About the Walkway

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 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

1

Wildlife spotting

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!

2

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!

3

Birdwatching

Guyana's rainforests, savannahs, mountains, and coastlines boast well over 800 species of birds. The canopy walkway offers some incredible views not available from the forest floor, but frankly many visitors make amazing finds right from the lawn in front of the dining area. You can't miss, no matter where you look.

4

Floral observation and photography

Be sure to visit the checklists page for identification guides for the scores of tree, plant, and flowering plant species found in this area. The pathway to the Canopy Walkway is well-labelled to help you get started identifying the many fascinating flora specimens that populate this part of the Iwokrama rain forest.

5

Dawn chorus in the canopy

Prepare to rouse yourself at dark o'clock to get up to the canopy in time for dawn chorus. Its 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.

6

Night Walks

It's always tempting to turn in early after dinner, but the most intrepid naturalists know that certain creatures call 8pm '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 spottings!

7

Overnight Stays

We're 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!

8

Day Trips

Convenient connections to nearby lodges as well as the airstrips at FairView and Annai put us in easy proximity to travelers on their way to other area lodges. Best wildlife viewing is always at dawn and dusk, but don't let your schedule prevent you from stopping in at any other time of day. We've got great food and there's always something stirring in the forest surrounding the lodge.

9

Educational visits

School groups, civic organizations, family gatherings, anthropological explorers, and nature lovers of all stripes have reason to gather at Atta, whether it's to make major strides on the tick-list or to explore the ancient Amerindian petroglyphs or pottery shards found in the nearby forest. Our backyard is your classroom.

 

  • Getting Here

    The walkway is situated at Mauisparu, near the southern boundary of the Iwokrama Reserve in central Guyana. We are approximately 300km (190 mi) south of Georgetown and 130km (80 mi) north of Lethem on the Brazilain border.

    From Georgetown, there is a good all weather road running 340 km south to Lethem which passes through the Iwokrama Reserve. The walkway is a 20 minute walk, via private road, from that main north-south road. Overnight bus service (IntraServ) is no longer available, but minibus service from Georgetown and Lethem is an economical (if not terribly comfortable) option. But the quickest way to reach us is to fly into Fair View Village (near Iwokrama), Surama Village, or Annai (near Rock View Lodge) then transfer by 4X4 vehicle.

    By road, we are about 75 minutes from the Iwokrama River Lodge and Fair View airstrip, 50 minutes north of the Annai airstrip at Rock View Lodge, and about 45 minutes east of Surama Village. Our map will help you get an idea where we're located in relation to the other main attractions of the area.