Quest for the Jaguar
25-30 Day Expedition
“The definitive proof of a jaguar’s proximity is its own booming call, echoing out through the forests and over the rivers, a sound to thrill the heart, a sound that tells us there are still some truly wild places left on earth...”
If you have ever imagined being an explorer, in unchartered Amazonian forest, relying on the land and rivers for your larder, and the beauty of the landscape to sate your imagination and soul, this is the expedition for you.
This is our gold star trip for those who are especially adventurous and seek the best chance to see South America’s iconic species: Jaguar, Giant Anacondas, Tapir, and Capybaras.
This expedition is an extension of the Corona Falls trip, taking you 200 river miles from the white water of the Rupununi River, to the headwaters of the Rewa River deep in southern Guyana.
A hundred miles up the river is the Corona Falls. This truly majestic crown of water falls about 20 feet into a turbulent pool dotted with shiny black rocks many of which have been inscribed with petroglyphs by the hands of ancient indigenous people who once made this place their home. A couple of days can be spent here exploring the trails, wildlife watching, and catching fish in the rapids.
In order to get to the headwaters of Rewa, one must portage a series of waterfalls starting with Corona Falls. From this point, the river becomes even more untamed and rugged with rapids and waterfalls. Lush pristine rainforest adorns the banks stretching for hundreds of miles in each direction. The wildlife is abundant and animals come out on the sandbanks to bathe and drink. Due to the remoteness of this area and the many portages, people rarely come this far. The only signs of human use are ancient petroglyphs and the odd satellite over head at night.
On trips to the Rewa headwaters, we have experienced incredible wildlife sightings and behavior. There are few places in Guyana where wildlife can be observed like this. Large terrestrial iconic species, in particular Jaguar, Giant Anacondas, Tapir, and Capybara are likely to be seen. All 8 species of Guyana’s monkeys make this area home and additional species such as Giant Otters, Black, Spectacled and Dwarf Caiman can also be found along with amphibians, reptiles, and a vast array of bird species.
This trip consists of slowly traveling and exploring up the Rewa headwaters making multiple campsites along the way. Activities are custom designed to suit your interests and may include river drifts, spotlighting, hikes on trails, and fishing.
If you’ve ever dreamt of visiting the truly wild Amazon, then this trip will fulfill that dream. If you’re willing to spend the time and effort, it’s worth every second and every drop of sweat as this is truly a once in a life time wilderness and wildlife experience.