Nestled on the northeastern coast of South America, French Guiana offers an extraordinary blend of European sophistication and untamed Amazonian wilderness. As an overseas department of France, this destination is a unique slice of Europe in the tropics, where French culture mingles with vibrant Creole and Amerindian traditions.
A visit to Kourou, home to the European Space Agency’s Guiana Space Centre, is a must for science and space enthusiasts. Witnessing a rocket launch is a thrilling experience, showcasing cutting-edge technology in the heart of the rainforest. Even if your visit doesn’t coincide with a launch, guided tours provide fascinating insights into the world of space exploration.
For history buffs and nature lovers, the Îles du Salut, or Salvation Islands, are a captivating escape. Once a penal colony, these islands offer a glimpse into the past with remnants of prison buildings amidst lush tropical scenery. The most famous island, Île du Diable (Devil’s Island), gained notoriety through the story of Captain Alfred Dreyfus and the novel Papillon.
French Guiana’s capital, Cayenne, is a vibrant city where colorful colonial architecture, bustling markets, and a lively food scene invite exploration. Don’t miss the chance to sample local Creole dishes, such as bouillon d’awara or freshly caught seafood, alongside French pastries.
The best time to visit French Guiana is during the dry season, from August to December, when rainfall is minimal, and outdoor activities are most enjoyable. During this period, you can explore the region’s rich biodiversity, from mangroves and savannahs to dense rainforests teeming with wildlife.
Whether you’re drawn by its natural wonders, cultural heritage, or cutting-edge space science, French Guiana promises a travel experience unlike any other.
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The 3 Guianas – 2024 Fully Escorted Small Group Tour
Recently a group of intrepid travellers ventured to the remote northeast corner of South America – the region known as The Three Guianas. This 20-day tour offered an adventure of a lifetime, taking in the highlights of Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. With 13 enthusiastic explorers led by Contours Tour Leader Heather Poppelier, this journey combined staggering natural beauty, immersive cultural experiences, and unique historical insights. It was so good, that we are doing it again in 2026.
“I absolutely loved it all, especially the tricky bits and adventurous boating sections. Loved the small planes and beautiful scenery, animals, birds, local people….and the cities with their incredible history.”
Guest feedback from 2024 Tour
Some of the 2024 highlights included:
The staggering beauty of Kaieteur Falls in Guyana, a natural wonder unlike any other.
Unforgettable wildlife encounters, including a rare jaguar sighting.
A stay at the community-run Rewa Ecolodge, showcasing the serene Rupununi region.
Warm hospitality at Karanambu Lodge, where we spotted giant anteaters and learned about Guyana’s rich history and vibrant future.
Immersion in village life along the Suriname River at Danpaati River Lodge.
A glimpse of Europe in South America during our time in French Guiana.
Contours Tour Group – The Three Guianas October 2024
Looking for a holiday filled with real adventure? We’re excited to share that this carefully crafted itinerary is being remixed for 2026, using feedback from participants to make our next small group tour even better. It is a perfect tour for travellers seeking an extraordinary experience, forgoing the usual luxury to be fully immersed in local culture and nature.
Now, let’s dive into the 2024 journey, day by day, so you can get a taste of the kind of adventures you may have in 2026*.
2024 Three Guyana’s itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Panama City – Your adventure began as you arrived in Panama City. After transferring to our hotel, we took some time to relax and prepare for the exciting journey ahead.
Day 2: Partial Panama Canal Transit – We witnessed the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal during a partial transit tour. It was a thrill to watch those massive ships pass through this iconic waterway. Lunch was included, making it a day of discovery and satisfaction. (Meals: B,L)
Day 3: Panama City to Georgetown – We started the day with a city tour of Panama City, exploring its vibrant neighbourhoods and rich history. Afterwards, we enjoyed a delicious lunch before flying to Georgetown, Guyana. (Meals: B,L)
Day 4: Exploring Georgetown – We dove into Georgetown’s cultural vibrancy with a city tour and a visit to a bustling local market. In the evening, we savoured a unique dinner hosted by the famous Singing Chef. (Meals: B,D)
Day 5: Kaieteur Falls and Rewa Ecolodge – We marvelled at the majestic Kaieteur Falls, one of the world’s most powerful waterfalls, nestled in the heart of Guyana. Later, we flew to the Rupununi region and settled into the tranquil Rewa Ecolodge. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 6: Rewa Ecolodge Adventures – Today we embarked on guided rainforest hike and we on the hunt for spotting diverse wildlife such as jaguars, howler monkeys, and vibrant bird species. This was an immersive day in nature that left us in awe. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 7: Journey to Atta Rainforest Lodge – We travelled by river and road to Atta Rainforest Lodge, a gateway to further rainforest adventures. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 8: Canopy Walkway and Forest Trails – Today we ascended into the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway for breathtaking views of the rainforest. We explored the lush forest trails with an expert guide, spotting unique flora and fauna on the way. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 9: Transfer to Karanambu Lodge – Next, we made our way to Karanambu Lodge, a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts. The lodge’s charm and serenity promised an authentic experience in the heart of Guyana. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 10: Waterway Explorations – We glided through the surrounding waterways and kept an eye out for playful giant river otters. This day offered us intimate encounters with Guyana’s rich aquatic life. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 11: Return to Georgetown – We flew back to Georgetown for an evening at leisure. We enjoyed a quiet moment to reflect on our adventures so far. (Meals: B)
