• Watch for unique species such as the Blood-coloured Woodpecker, Black-faced Hawk, and Guyana’s national bird, the Hoatzin.

• Witness the spectacular Kaieteur Falls, five times higher than Niagara Falls.

• Observe the colorful Guianan Cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola rupicola) in its natural habitat.

• Capture exceptional views of the forest and its densely populated branches on the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway.

• Experience native life in an Amerindian village in the Pakaraima Mountains.

• Visit Georgetown’s Royal Botanical Gardens, famous for its incredible birding opportunities and manatees.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

GUYANABIRDING RIVERS & PLAINSLush and varied ecosystems, abundant biodiversity, and the overlap between the Amazon Basin and the world’s largest tracks of pristine tropical rainforest make Guyana an ideal birdwatching destination. Teeming with over 800 species, Guyana offers birders a vast territory of endless forests and waterways inhabited by some of the world’s most stunning wildlife. Journey deep into the rainforest in search of sought-after species including the Pinnated Bittern, Brown-throated Parakeet, Great Horned Owl, and Guianan Streaked-Antwren. With comfortable accommodations in the only English-speaking nation in South America, the untouched wilderness of Guyana is a must for our most adventurous and passionate birders.

10 DAYS | 9 NIGHTSC H O O S E YO U R DAT E S

C U S T O M I Z E

THIS PROGRAM

DAY 6 - SURAMA Rise before dawn for breakfast, and then embark on a three-mile walk through savannah and rainforest to the Burro Burro River. With luck, both Black Curassow and Grey-winged Trumpeter will appear before pausing for a boxed lunch and a canoe ride along the river. The river is home to abundant wildlife including Giant River Otter, Brazilian Tapir, Black Spider Monkey, and a large number of riverine bird species. After walking back to the village, you have the option to spend the afternoon resting in the cabins, touring the village school, medical center, church, and houses, or continue birding in the forest until dusk. If the Harpy Eagle nest is active, take a 1.5 hour hike to the nest site instead. The nest is in a huge emergent tree only a couple of miles from the village, and you may see one of the adult birds bringing a sloth or monkey to the nest to feed their chick. Overnight at Surama Eco-Lodge. (BLD)

DAY 7 - RUPUNUNI SAVANNAH After breakfast, depart by 4-by-4 vehicles for the Amerindian village of Wowetta. From here begin a three-mile trek through virgin rainforest to a Guianan Cock-of-the-rock lek, where over 30 of these colorful birds nest in caves, perform mating dances, bathe in pools, and perch in trees for perfect viewing. If the Harpy Eagle nest is active, hike to the nest again for another look at the birds while en route to Wowetta. Later in the day continue to Rock View Lodge in Annai. This area is where the savannah meets the forest-covered foothills of the Pakaraima Mountains, resulting in a vastly different bird and wildlife population than the rainforest. Fuel up with lunch at the lodge for an afternoon of birding. Be on the lookout for the Double-striped Thick-knee, Green-tailed Jacamar, Spotted Puffbird, White-bellied Antbird, Finsch’s Euphonia, Fork-tailed Flycatcher, and Savannah and Black-collared Hawk. If time permits, take an orientation tour of the farm, orchards, carpenter center, and more. Dinner at the lodge. Overnight at Rock View Lodge. (BLD)

DAY 8 - RUPUNUNI SAVANNAH Rise at dawn for an early breakfast in preparation for a full day birding in the foothills of the Pakaraima Mountains. During a guided hike along the Panorama Trail you may see the Cinereous Mourner, Finsch’s Euphonia, Reddish Hermit, Rufous-bellied Antwren, and Yellow-billed Jacamar. As the sun rises, the views across the savannah and villages are spectacular. Birding continues after lunch at Rock View Lodge. With its tropical gardens and flowering trees, the lodge is an excellent birding spot and attracts many species, particularly nectar feeders and frugivores such as Amethyst Woodstar, White-chinned Sapphire, and the Long-billed Starthroat. Other frequently spotted species include Amazonian Scrub-flycatcher, Rufous-browed Peppershrike, and a variety of antbirds including the White-bellied. Overnight at Rock View Lodge. (BLD)

