected by pre-arranged transport and taken to your hotel in Guyana’s capital - the bustling port city of Georgetown. Located on the Atlantic coast at the mouth of the Demerara River, approximately one-third of this English speaking country’s population inhabits this thriving metropolis. Often referred to as the “Garden City of the Caribbean”, Georgetown boasts many large green spaces punctuated by flowering trees and ponds, and a number of species can be seen relatively close to your hotel, including Great and Common Black-Hawks, Snail Kite, Green-rumped Parrotlet, Great Horned Owl, Orange-winged, Yellow-crowned and Festive Parrot, White-bellied Piculet, Wing-barred Seedeater, White-throated Toucan, Pied Water-Tyrant, Yellow-chinned Spinetail, and Bluish-grey Saltator.

Day 2: The Journey begins

An early start sees us head eastward along the Atlantic coast to the Mahaica River, where we will have an opportunity to see and photograph Guyana’s national bird - the remarkable and positively prehistoric Hoatzin.

Other birds we are likely to see in this spectacular riverine habitat include Black-collared Hawk, Black Hawk Eagle, Barred Antshrike, Black-crested Antshrike, Silvered Antbird, Striped and Little Cuckoos, Green-tailed Jacamar, Long-winged Harrier, Pale-breasted Spinetail, and Green-tailed Goldenthroat.

The trees lining the riverbank also provide us with our best opportunity for sightings of the Guianan Red Howler Monkey. These largest and loudest of the New World Monkeys can often be seen lounging and foraging in the trees - providing excellent viewing and superb photograpic opportunities.

On our return from Mahaica, we stop at expansive mud-flats and mangrove forest for opportunities to observe such species as the unmistakable Scarlet Ibis, Little Blue and Tricolored Heron, Large-billed and Gull-billed Tern, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Semipalmated Plover, Whimbrel, Mangrove Rail, Northern Scrub Flycatcher, Lesser Nighthawk, Bicolored Conebill, Black-throated Mango, Spotted Tody-Flycatcher, Rufous Crab-Hawk. 

In the late afternoon, the birding culminates with a visit to a little-known birding site, where possible species include Rufous-breasted Hermit, Slender-billed Kite, Green-throated Mango, Cream-colored Woodpecker, and the outrageously plumaged Crimson-hooded Manakin.

Day 3: Iwokrama Forest

Following an early breakfast at our hotel, we board pre-arranged transport and make for Ogle Airport, from where we take an hour-long flight to Lethem. From here, we move in a convoy of 4x4s over the Takutu River to the first of our remote rainforest lodges of the trip. Along the way, we make a few stops for birding. Species we may encounter on the drive include Maguari Stork, Red-shouldered Macaw, Plumbeous Seedeater, White-tailed Hawk, King Vulture, Orange-backed Troupial, Crested Bobwhite, Common and Plain-breasted Ground-Dove, Pinnated Bittern. Upon arrival, we receive a warm welcome from the friendly staff before settling down to an immaculately prepared lunch featuring a number of local specialties.

This afternoon, we begin to explore our surroundings. An easy 15-minute stroll along well-maintained forest paths leads us to the fabulous Iwokrama Canopy Walkway - a series of suspension bridges and observation decks of up to 30 metres above the forest floor - allowing absurdly close views of a range of otherwise difficult to spot canopy specialists. Among the likely highlights here are Golden-winged Parakeets, Caica Parrot, Waved and Golden-collared Woodpeckers, and Spot-tailed, Todd’s and Ash-winged Antwrens.

The walkway is also an excellent place to look for a number of species of cotingas including the Crimson Fruitcrow, Dusky Purpletuft, Purple-throated Fruitcrow, Pompadour and Spangled Cotinga. Provided the appropriate trees are fruiting, we even have the chance of seeing Purple-breasted Cotinga here.

Another productive birding site is the clearing around the lodge, with two Guianan Shield endemics the primary targets. Both the Guianan Puffbird and fabulously coiffed Black Curassow show well here, with the currasow often sighted in family units emerging from just inside the forest edge. 

Day 4: Into the Heart of the Interior

This morning we take advantage of an early start to return to the canopy walkway and target any species not seen the previous day. Our dawn arrival ensures a better chance for species such as Guianan Toucanet, Pygmy-Tyrant, Green Aracari, Painted Parakeet, Screaming Piha, Black-headed Parrot, Great Jacamar, Paradise Tanager, Blue-backed Tanager, Golden-sided Euphonia, Purple and Green Honeycreepers, Black-faced Dacnis, Long-billed Gnatwren, Buff-cheeked Greenlet, Tiny Tyrant-Manakin and Black Nunbird. The entire morning is ours to bird the canopy walkway and the trails around the lodge. 

