Little-visited but with a great diversity of landscapes and wildlife and a friendly, English-speaking population, Guyana is emerging as one of the natural world’s best kept secrets.

Vast swaths of virgin rainforests give way to sweeping savannahs, and deep river gorges wind their serpentine way to spectacular waterfalls, including the world’s most spectacular unknown cascade: Kaieteur Falls. Around four times higher than Niagara, mighty Kaieteur is a magnificent sight to behold, especially as there is practically no development to spoil its original natural setting.

Although wildlife is often difficult to view due to the pristine environment, Guyana boasts a huge number of bird and mammal species, including a healthy population of jaguar and the world’s only giant river otter rehabilitation centre. There is a good chance to see the otters and also giant anteater and many bird species.