DAY 9 - GEORGETOWNAfter breakfast, the morning will be spent birding in the gardens of the lodge. Have some time for lunch before the flight back to Georgetown. After arrival, visit the city’s botanical gardens, considered one of Guyana’s top treasures. There may also be another chance to see the Blood-coloured Woodpecker along with species such as Snail Kite, Gray Hawk, Pearl Kite, Carib Grackle, Red-bellied Macaw, Red-shouldered Macaw and a host of parrots including Orange-winged, Yellow-crowned, and Festive Parrot. Birding the trails in the back of the garden may yield Yellow-chinned Spinetail, Boat-billed Flycatcher, Black-crested Antshrike, Short-tailed Swift, Ruddy Ground-dove, Grayish Saltator, Silver-beaked Tanager, Buff-breasted Wren, Piratic and Ashy-headed Greenlet, Golden-spangled Piculet, White-bellied Piculet, Great

ITINERARY

DAY 1 - GEORGETOWNUpon your late evening arrival in Georgetown, transfer to your hotel. Overnight at Cara Lodge.

DAY 2 - GEORGETOWN After breakfast at the hotel, travel to the Abary River to look for Blood-coloured Woodpecker, Rufous Crab-hawk, and White-bellied Piculet. From Abary, travel along the coast until reaching the Mahaica River. Enjoy a boat ride in search of Guyana’s national bird, the Hoatzin. Other species include Spotty Tody-flycatcher, Blue-black Grassquit, Carib Crackle, Striped Cuckoo, and Wing-barred Seedeater. Have a boxed lunch on the boat. This afternoon return to Georgetown, making stops to look for Black-capped Donacobius, Moriche Oriole, and Point-tailed Palmcreeper. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight at Cara Lodge. (BLD)

DAY 3 - IWOKRAMA RAINFOREST After breakfast, transfer to the domestic airport for your flight to Fair View Village via Kaiteur Falls, flying over the Demerara and Essequibo Rivers and hundreds of miles of uninterrupted tropical rainforest. Upon arrival at Kaieteur’s airstrip it’s just a short walk to the spectacular Kaieteur Falls, the world’s longest single drop waterfall. This natural wonder is home to flocks of White-chinned and White-tipped Swift. Stop at a nearby Guianan Cock-of-the-rock lek before returning to the airstrip for the flight to Fair View. After arrival in Fair View, transfer to Iwokrama Rainforest and eat lunch at the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway. Spend the afternoon birdwatching along the walkway from the mid and upper canopy or along the jungle trails below. Species here include White-plumed Antbird, Ferruginous-backed Antbird, Spot-tailed Antwren, Black-throated Antshrike, Ash-winged Antwren, Crimson Fruitcrow, Red-and-black Grosbeak, and Wedge-billed Woodcreeper. An interpretive trail introduces the names of local trees and their uses in the Macushi culture. As darkness falls on the canopy walkway, look for the White-winged Potoo and the resident Black Curassow. Dinner at the lodge. Overnight at Atta Rainforest Lodge. (BLD)

DAY 4 - IWOKRAMA RAINFOREST Have an early breakfast before a dawn chorus from the canopy walkway, as Short-tailed Nighthawks settle in for the day, swifts take to the sky, White-throated and Channel-billed Toucans yodel, and Barred Forest-falcons call. After lunch at the lodge, learn about the unique business model of the Community and Tourism Services that manage the lodge. Later search for mid and upper story species in the Iwokrama Rainforest including Paradise Jacamar, White-necked Puffbird, and Black-crowned Tityra. Dinner at the lodge. Overnight at Atta Rainforest Lodge. (BLD)

DAY 5 - SURAMA After breakfast, transfer to a trail in the Iwokrama Forest to look for the amazingly brilliant Guianan Cock-of-the-rock. This trail goes through an interesting part of the forest and an expert guide will identify and explain the uses of the local flora. Continue your trip to the Amerindian village of Surama, situated in a small savannah deep in the rainforest and surrounded by forest-clad hills. Surama’s inhabitants are mainly from the Macushi tribe and still observe many of the traditional practices of their ancestors. Upon arrival receive a warm welcome from the local people and settle into your accommodation. Tonight you can observe wildlife and experience the mystique of the forest after dark during an educational guided walk. Accommodations are “benabs,” thatched sleeping shelters with en-suite private facilities. Overnight at Surama Eco-Lodge. (BLD)

Horned Owl, Spotted Tody Flycatcher, Pinnated Bittern, Wing-barred Seedeater, and Brown-throated Parakeet. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at Cara Lodge. (BLD)

DAY 10 - DEPARTURETransfer to the international airport for your flight home. Breakfast may not be available depending on your flight time. (B)

This program can be customized.