Other species possible today include Black-faced Hawk, Spotted Antpitta, Red-and-Black Grosbeak, Cayenne Jay, Amazonian Barred-Woodcreeper, Red-billed Woodcreeper, Helmeted Pygmy-Tyrant, Painted Tody-Flycatcher, White-crested Spadebill, and Chestnut and Red-necked Woodpeckers.  

After lunch, we spend the afternoon birding the main road running through the Iwokrama Forest, where we will be looking for Guianan Streaked-Antwren, Spot-winged Antwren, Amazonian and Mouse-colored Antshrike, Reddish Hermit, Rose-breasted Chat, Black Caracara, Guianan Trogon, Golden-winged Parakeet and Yellow-green Grosbeaks. Later we visit a remarkable white sand forest in order to target a number of speciailists possible here, including Pelzeln’s Tody-Tyrant, Yellow-throated Flycatcher, Bronzy Jacamar, Red-legged Tinamou, and Guianan Schiffronis.

On the way back to our lodge, we keep our eyes open for Jaguar and Tapir, both possible in this area at dawn and dusk. As the sun sets, we partake in a spot of night birding, mainly looking for owls and potoos. This is a highly productive site for White-winged, Common and Long-tailed Potoo, as well as Tawny-bellied Screech-Owl, Spectacled and Black-banded Owl, Crested Owl and Amazonian Pygmy-Owl.

Day 5: A visit to a Harpy Eagle nesting site!

This morning, we rise before dawn to begin a day certain to live long in the memories of all tour participants. There are many lodges in Guyana, and countless more to be found throughout this awe-inspiring and bird-rich continent, but few can boast of being located a mere 20-minute walk from the nest site of one of, if not the most, iconic and highly coveted species for birders the world over: the incomparable and simply awesome Harpy Eagle!  

The Iwokrama Rainforest, in which our lodge is located, is a vast wilderness of over one million hectares, and stands at the heart of one of only four remaining untouched tropical forests on Earth – The Guiana Shield of North-Eastern South America. Iwokrama is in the homeland of the Makushi people, who have lived in and used the forest here for thousands of years. These indigenous people are a vital part of the ecosystem and the success of conservation projects within Iwokrama. Indeed, the continued protection of the very forest itself relies heavily upon their stewardship and involvement, together with the combined skills and contributions of specialists from international bodies and other local communities.

Although the Harpy Eagle only nests roughly every 2-3 years, the six months required for the adults to raise their chick to the point where it is ready to leave the nest, combined with the recently fledged chick’s tendency to remain in the vicinity for up to an additional 2 years while the parents continue to feed it, ensures that the odds are very much in our favour when it comes to sightings. This particular nesting site was recently found by members of the Makushi community.

After our unforgettable time at the Harpy nest site, we return to our lodge via a known day roost of the Rufous Potoo. The remainder of the afternoon will be spent either birding the walkway to the lodge or some of the trails leading into Iwokrama.

Day 6: The Pakarima Mountains

This morning, we bird the clearing around the lodge in order to pick up (or get better views of) any of our target species, before venturing onward to the Pakarima Mountains.  

En route, we stop at an easily accessible Guianan Cock-of-the-rock lek, where the stunning males of this species can regularly be seen displaying for females. Expect some very close views indeed!

Other species possible along the cock-of-the-rock trail include Yellow-billed Jacamar, Amazonian Motmot, Scarlet and Red-and-green Macaws and White-plumed as well as Rufous-throated Antbird.

Our accommodation for the next two nights is an Amerindian village set in five square miles of savannah, and framed by the spectacular Pakarima Mountains. Here, the majority of the inhabitants follow many of the traditional practices of their ancestors.

After settling in, we venture out for a chance to find a host of new species for the trip, including White-naped Xenopsaris, Olive-green Tyrannulet, Blue-cheeked and Dusky Parrots, Variable Chachalaca, Black Spotted-Barbet, and Tiny Hawk. During our return to the lodge, we use spot lights to look for mammals, together with an array of nocturnal birds, including Short-tailed, Lesser and Nacunda Nighthawk, Common Paraque, and White-tailed as well as Blackish Nightjar.  

Day 7: The Rupununi

After an early breakfast, we bird the village environs, which can be particularly rewarding for such species as Mealy Parrot, Spix’s and Marail Guans, Lesser Elaenia, Wedge-tailed Grass-Finch, Savannah Hawk and Scaled Pigeon.

