Guyana is one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth. With over 80% of its land covered in pristine rainforest, vast savannahs, and untouched rivers, it's home to wildlife that has become rare or extinct elsewhere in South America. From jaguars prowling the Rupununi to giant otters playing in crystal-clear rivers, Guyana offers wildlife experiences that rival — and often surpass — famous destinations like the Pantanal and Amazon.
This comprehensive guide covers Guyana's most iconic wildlife, where to see them, and how to plan your wildlife adventure.
The Big Five: Guyana's Most Iconic Wildlife
While Africa has its Big Five, Guyana has its own must-see species that draw wildlife enthusiasts from around the world.
🐆 Jaguar (Panthera onca) Special Sighting
The jaguar is the apex predator of the Americas and Guyana offers some of the best opportunities to see one in the wild. Unlike many destinations, Guyana's jaguars aren't habituated — these are truly wild encounters.
Best time: September-April (dry season)
Best locations: Rewa Eco-Lodge, Karanambu, Dadanawa Ranch
Rupununi Savannah, especially around Rewa River and South Rupununi
🦦 Giant Otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) Excellent Sighting
Giant otters can grow up to 6 feet long and live in family groups. Once nearly extinct, Guyana is now one of their last strongholds. Watching a family hunt, play, and vocalize is unforgettable.
Best time: Year-round, best September-March
Best locations: Karanambu Lodge (famous for otter rehabilitation), Rewa, Caiman House
Rupununi rivers and oxbow lakes
🦅 Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja) Special Sighting
The harpy eagle is the world's most powerful bird of prey, with talons the size of grizzly bear claws. Guyana protects several active nests, and seeing one is a bucket-list experience for birders.
Best time: During breeding (varies by nest)
Best locations: Surama, Iwokrama, various monitored nests
Iwokrama Forest, Kanuku Mountains, near indigenous communities
🐊 Black Caiman (Melanosuchus niger) Guaranteed
The black caiman is the largest predator in the Amazon basin, growing up to 16 feet. Night expeditions to see them are thrilling — their eyes glow red in flashlight beams.
Best time: Year-round (night excursions)
Best locations: Caiman House (research station), Rupununi rivers
Yupukari Village, Rupununi waterways
🐟 Arapaima (Arapaima gigas) Seasonal
The arapaima is the world's largest freshwater fish, reaching over 10 feet and 400+ pounds. Guyana offers catch-and-release arapaima fishing and simply watching them surface to breathe.
Best time: September-April (dry season)
Best locations: Rewa Eco-Lodge (conservation fishing program)
Rewa River, isolated oxbow lakes in Rupununi
Photography Tip
Bring a camera with good low-light performance. Dawn and dusk are the best times for wildlife, and rainforest light is often dim. A 100-400mm zoom lens is ideal for most species.
More Amazing Wildlife
Mammals
- Giant Anteater — Seen regularly in the Rupununi savannahs, especially early morning
- Brazilian Tapir — Guyana's largest land mammal, often seen at Iwokrama and mineral licks
- Capybara — World's largest rodent, common in savannah wetlands
- Nine-banded Armadillo — Nocturnal but regularly spotted on night walks
- Red Howler Monkey — Their roars echo through the forest at dawn
- Spider Monkey — Acrobatic primates seen in Iwokrama
- Two-toed & Three-toed Sloths — Harder to spot but present in the canopy
- Puma — Occasionally seen, though much rarer than jaguar
- Ocelot & Margay — Small spotted cats sometimes caught on camera traps
Birds
With over 800 bird species, Guyana is a birder's paradise. Some highlights:
- Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock — Brilliant orange males perform at leks
- Scarlet Macaw — Pairs fly overhead at dawn and dusk
- Toucan species — Multiple species including Channel-billed
- Sunbittern — Stunning wing display, seen along rivers
- Hoatzin — Prehistoric-looking bird with clawed chicks
- Jabiru Stork — South America's tallest flying bird
- Sun Parakeet — Brilliant yellow, endemic to the Guiana Shield
- King Vulture — Spectacular plumage, seen soaring overhead
Reptiles & Amphibians
- Green Anaconda — Can exceed 20 feet, occasionally seen in wetlands
- Spectacled Caiman — Smaller cousin of black caiman, very common
- Poison Dart Frogs — Multiple colorful species in the rainforest
- Green Iguana — Often seen basking along rivers
- Sea Turtles — Four species nest on Shell Beach (nesting season March-August)
Book Your Wildlife Adventure
Experience Guyana's incredible wildlife with expert guides. Browse our wildlife tours.
