The 3 Guianas Overland Expedition GROUP TOUR. September 2027. Guyana, Suriname & French Guiana

For me, it’s time to RIGHT A WRONG! Although I claim to have visited every country in the world, I’VE NEVER BEEN TO FRENCH GUIANA (eeeeeeek). Strictly speaking, it belongs to France, but still, I feel like a fraud. And, admittedly, that was the original spark behind this overland expedition. That and the fact I’ll be in Venezuela running another group tour the week before (JOIN ME THERE TOO and let’s do them back to back!).

So, ‘The Three Guianas’ remain one of the least-visited regions on Earth. Wedged between the Caribbean and the Amazon, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana are unlike anywhere else in South America. English, Dutch and French are all spoken here. Colonial architecture sits beside dense rainforest. Remote Maroon villages still thrive along jungle rivers, and one of the world’s greatest waterfalls crashes into pristine rainforest far from the tourist trail. Pretty f*cking cool!

As you guys know, this is not a luxury holiday. It’s a legit expedition. All overland. A carefully designed adventure through three countries that almost nobody visits, combining nature, culture, history and meaningful travel. All through my Mudita Adventures foundation (where thanks to these group trips, we’ve donated more than $300,000USD to epic causes along the way). LET’S DO IT!

Book your sport HERE, or here:

We start easy. In English-speaking Guyana. Then it’s right to perhaps the highlight of the whole trip. A flight deep into Guyana, to the breathtaking Kaieteur Falls. One of the best waterfalls on earth. Then we spend time giving back through one of our charity projects, then journey overland into Suriname. There we’ll explore Paramaribo’s UNESCO-listed centre, cool buildings, great for the ‘gram, before heading deep into the rainforest to spend the night in a traditional Saamaka village on the Upper Suriname River.

Our final country is French Guiana, back to the EU (how weird is that btw:) where we’ll cross another international border before visiting the infamous Devil’s Island. Made famous by the movie Papillon (watch it before you come here!). It was once one of the world’s most notorious prison colonies. Before finishing with a walking tour of colourful Cayenne. Where I’m hoping we can score some quality french wine.

As always, this is a small-group adventure. You’ll travel with me throughout, meet local communities, experience places most travellers never see, and come home having visited three of the world’s most overlooked countries.

Why Visit Guyana, Suriname & French Guiana?

Most travellers have never even considered visiting the Three Guianas. That’s exactly why they’re so cool!

Together, these three neighbouring countries form one of the most unique regions on the planet. Unlike the rest of South America, they were colonised by three different European powers, creating a wild mix of languages, cultures and architecture that feels completely different from their Spanish and Portuguese-speaking neighbours. And to have the chance to hop between them every 3 days or so is epic.

Guyana is famous for Kaieteur Falls, one of the tallest single-drop waterfalls on Earth and without a doubt one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders.

Suriname offers one of the best-preserved colonial capitals in the Americas. Serious postcard stuff. Alongside the native culture deep in the rainforest.

And finally, French Guiana combines tropical South America with French culture, complete with fresh baguettes, euros, and one of history’s most infamous prison islands.

There are no crowds, no tour buses, and very few international visitors. Instead, we’ll be finding GENUINE encounters, welcoming locals and the feeling of exploring somewhere genuinely off the beaten path.

Trip Highlights

• Visit all three Guianas in one seamless overland journey.
• Stand before the breathtaking Kaieteur Falls, one of the tallest and most powerful waterfalls on Earth.
• Take part in one of our Mudita Adventures charity projects in Guyana.
• Cruise the Demerara River at sunset in Georgetown.
• Explore Paramaribo, South America’s only Dutch-speaking capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Journey by traditional river boat into the Amazon rainforest.
• Spend the night in the remote Saamaka village of Jaw Jaw, learning about one of South America’s most fascinating cultures.
• Cross two international borders by land, giving you a true sense of travelling across the Guianas rather than simply flying between them.
• Visit the legendary Devil’s Island, one of the world’s most notorious former prison colonies.
• Discover colourful Cayenne, where French cafés meet tropical South America.
• Travel in a small group with me throughout the journey.

The 3 Guianas Overland Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Georgetown, Guyana

Welcome to Guyana!

After arriving in Georgetown, you’ll meet the rest of the group and settle into our hotel before we gather for our first group dinner. It’s the perfect opportunity to get to know one another, talk through the adventure ahead and enjoy our first taste of Guyanese cuisine.

Overnight: Georgetown

Day 2 – Charity Project & Georgetown

Travel has always been about more than simply seeing new places, and today reflects that philosophy.

We’ll begin the morning visiting one of our Mudita Adventures charity projects, meeting the local community and seeing first-hand how tourism can make a positive difference. Every expedition we run aims to leave somewhere slightly better than we found it.

After lunch we’ll explore Georgetown, one of South America’s most underrated capitals. We’ll wander through the colourful colonial streets, visit St. George’s Cathedral, stroll through bustling markets and discover why Guyana feels so different from the rest of the continent.

As the day draws to a close we’ll board a boat for a sunset cruise along the Demerara River, watching the city skyline glow as dusk settles over the water.