The majority of our birding today will take place along the Burro-Burro River, which is also an excellent site for Black Spider Monkey and Wedge-capped Capuchin Monkey. Amongst our target bird species are the Rufous-capped Antthrush, Black-faced Antthrush, the peculiar Capuchinbird, Fiery-tailed Awlbill, Ferruginous-backed Antbird, Guianan Toucanet, Guianan Red Cotinga, Ocellated Crake, Gray-winged Trumpeter, Red-billed, Chestnut-Rumped and the Guianan Woodcreeper.

One of the primary reasons for selecting this particular lodge is its proximity to what has now become a reliable site for the Rufous-winged Ground Cuckoo. As the afternoon cools, we savour our time in the company of this quite remarkable and rare species. The same area is a day-roost for the superbly odd Great Potoo, and represents preferred habitat for the striking Guianan as well as Green-backed Trogon, Lesser Kiskadee, Red-throated Caracara, White-tailed Goldenthroat, and Sulphury Flycatcher.

Day 8: Yupukari and environs

Leaving the stunning Pakarima Mountains and expanses of open savannah behind, we continue south west and onto a remote Field Station.

On the way we pause at wetland stops known for Grey-cowled Wood-Rail, Cocoi Heron, Buff-necked Ibis, and the splendid Jabiru. Raptors frequenting these areas include Savannah, White-tailed, and Zone-tailed Hawk.

Upon arrival at our rustic accommodation, we receive an enthusiastic welcome, before making our way to the dining area for a hearty meal.  

Our afternoon will be spent in the forest surrounding the Outpost where we will look for a number of target species including Spotted Puffbird, Blue-backed Manakin, Golden-spangled Piculet, Northern Slaty-Antshrike, Slate-headed Tody Flycatcher, Bare-necked  Fruitcrow, Yellow-Olive Flycatcher, Pale-tipped Tyrannulet, Guianan-warbling Antbird, Southern White-fringed Antwren, Sooty-capped Hermit, Red-capped Cardinal, and Brown-throated Parakeet. 

After dinner, you are invited to join the Station’s Research Crew on a nightly expedition to catch and tag Black Caiman (largest of the South American caiman species). Not exactly the most conventional of birding tour activities - and one surely not to be missed!

Day 9: Homeward journey

For those of you leaving the tour at this point, after an early farewell breakfast, our 4x4s will take you back to Lethem Airport where you will connect with your scheduled flight back to Georgetown and onward journey home.

For those on the extension, the adventure continues…

Sun Parakeet & Red Siskin extension

Day 9 cont: Boating on the Rupununi River

Following breakfast, those partaking in the optional tour extension bird the Savanna and forest patches surrounding the Station for such species as Crested Doradito, Bearded Tachuri, White-faced and Black-bellied Whistling Duck, White-tailed Kite, Yellowish Pipit, and Double-striped Thick-knee.

This afternoon sees us take a blissful boat trip down the Rupununi River. Here, we are likely to find both Green-and-Rufous as well as American Pygmy Kingfisher, alongside the beautiful Agami Heron, Capped Heron, Sungrebe, Sunbittern, Pied Lapwings, Boat-billed  Heron, Black Skimmer, and Bare-necked Fruitcrow. We may even have a chance to spot the extremely shy and notoriously reclusive Crestless Curassow.

This boat trip promises to be as memorable for other wildlife as it does for birds, with likely sightings of both Black as well as Spectacled Caimans interspersed with encounters with Giant River Otters, and Arapaima - largest of all scaled fresh-water fish.

Day 10: Seek the ‘keet

Boarding our 4x4s, we travel through vast open savannah - home to hunting Aplomado Falcons, soaring Lesser Yellow-headed Vultures and constantly flittering Grassland Yellow-Finch, Gray, Plumbeous, Chestnut, Ruddy and Lined Seedeaters. Here, we also have an excellent opportunity for sightings of Giant Anteaters, as these wonderfully weird lumbering behemoths pass through the savannah on a near incessant search for ants and termites. This habitat is fragmented by isolated pockets of wetland, and such a concentrated resource ensures each is frequented by myriad herons, egrets and storks. 

Arriving at our remote village destination, we meet and chat with our friendly hosts in order to be officially granted permission to bird the area. This region of Guyana receives only a handful of tourists a year, and through our visits and engagement we strive to encourage the village inhabitants to continue in their conservation efforts. The fate of an entire species rests firmly in their and like-minded communities hands.

This idyllic village is surrounded by riparian forest, and it is here that we will have our only chance of seeing the striking Sun Parakeet - a species decimated by the illegal pet trade, and one whose wild population has now plummeted to less than 1000 individuals. In addition to our primary target, this unique habitat is also home to a selection of new species for the trip, including Black-and-White Hawk-Eagle, Rufous-browed Peppershrike, Toco Toucan and Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl.  

