Take a 30 minute drive from the Iwokrama River Lodge to arrive at the waterfall trail. Along the way your guide will point out some of the biggest trees in the forest. This trail is also excellent for bird viewing. Local legend states that this pool was an ancient source of water for the Makushi during the 18th Century when they were forced to take refuge in the Iwokrama Mountains and kept them supplied with water even when the creaks were no longer running in the dry season. Hence it was given the name Turu (Reservoir) which is the name it keeps today. Cool off from the walk and don’t forget your swimming suit! Relax enjoy your picnic and then return to the Field Station

Opened in November 2003, the 154 metre (505 ft.) Iwokrama Canopy Walkway offers a unique experience in the region and envelopes you in the jungle’s mid-level canopy through a series of suspension bridges and decks from heights of up to 30 metres (98 ft.). The journey starts with an adventurous hour long drive along a road that is known for its great opportunity to see wildlife, including the elusive jaguar and ends at Atta Rainforest Lodge. It gives visitors a new view of the mid and upper canopy of the forest and allows wildlife to be relatively free from human intrusion. 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. Check out the epiphytes such orchids and bromeliads and look for the amazing parasitic Ficus plant as it engulfs another tree. There is also the Greenheart Tree, the Waramadan (endemic in Guyana only to the Iwokrama Forest) and the poisonous Aromata! There is also the opportunity to stay overnight at the Atta Rainforest Camp, which is situated approximately 500 metres from the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway. The camp is completely surrounded by tropical rainforest, offering a complete immersion in the rainforest experience. The main building is open sided with views across the gardens to the forest which is only 25 metres away. This has the bar, dining area and kitchen. The dining area is adjacent to the […]

Iwokrama is thrilled to offer the opportunity to see jaguars in their natural environment. The Iwokrama Forest is rapidly gaining an international reputation for its healthy jaguar populations that seem not to be troubled by the appearance of curious humans. No promises but many of our visitors have been lucky! Iwokrama “may be the very best place in the world to see a wild jaguar.” (Audubon Magazine, March 2002). Just imagine yourself cruising on the Essequibo River through the black of night, maybe lit only by a pale moon. Your guide shines the spotlight and there it is… the red-eye glare of the Black Caiman! Frequently and closely seen lying on the river banks, the worlds largest of the alligator family grows to 6 meters (20 ft.) long. A boat ride at night may also introduce you to other nocturnal creatures such as Tree Boas, Pacas, Nightjars, and Hula tree frogs.

A trip to Iwokrama is not complete without going to the summit of Turtle Mountain for a stunning view of the rainforest canopy. The journey starts with a peaceful and scenic half hour boat ride where you arrive at the base of the mountain. Along the way you may see a Harpy Eagle and the Greater Yellow-headed Vulture, King Vulture, Gray-headed, Double-toothed, and Plumbeous Kites and Black-faced Hawk. The trails may reveal Little Chachalaca, Marail Guan, Black Currassow, Squirrel and Black-bellied Cuckoos, Blue-crowned Mot Mot, Colalred Puffbird, Pygmy, Antwrens and many more! You may also be rewarded with sightings of monkeys such as Red Howlers, Wedge-capped Capuchins and Black Spiders. More adventurous groups can take advantage of our Turtle Mountain satellite camp, situated deep in the forest at the base of Turtle Mountain near the Essequibo River. The camp was opened in April 2003 and possesses many great features despite its remote location, including a kitchen and dining area and flush toilets. Visitors to Turtle Mountain satellite camp sleep in hammocks with specially designed mosquito nets inside of our wooden open-air huts. A trip to Iwokrama is not complete without hike to the top of Turtle Mountain.   Take a 30-40 minute boat journey downriver and then hike the 2 mile trail up to 300 metre (950ft) summit for a stunning jungle vista punctuated by the powerful Essequibo River snaking through the forest.   Numerous bird species can be spotted on the lower trail including the Red-and-Black Grosbeak, Yellow-billed Jacamar, […]

The wonderful opportunity to see the diversity of birds in the Iwokrama Forest is ideal for anyone from the serious ornithologist to the casual naturalist. With over 500 species of birds in the Forest, bird watchers are sure to be rewarded! The Capuchinbird, Purple Crimson Topaz (largest hummingbird), Guianan Red-Cotinga, Cock of the Rock, and the rare Rufous-winged Ground Cuckoo are just a small sample of the birds you might see when visiting Iwokrama. With close to 500 species of birds in the Forest, Iwokrama is a bird watcher’s delight.  Numerous bird species can be seen from at the River Lodge including the colourful scarlet as well as blue and green macaws; various species of parrots; and toucans.

During the low water season take a boat ride to visit the ancient petroglyphs near to fair View village. These stunning works of art are estimated to be over 6,000 years old.