Mahaica River & Market Extension

Guyana

River cruise, birdlife & cuisine

3 days Ask us for pricing This is the price per person for a private tour (based on 2 people travelling) excluding international flights. Contact us for pricing for other group sizes including individuals.
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Intro, Dates & Prices

Intro

Dive into the vibrant heart of Georgetown with a master chef, exploring bustling markets, local secrets, and the bold flavours of Guyanese cuisine. Discover the city's colonial charm and cultural gems before dining al fresco at one of Georgetown's hidden gems. Cruise the Demerara River at sunset as flocks of scarlet ibis fill the sky. Rise early for a wildlife-rich boat trip along the Mahaica River, home to howler monkeys, otters, and Guyana's national bird, the bizarre Hoatzin. This immersive extension is the perfect add-on to your Guyana adventure.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • Guyana's charming colonial capital
  • Feast on Guyanese delicacies at the Backyard Cafe
  • Sunset cruise on the Demerara River
  • Mahaica River cruise - looking out for hoatzins

Places Visited

Georgetown - Demerara River - Mahaica River

What's Included

Arrival & departure transfers
Ground transport with driver
Accommodation
Meals (refer to itinerary for meal plan)
English-speaking guides
Entrance fees to sites & parks

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Itinerary
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Overview Itinerary Detailed Itinerary
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Day 1 : Arrival in Georgetown

Fly into Georgetown, where you will be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Rest of the evening is at leisure.

Overnight in Cara Lodge, Georgetown

Meal plan: n/a

South America's only English-speaking capital, Georgetown is a vibrant, eclectic city that pulses with the heart of Guyana's culture and history along the Demerara River. Often called the "Garden City" for its lush greenery, this bustling capital is a gateway to adventure. Wander through colorful colonial architecture, bustling markets, and lively streets, where the air is filled with the scents of exotic spices and fresh tropical fruit. As a British crown colony for over 150 years, Guyana was important for the brown sugar trade. This legacy lives on today. As a gateway to some of the world's last remaining pristine lowland tropical rainforest. Guyana is a gem on a lost continent of ecological gems.  

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Day 2 : Georgetown

Begin your day with a street-side breakfast and a lively market tour led by local culinary star, Chef Delven Adams. Explore Georgetown’s bustling Bourda Market, sampling exotic fruits and learning about traditional remedies and local produce. As Chef shop for lunch ingredients, enjoy a guided city tour packed with colonial history and cultural highlights, including Stabroek Market and St. George’s Cathedral. Visit fascinating museums showcasing Guyana’s rich biodiversity and Indigenous heritage. Then unwind in the hidden gem of Backyard Café, where Chef serves up a mouth-watering, multi-course Guyanese feast. Stroll through the lush Botanical Gardens and visit the rare West Indian Manatees.

In the afternoon, hop on a river taxi across the Demerara River with locals, cruising past Georgetown’s historic waterfront and beneath the iconic Demerara Harbour Bridge. Enjoy sundowners and snacks as brilliant flocks of Scarlet Ibis and other birdlife fill the skies above the mangroves. Return by boat as the city lights reflect across the water, ending the day on a memorable note.

Overnight in Cara Lodge, Georgetown

Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch

Backyard Café, nestled in Chef Delven Adams’ childhood home in Georgetown, offers a warm, intimate dining experience. Dishes are made from fresh, local ingredients. The cosy backyard setting, complete with hammocks and colourful décor, creates a relaxed atmosphere. Locally renowned Chef Adams showcases authentic Guyanese flavours using indigenous herbs, meats, and fruits, making it a must-visit for those seeking a true taste of Guyana.

The Demerara River is a vital and iconic waterway flowing through Georgetown, Guyana’s capital. It serves as a bustling transport route, with river taxis connecting communities and offering a scenic alternative to road travel. The river is lined with historic buildings and landmarks, including the impressive Demerara Harbour Bridge—once the longest floating bridge in the world. As it winds through the city, the Demerara River provides stunning views, vibrant wildlife, and a glimpse into Georgetown’s rich cultural and colonial heritage.
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Day 3 : Mahaica River excursion

Rise early for a pre-dawn departure from Georgetown, heading east along the Atlantic coast to the serene Mahaica River. Travelling through fertile farmland, you’ll arrive at a peaceful river landing where coffee or tea awaits. A boat tour along this lush, untouched river offers superb birdwatching - including the elusive Blood-coloured Woodpecker and Guyana’s national bird, the bizarre and prehistoric-looking Hoatzin. Keep an eye out for Howler Monkeys in the trees and Giant River Otters in the water. After the river excursion, enjoy a hearty breakfast at the boatyard restaurant before returning to the city, with a brief stop en route to observe wading birds on the coastal mudflats—including the rare Rufous Crab-Hawk.

Rest of the day is free at leisure to relax or visit some of the other local sights (an optional visit to the world famous El Dorado Rum Distillery can also be arranged).

Overnight in Cara Lodge, Georgetown

Meal plan: Breakfast

The Mahaica River, located along Guyana’s Atlantic coast, is a tranquil waterway known for its rich biodiversity and scenic beauty. Flowing through farmland and mangroves, it supports a vibrant ecosystem ideal for birdwatching and wildlife spotting. The river is one of the best places to see Guyana’s national bird, the Hoatzin, as well as other species such as egrets, herons, and the rare Blood-coloured Woodpecker. Its peaceful waters also attract Howler Monkeys and Giant River Otters, making it a hidden gem for nature lovers and ecotourists alike.

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Accommodation

Accommodation

All accommodation subject to availability. Final accommodation choices will be confirmed after booking.

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Cara Lodge

Georgetown (3 nights)

History enthusiasts will find Cara Lodge in Guyana an exceptional place to stay. As one of Georgetown's oldest and most distinguished buildings, Cara Lodge is a well-known hotel and a beloved landmark in Guyana.

Constructed in the 1840s as two separate houses, Cara Lodge has a rich and romantic history. It once served as the residence of Georgetown's first Lord Mayor and has hosted many notable figures, including King Edward VIII, who stayed there in 1923 before his abdication to marry Wallis Simpson. Other prominent guests include President Jimmy Carter in 1996, HRH Prince Charles in April 2000, HRH Prince Andrew in 2004, and Mick Jagger in 2005.

This splendid home-turned-hotel combines the nostalgia and elegance of a bygone era with the service and comfort of a luxurious modern hotel, all within a welcoming, family-friendly environment. At Cara Lodge, we strive to offer a unique blend of historical charm and contemporary comfort, perfect for travellers seeking to experience a taste of Guyana's past or business professionals looking for modern amenities.

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