BIG FRIENDLY GIANTS
Home to a plethora of fascinating animals, Guyana is a part of South America that’s made for exploring
THERE AREN’T MANY places you can visit nowadays that can legitimately be described as ‘undiscovered’, but one country that this does apply to is Guyana. An exotic paradise perfect for nature lovers, adventure seekers and eco-tourists alike, Guyana boasts pristine Amazonian rainforests, stunning waterfalls, extraordinary wildlife, thriving nature reserves and much more. You’ll also find a vibrant indigenous culture, rich heritage, impressive landmarks and friendly, hospitable locals everywhere you go here.
Nestled in the north-eastern corner of South America along the Atlantic coast, Guyana remains largely untouched, with more than 80 percent of the country still covered by forests. These are home to more than 1,000 species of trees, the world’s rarest orchids and around 8,000 plant species, half of which cannot be found anywhere else. Guyana also has one of the highest levels of biodiversity on the planet, as well as unique geology, pristine ecosystems and natural habitats, and an incredible variety of animal life.
ONE OF A KIND
There are a number of intriguing animals unique to this part of the world, and one of the most fascinating that you’ll come across in Guyana is the anteater. Of the four types of this unique-looking animal, the giant anteater is arguably the most astonishing. Found in the country’s Iwokrama Forest and Rupununi Savannahs, it can measure as long as seven feet from the tip of its snout to the end of its tail. Anteaters have no teeth, but their tongues – the longest of any animal – can extend two feet beyond their mouths and be flicked up to 160 times per minute, allowing them to eat 30,000 ants a day. With its protruding snout and tiny eyes and ears, the anteater is hard to miss, and if you’re lucky you may catch a glimpse of a mother carrying a baby on her back during your travels.
Other mammals you can expect to see in Guyana include the elusive jaguar, tapirs, giant otters and saki monkeys. It’s also a fantastic bird-watching destination, so be sure to pack your binoculars.