After lunch in the village, we will bird our way back to our lodging for the next two nights - a historic guest ranch located a mere 15 minutes from the Brazilian border.

Day 11: A much coveted duo!

Today we focus our attention on two birds with exceedingly restricted ranges: the Hoary-throated Spinetail and the Rio Branco Antbird. Both species are only found in gallery forest along the Rio Branco River and other main tributaries, all of which ultimately flow into the Amazon. Continued agricultural practices have significantly reduced the amount of remaining habitat available for these birds, and as a result the Spinetail has recently been classed as endangered, and the Antbird near-threatened.

There is only one accessible site at which to see these birds - a relatively short stretch of land running along the Iring River. Although we will specifically target the Hoary-throated Spinetail and the Rio Branco Antbird, once these birds have been seen, we’ll shift our attention to other species of interest known to the site, including Ringed Kingfishers, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Black-chinned Antbird, Pale-legged Hornero, and Flavescent Warbler. After birding, we return to the ranch for lunch.  

We then board our vehicles and make for South Rupununi - home to our final Guiana Shield endemic. Road conditions in this little-trafficked area will determine our travel time - but it may be in excess of 3 hours. Though long, the scenery seen en route is absolutely stunning (indeed this is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful regions in the entire country). Spectacular grasslands, towering mountains, and verdant forest harbour a host of species, and we will pause to stretch our legs at the most promising sites for such species as Plain-breasted Ground Dove, Brazilian Teal, Blue-winged Teal, White-throated Kingbird, South American Snipe, Giant Snipe, White-naped Xenopsaris, and Grassland Sparrow. We arrive at our lodging in time for dinner, after which we will retire for the evening in anticipation of an early start in the morning.

Day 12: The stunning Red Siskin

Today, an early start ensures we give ourselves the absolute best chance of seeing our critically endangered target species. A relatively large population of Red Siskin was discovered in this region in 2003 (far removed from any previously known colony) and arriving just after dawn should provide us with unparalleled views. While our main focus will certainly be on the siskin, after it has been spotted, we will roam the site for encounters with a host of other fascinating species including Pale-bellied Tyrant-Manakin, White-barred Piculet, Bicolored Hawk, White-bellied Antbird, and White-fringed Antwren. Lunch will be taken back at our lodging, after which the afternoon will be spent birding the surrounding habitat for the rare Sharp-tailed Ibis along with Finsch’s Euphonia and Rufous-winged Antwren. 

Day 13: Rupununi to Georgetown

Today marks our final day in the Rupununi. After breakfast, pre-arranged transport takes us back to Lethem Airport, where we connect with our scheduled flight to Georgetown. Upon arrival, we are transferred to our hotel, where, over a farewell dinner, we reminisce over our experiences in this vast and stunningly beautiful country.  

Day 14: Homeward journey

Following breakfast, we are collected by pre-arranged transport and taken to the airport for our homeward journey.

Pricing

2024 + 2025

Tour Price (14 days full tour): from USD$6890 per person (based on double occupancy rates and maximum number of clients per tour). Single Supplement, i.e. if you would prefer to have a single room for the duration of your tour, there is an additional charge of USD$490.

Tour Price (Main Leg only): from USD$5895 per person (based on double occupancy rates and maximum number of clients per tour). Single Supplement: USD$360.

Tour Price (Sun Parakeet & Red Siskin extension): from USD$995 per person (based on double occupancy rates and maximum number of clients per tour). Single Supplement: USD$130.

Included in Price: All scheduled and stated domestic flights and internal boat charges; local taxes; airport departure taxes; all accommodations; pre-arranged food; bottled water with meals and on birding outings; transport to and from destinations; park admission fees; local guide fees; and hotel and restaurant service charges.

Not Included in Price: Your international flights; any regional flights after the tour has finished; extra charges incurred for overweight or additional pieces of luggage on international or regional flights; travel insurance; laundering services; gratuities; other beverages; meals on day 1 and day 14; and items of a purely personal nature.

Tour Info

Number of Species that will possibly be seen on tour: 370+

Number of Endemics (including Endemic Subspecies) likely to be seen on tour: 40+

Group Size: Maximum of 10 clients and The Bajan Birder (plus additional guide if the group is at the maximum number of participants)

Terrain and Pace: We cover a diverse range of terrain on this trip. Trails are primarily well maintained and relatively level. Any light to moderate ascents are conducted at a slow, steady pace with plenty of opportunities to rest along the way.

Please note that the above itinerary and pricing is subject to change.

Recommended Field Guides

• Restall, R., Rodner, C., and Lentino, M. 2007. Birds of Northern South America: An Identification Guide, Volume 1: Species Accounts. Yale University Press