The Iwokrama Rainforest

The Iwokrama Forest is nearly one million acres (371,000 hectares) of central Guyana in northeastern South America. It is located in the heart of the Guiana Shield, one of the four last pristine tropical forests in the world and sits on one of the oldest exposed rock surfaces in the world.The forest is mostly uninhabited and waiting for adventurers seeking a truly unique ecotouring experience.

The area is covered with lush, lowland tropical forest, and dominated by tall tropical trees with a dense canopy 20-30 metres (66-98 ft.) high.

At 1000 metres (3,281 ft.) high, the Iwokrama Mountains form the geographic focal point of the Forest; they once provided a "place of refuge" for the Makushi people. The Centre and Forest are named after this striking formation, now a refuge for people and wildlife.

Why Visit Iwokrama

The Iwokrama Forest and the Rupununi Wetlands and savannahs offer visitors the opportunity for an exceptional natural and cultural experience set in a learning context. The Forest has a Field Station, a canopy walkway, several satellite camps and a nascent trail system. The Field Station is equipped with visitor cabins, dining facilities and transport vehicles.

Iwokrama is a place for all ages and all interests and you choose what you want to do.

Iwokrama Canopy Walkway

Opened in November 2003, the 154 metre (505 ft.) state-of-the-art Canopy Walkway envelopes you in the jungle's mid-level canopy from heights of up to 30 metres (98 ft.). If you visit at dusk or dawn, you'll have the best chance to see birds like the Green Aracari, Scarlet Macaw, Guiana Toucanette or Channel-bill Toucan. Red Howler Monkeys may also be observed. You can also spend the night at the nearby satellite camp and experience the "art of survival" with our knowledgeable guides. (Official Iwokrama Canopy Walkway web site)

Turtle Mountain

A trip to Iwokrama is not complete without a hike to the summit of Turtle Mountain for a stunning jungle vista. The journey may also reward you with sightings of monkeys such as Red Howlers, Wedge-capped Capuchins and Black Spiders (see primates in the online mammal guide). Consider staying at the modern and nearby camp with running water and comfortable accommodations.(Learn more about Turtle Mountain and the Camp)

Bird Watching

With over 500 species of birds in the Forest, bird watchers are sure to be rewarded with a visit to Iwokrama Forest. In addition to the many species that can be heard and observed throughout the Forest, four bird feeding stations/platforms have been installed at the Field Station and are currently attracting over ten species of birds. Furthermore, Iwokrama Guides are now recording local bird songs to enhance bird identification skills.

Hiking

Take a jungle trek with a well-informed guide along one of our walking trails:

* Screaming Piha Trail
* Cock of the Rock Trail
* Wood Creeper Trail
* Giaconda Trail
* Bush Master Trail
* Prince Charles Trail
* Iwokrama Mountain Gorge Trail
* Turtle Mountain Trail
* Canopy Walkway Trail

Click to Read more about What you can do at Iwokrama

Getting to Iwokrama forest

* Iwokrama can provide you with transportation in a confortable 4WD vehicle with A/C. Contact us for details.
* Drive for 5-7 hours to Kurupukari Crossing, then take a short boat ride across the Essequibo River to the Field Station.
* Fly to Annai and then make a shorter land transfer.
* Combination trips are possible (i.e. drive into the forest from Georgetown, then fly out from Annai.)
* Privately owned and operated buses are a very economical alternative (US$20 in March 2004), but be advised that merchanical reliability and travel times will vay among buses.

Click to Book a tour