View Wildlife ToursBest Wildlife Locations
Rupununi Savannah
The Rupununi is Guyana's wildlife capital. This vast savannah (13,000 km²) dotted with forest patches and wetlands offers:
- Best jaguar viewing in Guyana
- Giant otter families in clear rivers
- Giant anteaters in open grasslands
- Black caiman on night excursions
- Arapaima fishing at Rewa
Recommended lodges: Karanambu, Rewa Eco-Lodge, Caiman House, Surama
Iwokrama Forest
The Iwokrama Forest is a 371,000-hectare protected rainforest with exceptional biodiversity:
- Canopy walkway for birding and monkeys
- Harpy eagle nests
- Tapir at mineral licks
- Jaguar (though harder to see than savannah)
- Incredible birding (500+ species)
Recommended lodges: Iwokrama River Lodge, Atta Rainforest Lodge
Kanuku Mountains
Protected area with excellent habitat for large cats and harpy eagles. Less visited than other areas, offering more solitude.
Shell Beach
Four species of sea turtles nest here: leatherback, green, hawksbill, and olive ridley. Nesting season runs March-August, with peak activity April-June.
Best Time for Wildlife Viewing
| Season | Months | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Season | Sept-April | Jaguars, giant otters, arapaima, general wildlife (animals concentrate at water) |
| Rainy Season | May-August | Birding (breeding displays), lush landscapes, sea turtle nesting |
| Peak Dry | Oct-Nov | Best jaguar chances (water scarce, animals predictable) |
Expert Tip
For the best wildlife experience, spend at least 3-4 nights at each location. Animals can be elusive, and longer stays dramatically increase your chances of special sightings like jaguar.
Wildlife Tour Operators
These reputable operators specialize in Guyana wildlife tours:
- Wilderness Explorers — Premium multi-day wildlife itineraries
- Rupununi Trails — Community-based tourism experts
- Evergreen Adventures — Customized wildlife trips
- Bushmasters — Specialist wildlife and birding guides
For the best experience, book a packaged tour that includes flights, lodges, guides, and transfers. DIY wildlife viewing is possible but much less rewarding without expert guides.
What to Bring on a Wildlife Trip
- Binoculars — Essential for birding and wildlife spotting (8x42 recommended)
- Camera with zoom lens — 100-400mm for most wildlife
- Headlamp/flashlight — For night excursions
- Long pants and long sleeves — Protection from sun, insects, and vegetation
- Neutral-colored clothing — Avoid bright colors that scare wildlife
- Waterproof bag — For camera and electronics on boat trips
- Insect repellent — DEET or equivalent
- Sun protection — Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
- Field guide — Bird or mammal identification book
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you see jaguars in Guyana?
Yes! Guyana offers some of the best wild jaguar sighting opportunities in the world. The Rupununi savannah, particularly Rewa and Karanambu, provides good chances during the dry season (September-April). Unlike habituated jaguars in the Pantanal, these are truly wild encounters.
What is the best time to see wildlife in Guyana?
The dry season (September-April) is best for most wildlife, as animals concentrate around remaining water sources. October-November offers the best jaguar chances. The rainy season (May-August) is excellent for birding and sea turtle nesting.
How much does a wildlife tour cost?
Expect to pay $200-500/night for all-inclusive eco-lodge stays. A 7-10 day comprehensive wildlife itinerary typically costs $3,500-6,000 per person including flights, lodges, guides, and activities. Budget trips are possible but significantly reduce wildlife sighting chances.
Is it safe to see wildlife in Guyana?
Yes, with proper precautions and experienced guides. Jaguars and black caiman are observed from a safe distance. Swimming in rivers is generally fine in designated areas. Night walks and boat trips have excellent safety records with experienced guides.
Do I need a guide for wildlife viewing?
Highly recommended. Local guides know animal behavior, habitats, and specific locations. Without a guide, you'll miss 90% of the wildlife — their trained eyes spot animals invisible to visitors. All eco-lodges include expert guides.
Plan Your Wildlife Trip
A typical Guyana wildlife itinerary might look like this:
- Day 1-2: Arrive Georgetown, fly to Rupununi
- Day 3-5: Karanambu — Giant otters, savannah wildlife
- Day 6-8: Rewa — Jaguar tracking, arapaima, caiman
- Day 9-10: Iwokrama — Canopy walkway, forest wildlife
- Day 11: Return to Georgetown and depart
For more details on specific regions, see our guides to the Rupununi Savannah and Iwokrama Rainforest.
Last updated: January 2026. Need help planning your wildlife trip? Browse our wildlife tours or contact us.