Overnight: Georgetown

Day 3 – Kaieteur Falls

Today is one of the biggest highlights of the entire expedition.

We’ll take a scenic flight deep into the Guyanese rainforest to visit the extraordinary Kaieteur Falls. Standing 226 metres high, Kaieteur is nearly five times taller than Niagara Falls and among the tallest single-drop waterfalls anywhere in the world.

Unlike many famous waterfalls, Kaieteur remains wonderfully remote. There are no crowds, no large viewing platforms and very little development. Instead, we’ll experience one of the world’s greatest natural spectacles in near solitude.

After exploring the falls and surrounding viewpoints, we’ll fly back to Georgetown for one final evening in Guyana.

Overnight: Georgetown

Day 4 – Overland Border Crossing into Suriname

Today we leave Guyana behind and begin our overland journey into Suriname.

We’ll travel east across the coastal plains before reaching the Guyana–Suriname border, crossing by ferry over the Corentyne River. It’s a fascinating experience and one of the highlights of travelling through the Guianas overland rather than simply flying between countries.

After completing immigration formalities, we’ll continue through western Suriname before arriving in Paramaribo, the country’s charming capital.

Overnight: Paramaribo

Day 5 – Discovering Paramaribo

Paramaribo is unlike any other city in South America.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, its streets are lined with elegant Dutch colonial buildings, colourful wooden houses and leafy avenues. It is also one of the world’s most culturally diverse cities, where churches, mosques and synagogues stand peacefully side by side.

We’ll spend the day exploring the city’s highlights, including Fort Zeelandia, Independence Square, the historic waterfront and the remarkable synagogue and mosque that have become symbols of Suriname’s multicultural identity.

Enjoy the evening at leisure, perhaps with a cold Parbo beer beside the Suriname River.

Overnight: Paramaribo

Day 6 – Into the Amazon: Jaw Jaw Village

This morning we leave the city behind.

Driving south before transferring to a traditional longboat, we’ll travel up the Upper Suriname River into the heart of the rainforest. Our destination is Jaw Jaw, a remote Saamaka village where life continues much as it has for generations.

The Saamaka people are descendants of enslaved Africans who escaped into the rainforest centuries ago, creating independent communities that have preserved their traditions, language and culture ever since.

We’ll spend the afternoon exploring the village, swimming in the river, learning about local life and enjoying the peaceful surroundings of the jungle.

Overnight: Jaw Jaw

Day 7 – Morning in Jaw Jaw & Return to Paramaribo

Wake to the sounds of the rainforest before enjoying a relaxed morning in the village.

There’ll be time to walk through the community, learn more about Saamaka culture or simply sit beside the river and soak up one of the most peaceful settings anywhere in South America.

After lunch we’ll board our boat back to Atjoni before returning by road to Paramaribo for our final evening in Suriname.

Overnight: Paramaribo

Day 8 – Overland Border Crossing Into French Guiana

Our final international border crossing takes us into French Guiana.

We’ll travel east to the Maroni River before crossing into France’s overseas department, where the language, currency and atmosphere change once again.

Along the way we’ll stop in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, once the main reception point for prisoners destined for Devil’s Island, before continuing towards Kourou.

Overnight: Kourou/Cayenne

Day 9 – Devil’s Island Prison Colony

Today we visit one of the most infamous prison colonies in history.

A boat ride takes us to the Îles du Salut, where we’ll explore the remains of the penal colony made famous by Henri Charrière’s Papillon. While visitors generally land on Île Royale rather than Devil’s Island itself, you’ll enjoy spectacular views across the islands while learning about the extraordinary history of this notorious prison.

The islands are also surprisingly beautiful, with tropical forests, turquoise waters and abundant wildlife providing a stark contrast to their dark past.

We’ll return to the mainland in the afternoon.

Overnight: Cayenne

Day 10 – Cayenne & Departure

Our final morning is spent exploring Cayenne, the colourful capital of French Guiana.

We’ll stroll through its lively streets, visit the city’s main squares and markets, and enjoy one last taste of French South America before saying our goodbyes.

From here, you’ll depart from Cayenne Airport, hopefully with three new countries ticked off your list and memories from one of the world’s least-visited regions that will last a lifetime.

3 Guianas Overland Tour Dates

The trip runs: September 18th – 27th, 2027

• Remember it starts in Georgetown, Guyana. And finishes in Cayenne, French Guiana.

3 Guianas Overland Tour Price

The trip cost $4299, with a $300 non-redundable deposit.

• This trip is limited to 16 people, and will sell out. So please note it’s first-come, first served. Don’t hesitate!

How to Book Your Place

CLICK HERE, or Click below to reserve your place on the next Three Guianas Expedition.

What’s Included

Your expedition includes:

• All accommodation throughout the tour.
• Breakfast each morning.
• All ground transportation from Georgetown to Cayenne.
• Domestic return flight to Kaieteur Falls.
• All border crossings and ferry transfers.
• Boat transfers to and from Jaw Jaw village.
• Overnight stay in the Amazon rainforest.
• Full-day excursion to the Îles du Salut (Devil’s Island).
• Guided sightseeing as outlined in the itinerary.
• Entrance fees to all included attractions.
• All project-related costs during our charity visit.
• Services of experienced local guides where required.
• Myself (or josh, but probably me) as your tour leader throughout the expedition.

