The extensive grasslands of South and Central Guyana, numerous river basins and the dense rainforests throughout the country make Guyana one of the wildlife hotspots of the world. With an estimated 87% of its forests intact, Guyana is well protected and home to megadiversity. The pristine ecosystems and abundant resources of the Guiana Shield create the perfect environment for some of the world’s most fascinating creatures.

Some of the key regions to spot wildlife in Guyana are the interior savannahs, the highland rainforests, the hilly, sand and clay area and the low coastal plains. The Rupununi grasslands in the country’s interior are home to giant anteaters, capybaras, caimans, tapirs, anacondas and hundreds of bird species, which have a high chance of being spotted, especially if you choose to stay at any of the best eco-lodges of the region.

The Iwokrama Rainforest of the Highland region offers great chances to spot caimans, Harpy Eagles, Jaguars, river otters, Arapaima, sloths, river turtles and many more species. Here too, jungle-flanked eco-lodges like Atta, Surama and Rewa, offer some of the best opportunities to experience the wildlife of Guyana. Hundreds of bird species call the high canopies of greenheart, crabwood, mora and purpleheart trees home.

Other key wildlife areas are the basins of Essequibo, Demerara and other major rivers of the country. The Mahaica River is another hotspot for birders. Kaieteur National Park is home to unique species like the Kaieteur Golden Rocket Frog and the Guianan Cock-of-the-rock. Upstream of the park, new species like the electric blue tarantula, known to the Indigenous Peoples, were still being discovered by Western scientists

Other biodiversity hotspots include Shell Beach Protected Area, the Kanuku Mountains Protected Area, the Pakaraimas and Konashen Community Owned Conservation Area.