"We don't just take you to the jungle; we take you to the Guiana Shield, the ancient geological heart of South America. It is older than the Andes, home to frogs, fish and birds found nowhere else and holds the most pristine rainforest left on the planet."
The Guiana Shield is one of the most geologically and biologically distinct regions on the planet. Suriname (and specifically the Wayana Indigenous territory in the south) sits right on top of this formation.
We operate together with the Mulokot Foundation, IKSUR and many more local Indigenous organizations. We fights for the sustainable development, territorial rights, and cultural preservation of the Indigenous Peoples in Suriname. Every expedition directly funds our community’s autonomy. The revenue does not vanish; it builds our schools, supports our elders, protects our borders from illegal mining, and keeps our traditions alive.
Our vision is simple yet profound: The Amazon is not just a forest; it is a living, breathing entity. The true guardians of this realm are the Wayana people, who have lived in harmony with the Tapanahony and Litani River and the granite giants of Tebu and Roosevelt for generations.
The Guiana Shield is one of the most geologically and biologically distinct regions on the planet. Suriname (and specifically the Wayana Indigenous territory in the south) sits right on top of this formation.
We live in the heart of the Amazonian highlands, a "Greenhouse of the World" that regulates the global climate.
At Guardians of the Amazon Expeditions, we believe the true guardians of this forest are the people who have called it hom4e for centuries. That is why our expeditions are not just guided; they are led by the indigenous people of the Guiana Shield.
We share our home with the Harpy Eagle, the Jaguar, Cock-of-the rock, and the rare Blue Poison Dart Frog (Okopipi). We do not need GPS to find them; we know their songs, their hiding spots, and their seasons.
By exploring with us, you are directly supporting the Indigenous communities, helping to preserve their culture, and protecting the oldest rainforest on Earth. This is not just a tour—it is an invitation to walk with the Guardians.
Exploring with the Indigenous Peoples is an immersion into a living culture. Authenticity: You will navigate on the rivers in our boats, guided by our experts. Wisdom: You will learn not just the scientific names of birds and frogs, but their spirit names and their medicinal uses in our culture. Respect: You travel in small groups, leaving a light footprint, ensuring that the wildlife—and our way of life—remains undisturbed.





We are a proud and fully 100% Indigenous-owned and led organization, established by and for the Indigenous Peoples of Suriname, dedicated to preserving our rich cultural heritage and advocating for our communities’ rights and well-being.
The Amazon Basin is geologically “young” due to sediment from the Andes, while the Guiana Shield is ancient. Here, you walk on some of the oldest exposed rock on Earth, featuring dramatic granite inselbergs and table-top mountains (tepuis) that rise from the jungle, characteristic of the southern Wayana territory.
These highlands have been isolated for millions of years, leading to unique animal evolution. About 54% of amphibians in the Guiana Shield are endemic. The “Blue” Frog: Specific morphs like the “Okopipi” are iconic to this region.
The Guiana Shield, often called the “lungs,” is one of the last large pristine rainforests, with Suriname having 92% forest cover. Unlike the fragmented Brazilian Amazon, it serves as a vital habitat for wide-ranging birds like the Harpy Eagle, which needs large territories to survive.
A significant portion of the revenue (at least 40%) goes directly to the people from the villages (like Apetina or Palumeu) and the specific guides' families.
For all our tours we have specific protocols. For example, asking permission from the Granman (Paramount Chief) or village captain before entering certain areas. These protocols are based on the international FPIC [Free, Prior, Consent and Informed] conventions.
Structure the evenings around the campfire not just as "entertainment," but as an exchange. Tourists share their world, and the Wayana share their legends and history.
Many Indigenous guides can mimic the calls of birds, monkeys, and even jaguars to draw them out. For a birder, a guide who can whistle in a Cotinga or a Trumpeter is priceless.
A walk through the forest becomes a botany lesson. Learning which vine provides water and which leaf cures a headache adds immense value to the wildlife trekking.
Koosstraat #3, Paramaribo , Suriname
info@guardianexpeditions.com
( +597 ) 840 8415