PROGRAM PRICING

Please call for pricing Included: • activities • accommodations• meals as stated in the itinerary• full-time local guide• in-country transportation

Not included: • international airfare• gratuities• travel/trip cancellation insurance• optional activities/items of a personal nature• alcoholic beverages

Rate is based on double occupancy for participants; single supplements are available for an additional cost (limited availability). Valid for travel in 2015.

THE FINE PRINT

A $200 per person deposit and enrollment form is due upon booking and no later than four months prior to departure. This deposit is refundable until 95 days prior to departure excluding a $100 cancellation fee. Final payments are due no later than 95 days prior to departure. Cancellations received less than 95 days prior to departure are not refundable. Travel/trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended. For more information call Travel Insured at 800-243-3174 or visit travelinsured.com. Holbrook Travel’s agency number is 15849.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Binoculars are required for this program. We recommend wide angle binoculars, something within the range of 7x35, 8x40 or even 10x50 with good light gathering characteristics. Although light and comfortable, pocket binoculars don’t work as well in low light conditions. Participants should be in good physical condition and able to walk unassisted for several hours per day.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Cara LodgeThe historic Cara Lodge was built in the 1840s and once served as the home of the first Lord Mayor of Georgetown. The lodge has managed to retain its charming colonial character without overlooking the modern conveniences valued by international travelers.

Room amenities: Room architecture and decor reflects a traditional colonial style that includes attractive Demerara shutters and polished wooden floors. Each room has a private bathroom, air conditioning, direct-dial phone, cable TV, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, mini bar and complimentary tea and coffee.

Facility amenities: A business center, conference rooms, a restaurant, laundry service, money exchange, and a full service bar.

Ata Rainforest LodgeThis small rainforest Lodge rests at the base of the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway, within the Iwokrama Rainforest.

Room amenities: The lodge’s spacious rooms are housed in brick buildings with smooth cement floors. A ventilation panel, made up of evenly spaced wooden slats, runs the entire length of the buildings--like a rustic form of crown molding. This feature keeps the rooms cool and airy, and also brings in the relaxing sounds of the rainforest. The rooms have large windows (no glass panes) with shutters that open out onto the lodge’s tropical garden and the surrounding forest. Bed nets are provided in each room for nighttime protection against mosquitoes.

Facility amenities: Rainforest access (by foot, canoe or 4x4), a dining room, and bar. Electricity is provided by generators and the lodge has WiFi and internet access.

Surama Eco-LodgeThis rustic eco-lodge is a wonderful example of a sustainable community-based project. Accommodations are in traditional benabs (round bungalows) with thatched roofs and en suite bathrooms or in the cabin lodge. Electricity is provided by solar power and the main building has a few outlets where guests can recharge camera batteries and other gear. The lodge communicates with the outside world via VHF radio--there are no phones.

Room amenities: En suite bathrooms and mosquito nets.

Facility amenities: The main building has a dining room and electrical outlets for guests to charge cameras and other gear. The lodge’s wholesome meals often include local and traditional dishes and generally feature ingredients grown in the community garden. Tea and coffee is available throughout the day.

Rock View LodgeRock View Lodge is nestled between the Amerindian villages of Annai and Rupertee on the North Rupununi Savannahs of Guyana, where the foothills of the Pakaraima mountain range meet the tropical rainforest.

Room amenities: Accommodations have private bathrooms (no hot water) and simple, yet comfortable, furnishings. Beds have mosquito netting.

Facility amenities: The old family ranch house has a library and music available to its guests. All buildings have electricity (provided by a generator) and running water from a deep well. The landscaped grounds have hundreds of palms, fruit and flower trees that add to the natural beauty of the landscape. A swimming pool and thatched benabs with hammocks provide a nice place to relax during your free time. The property also has radio communications and WiFi.

This program includes carbon offsetting with ClimateSafe.

Learn more at holbrooktravel.com/ClimateSafe.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Visit holbrooktravel.com/birding or reach a travel consultant at 800-451-7111 or travel@holbrooktravel.com

PHOTOS BY

Bill Thompson, Eric Lindberg