What’s Not Included

• International flights to Georgetown (Guyana).
• Flights departing from Cayenne (French Guiana).
• Travel insurance (mandatory).
• Most lunches and dinners unless stated.
• Alcoholic drinks.
• Personal expenses.
• Visa fees, if applicable.
• Tips for local guides and drivers.

Our Charity Project in Guyana

One of the things that makes my tours different is that they’re about more than simply visiting incredible places.

Through Mudita Adventures, we’ve funded projects around the world, from rebuilding schools after natural disasters to providing clean water, libraries and educational support for communities that need it most. We used to get our hands dirty, but we listened to feedback, and now we simply do a generous donation and visit the project to see where the money has been spent.

During our time in Guyana, we’ll spend a morning visiting one of our local projects. Depending on current needs, this may involve helping at a school, delivering supplies or spending time with the local community. Rather than simply passing through, we aim to leave somewhere a little better than we found it. For many guests, this becomes one of the most memorable parts of the expedition.

How to Get There

This expedition begins in Georgetown, Guyana (GEO) and finishes in Cayenne, French Guiana (CAY).

Most guests fly into Georgetown via one of the following hubs:

• Miami
• New York (JFK)
• Toronto
• Panama City
• Amsterdam
• Bridgetown

At the end of the expedition you can depart from Cayenne with direct flights to:

• Paris
• Fort-de-France (Martinique)
• Belém
• Fortaleza

We recommend arriving one day before the tour begins to allow time for any flight delays and to recover from long-haul travel. If you’d like to arrive earlier or continue travelling afterwards, we’re happy to advise.

Visas & Entry Requirements

Visa requirements depend on your nationality. But it’s easy these days.

Most of our passport holders, including citizens of the UK, Ireland, the EU, the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand can enter them all with no issues.

Guyana (our first country) doesn’t require a visa, same as French Guiana (no schengen needed). Suriname (no dutch visa needed) just a simple evisa done online in advance.

We’ll provide all booked guests with up-to-date visa guidance well before departure, but it remains each traveller’s responsibility to ensure they meet all entry requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the 3 Guianas?!

North East South America, Here:

When should I arrive?

Feel free to arrive in Georgetown on day 1 or the day before. This gives you time to recover from your journey and provides a buffer in case of flight delays.

Which airport should I fly into?

Fly into Cheddi Jagan International Airport (GEO) in Georgetown, Guyana.

Which airport should I fly home from?

The expedition ends in Cayenne – Félix Éboué Airport (CAY) in French Guiana.

Do I need a visa?

This depends on your nationality. We’ll provide guidance after booking, but checking your own visa requirements is your responsibility.

Is this trip suitable for solo travellers?

Absolutely. Many of my guests travel solo, and small-group adventures are a fantastic way to meet like-minded people.

How fit do I need to be?

NOT AT ALL. There are no difficult hikes, but there are some long travel days, uneven paths and boat journeys.

Is the trip safe?

Yes. Like anywhere in the world, sensible precautions are important, but we’ll be travelling with experienced local partners throughout.

What accommodation will we stay in?

We’ll use comfortable hotels in the cities and a simple but memorable jungle lodge in Jaw Jaw. Accommodation has been selected for comfort, character and location rather than luxury.

What is the food like?

Expect a mix of Caribbean, South American, Dutch, French and Creole influences. Fresh seafood is common, alongside tropical fruit, curries, rice dishes and French pastries in Cayenne.

Can vegetarians and vegans be accommodated?

THAT’S ME! So we’re in it together! So Yes. Please let us know about any dietary requirements when booking, and we’ll do our best to accommodate them throughout the trip.

What is the weather like in September?

September is generally one of the better months to visit the Three Guianas, with warm tropical temperatures and relatively favourable conditions. You should still expect occasional rain showers.

What should I pack?

Lightweight clothing, comfortable walking shoes, insect repellent, sunscreen, a waterproof jacket, swimwear, a hat and a reusable water bottle are all recommended. We’ll send a detailed packing list before departure.

Will there be Wi-Fi and mobile signal?

Hotels generally have Wi-Fi, although speeds vary. Expect little or no mobile coverage during our stay in Jaw Jaw.

Can I share a room?

Yes. Twin sharing is available, and a single supplement can be added if you’d prefer your own room.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses and emergency evacuation is mandatory.

What vaccinations are recommended?

We recommend consulting your travel doctor several weeks before departure. They can advise on routine vaccinations, yellow fever and malaria prevention based on your personal circumstances.

What currency should I bring?

We’ll use three different currencies during the expedition, but cards are accepted in many places. We’ll provide detailed money advice before departure.

Can I arrive early or stay later?

Of course. If you’d like to extend your trip before or after the expedition, we’re happy to offer recommendations.

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