Day 12: Fly to Suriname – After a leisurely morning, we board a flight to Paramaribo, the vibrant capital of Suriname. (Meals: B)
Day 13: Overland to French Guiana – We crossed the border into French Guiana and explored the historic city of Cayenne on a guided tour. Lunch was provided as we soaked in the blend of cultures. (Meals: B,L)
Day 14: Devil’s Island and Kourou – Next was a visit the infamous Devil’s Island, known from the book and movie Papillon. We learned about its haunting history before transferring to Kourou. (Meals: B)
Day 15: Guiana Space Centre and St. Laurent – There was a tour to the Guiana Space Centre, a hub for space exploration, and then onto the town of St. Laurent. Later, we returned to Paramaribo. (Meals: B,L)
Day 16: Journey to Danpaati River Lodge – We travelled deep into Suriname’s rainforest via road and dugout canoe to reach the Danpaati River Lodge. Here, we took time to immerse ourselves in the traditions of the Saramak Maroon community. (Meals: BLD)
Day 17: Cultural and Natural Exploration – A visit a Saramak village to learn about its culture and history was in order today. Then we explored the rainforest with our guide, either on foot or by canoe. We concluded the day with a lively cultural dance performance. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 18: Farewell Dinner in Paramaribo – Today we returned to Paramaribo by road and river for a farewell dinner with our tour group, celebrating the shared memories of this incredible journey. (Meals: BD)
Day 19: Back to Panama City – We wrapped up our adventure with a Paramaribo city tour before flying back to Panama City for our final overnight stay. (Meals: B)
Day 20: Departure – Our extraordinary journey concluded as we departed Panama City. (Meals: B)
We were happy we took the plunge and returned to South America to see these unique nations that differ so much and add to the diversity of the continent.
2024 Tour Guest Comment
West Indian Manatee spotting on our The Three Guianas Tour 2024
Expected 2026 Trip Highlights
Kaieteur Falls
Located in the heart of Guyana, Kaieteur Falls is among the world’s tallest single-drop waterfalls, plunging an astonishing 741 feet. Unlike heavily commercialized tourist spots, this waterfall receives only around 10,000 visitors per year and is surrounded by pristine rainforest, offering an untouched and tranquil experience. Visitors often describe the roar of the falls and the mist-filled air as awe-inspiring.
The area around Kaieteur Falls is home to endemic species like the tiny golden frog and the rare Guianan cock-of-the-rock bird, if you’re lucky enough to spot these.
Devils Island
Located off the coast of French Guiana, Devil’s Island is infamous for its brutal history as part of a French penal colony. Immortalized in the book and film Papillon, the island’s ruins serve as a stark reminder of the harsh conditions endured by prisoners. A guided tour will take you through remnants of the prison and provide insight into its fascinating history.
The penal colony operated from 1852 to 1953, housing some of France’s most notorious criminals alongside political prisoners. Escape attempts were near impossible due to shark-infested waters.
Take time to explore the old cells and learn about the lives of the prisoners who were sent here, all the while you are surrounded by lush greenery and views of the Atlantic, contrasting sharply with the island’s grim past.
Thank you for leading an amazing trip to an exotic and untapped part of the world. It was an adventure that I am finding hard to explain to people who are unfamiliar with the Guianas of South America. It’s a mix of historical colonialism, untouched wilderness, bird and wildlife wonder and a melting pot of peoples.
Our 2024 fully escorted tour to The 3 Guianas was such a success that we are heading back in 2026. Read on to find out more about this incredible region.
Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana: the forgotten corner of South America
Tiny Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana offer a very different Latin American experience! Speaking English, Dutch and French respectively, these nations have a distinctly Caribbean culture. And each contains a cultural melange that has created diversity in everything from food and music to religion. Even better, they receive a tiny fraction of the tourists that their South American neighbours attract. So why not discover these fascinating destinations before the rest of the world catches on?
Guyana
All three of the Guianas are incredible destinations for the emerging ecotourism market with impressive waterfalls, lush rainforest and tropical wildlife. But the ex-British colony, Guyana, is perhaps the best for wildlife lovers. Because an incredible 80% of the country is covered by rainforest. And Guyana is also home to one of the regions few well-known attractions (relatively speaking!). Kaieteur Falls are a must-see for any visitor to this stunning country. And here’s a fun fact! Did you know that Guyana receives fewer tourists in a year than Machu Picchu does in a day??
Suriname
While in Guyana the population speaks English and are mad about cricket, in Suriname the national language is Dutch. Here, in Paramaribo, the capital city, travellers can see the Dutch heritage in the architecture that resembles the old Amsterdam. Just like Guyana, Suriname is also covered in the lush jungle. And we think a trip to Suriname is incomplete without a trip into the interior for a stay at a jungle lodge.
French Guiana
This overseas department of France uses euros and has regular flights to and from Paris. In fact, the country is better connected to Europe than the rest of South America! So it is worth spending a few days here to make the journey worthwhile. Whilst in French Guiana your clients can explore the Kourou Space Centre and maybe even be lucky enough to witness a space launch! And then there’s the infamous Devil’s Island (actually named Iles du Salut) made famous by the book & movie of the same name, Papillon. You can ever visit H’mong villages which were created by Vietnamese migrants after the Vietnam War.
If you want to give your clients a truly off-the-beaten track adventure, don’t hesitate to call us. We’ll help you design a unique holiday to Latin America’s most underrated nations.
Tiny Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana offer a very different Latin American experience! Why not discover these fascinating destinations before the rest of the world catches on?
