Explore the mysteries of the jungle canopy

The Iwokrama Canopy Walkway lies deep within Guyana’s rarest and most remote rainforest and offers unbeatable nature scenes from over 100 feet above the rainforest floor.

The walkway was funded by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). This state-of-the-art canopy walkway cost US$180,000 and its unique construction allows trees to grow normally by using adjustable cables and braces throughout the support structure. It is constructed of aluminium and is suspended by steel cables and built to Canadian outdoor specifications and standards by Greenheart Construction Company of Canada. It is the only tourist canopy walkway in the Guiana Shield.
The canopy walkway is owned by Iwokrama International Centre and managed by Community And Tourism Services (CATS). This partnership brings together an NGO (Iwokrama), the indigenous Makushi community of Surama and two private sector companies: Rock View Lodge and Wilderness Explorers.
Iwokrama’s aim is for this facility to improve and expand the forest-based tourism product by providing a unique attraction that will enhance the marketability of the tourism product of the Iwokrama Forest and Guyana in general. The secondary aim is to provide research access to the forest.
Activities on and around the walkway include wildlife spotting, bird watching, photography just to name a few. The day and night hikes along the trails in the surrounding forest offer some of Guyana’s most amazing opportunities to spot insects, reptiles, birds, and even the occasional jaguar.
Additionally, a walk on the canopy presents a great opportunity for photography. Bring a long lens and a keen sense of curiosity, and you’re bound to come home with a treasure trove of images that will make even your best-travelled friends jealous. Just be sure to bring some good moisture-proofing gear.
It is a sanctuary also for birds and a delight for bird lovers. Guyana’s rainforests, savannahs, mountains, and coastlines boast more than 800 species of birds. The canopy walkway offers some incredible views not available from the forest floor, though many visitors make amazing finds right from the lawn in front of the dining area. You can’t miss, no matter where you look.
Prepare to rouse yourself at dark o’clock to get up to the canopy in time for dawn chorus. It’s the ideal time to listen and watch as the forest canopy comes alive with the sounds of birds, howler monkeys, even the occasional reptile. Coffee and tea are always available to keep your eyelids propped open so you don’t miss a single thing.
It’s always tempting to turn in early after dinner, but the most intrepid naturalists know that certain creatures call 8:00pm ‘rush hour’ and never miss an opportunity to quietly tromp at this hour. Bring good boots and a strong torch, and you are guaranteed to be rewarded with some amazing spotting.
The canopy is located within convenient driving distance from Rock View Lodge, Surama Eco-Lodge, and Iwokrama River Lodge. But why not buy yourself an extra hours’ sleep (not to mention a little relaxation) and spend a night or two at the Atta Rainforest Lodge at the base of the canopy walkway. Food’s great, staff’s always in a good mood and the views of the trees – and night sky – are impeccable. A great place to lose yourself!
For more information visit Iwokrama’s website at iwokramacanopywalkway.com or on Facebook at ‘Iwokrama Canopy Walkway’.