guyana tourism website

Welcome to the Online Edition of our 2024 EXPLORE GUYANA MAGAZINE – The Official Tourist Magazine of Guyana.

EXPLORE GUYANA , the premier magazine of its kind in Guyana serves as our primary marketing tool and comprehensive guide for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers visiting eco-friendly Guyana.

Crafted by the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) and fully supported by the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), it not only delivers essential industry updates but also raises awareness about local sustainable development projects that positively impact communities, culture, and the economy.

Moreover, it champions environmental conservation while showcasing the diverse attractions throughout the destination.

Distributed freely across the nation and through domestic, regional, and international tourism stakeholders and travel partners in Europe and North America, EXPLORE GUYANA is an essential resource for travellers. 

Published annually through a longstanding partnership with Advertising & Marketing Services (AMS), a renowned leader in Caribbean destination and investment publications, it ensures quality and reliability in every edition.

Discover an uncharted journey and immerse yourself in nature’s finest offerings.

Embark on an Exploration of Guyana!

Top Guyana Attractions

Things to do in guyana, explore popular experiences, popular cities in guyana.

Top Attractions in Guyana

Tours & Sightseeing

Cultural & Theme Tours

What travelers are saying.

• 3 Other destinations
• 4.1 Climate
• 4.2 History
• 4.3 Holidays
• 4.4 Best time to visit
• 4.5 Visitor information
• 5.2.1 Cheddi Jagan International Airport
• 5.2.2 Ogle Aerodome
• 5.3 By train
• 6 Get around
• 10.2 Cost of living
• 16 Stay safe
• 17 Stay healthy

Guyana is an English-speaking country where you can find untouched South American nature, amazing wildlife and birding experiences, rich culture and heritage, and a multiethnic Caribbean vibe. 90% of the population live along the coast, leaving the country's interior untouched, and to be explored.

Regions [ edit ]

Cities [ edit ]

• 6.805833 -58.150833 1 Georgetown — the largest city in and capital of Guyana with fascinating wooden colonial buildings
• 6.4 -58.616667 2 Bartica — the "Gateway to the Interior" and Guyana's rich gold and diamond mines
• 8.2 -59.783333 3 Mabaruma — a regional administrative centre near the Venezuelan border
• 6.25 -57.516667 4 New Amsterdam — large town with old colonial buildings
• 3.383333 -59.8 5 Lethem — a base for exploring the Kanuku and the Moco Moco mountains and falls
• 6 -58.3 6 Linden — a mining town (bauxite) near Gluck Island, an uninhabited island that is an eco-tourist destination
• 4.716667 -59.7 8 Paramakatoi — an extremely remote and undeveloped town surrounded by unspoiled rainforest

Other destinations [ edit ]

• 5.216667 -59.416667 2 Kaieteur National Park — a genuine Amazonian experience for lovers of the jungle
• Marshall Falls
• 4.6609 -58.6794 5 Michelle's Island — a privately owned island retreat on the Essequibo River.
• The Rupununi Savannah
• Shell Beach

Understand [ edit ]

The name Guyana (from Arawak Wayana) means "Land of many waters."

Guyana mostly consists of rolling highlands with a low coastal plain and savannah in the south. The highest point is Mount Roraima with 2,835 m, at the border tripoint with Brazil and Venezuela.

Climate [ edit ]

Guyana's climate is tropical with the hot, humid conditions moderated by northeast trade winds. There are two distinct rainy seasons: May to mid-August and mid-November to mid-January. Flash floods are a constant threat during these rainy seasons.

History [ edit ]

It was a Dutch colony in the 17th century, but by 1815 Guyana had become a British possession. The abolition of slavery led to the purchase of some villages such as Victoria and Anns Grove , as well as black settlement of urban areas and the importation of indentured servants from India to work the sugar plantations. Today, the descendants of these indentured Indian labourers form a plurality of Guyana's population. Chinese were also imported to work on plantations but were found to be unsuitable. The colonial powers employed a system of "divide and rule" among the freed Africans and members of the other ethnic groups who were brought and encouraged to settle in the then-colony. The policy was employed even during slavery when indigenous Amerindians were used to hunt runaway slaves. The result was an ethno-cultural divide, significant elements of which have persisted to this day and have led to turbulent politics, the dissolution of attempts at national cultural development and the non-existence of anything resembling a "national identity".

Guyana achieved independence from the UK in 1966. Until the early 1990s it was ruled mostly by socialist-oriented governments. In 1992, Cheddi Jagan was elected president, in what is considered the country's first free and fair election since independence. Upon his death five years later, he was succeeded by his wife, Janet, who resigned in 1999 due to poor health. Her successor, Bharrat Jagdeo, was re-elected in 2001 and again in 2006.

The Jonestown Massacre ("don't drink the cool-aid"), led by Jim Jones occurred near the airport at w:Port Katuma .

Venezuela claims all of the land west of the Essequibo River, about two thirds of Guyana's territory. In December 2023, Venezuela held a referendum asking the Venezuelan electorate whether the region should become a state of Venezuela, and declared that the results showed overwhelming support for such action. About half of Venezuelans voted. This dispute, which dates from 1899, remains unresolved.

Holidays [ edit ]

• Independence (from UK in 1966): 26 May
• National holiday: Republic Day, 23 February (1970)
• Constitution: 6 October 1980

Best time to visit [ edit ]

The primary wet season runs from May to July, so it’s best avoided if you’re looking for beach weather. But if you’re lucky, you may be able to spot a jaguar in the interior as they wander onto the roads searching for dry land.

For low water levels and to see caiman and otters, February to April and August to November are the best months. From late December to late January is the secondary rainy season.

Visitor information [ edit ]

• Official tourism website

Get in [ edit ]

Visas [ edit ].

Foreign nationals of the following countries/territories can enter Guyana visa-free ( Government website [dead link] ):

• For up to 6 months: Antigua and Barbuda , Barbados , Belize , Dominica , Grenada , Jamaica , Saint Kitts and Nevis , Saint Lucia , Saint Vincent and the Grenadines , Suriname , Trinidad and Tobago
• For up to 3 months: Argentina , Australia , Austria , Bahamas , Belgium , Brazil , Canada , Denmark , Finland , France , Germany , Greece , Ireland , Italy , Japan , Luxembourg , Montserrat , Netherlands , New Zealand , North Korea , Norway , Portugal , Russia , Spain , Sweden , Switzerland , United Kingdom , United States
• For up to 90 days: Botswana , Chile , Colombia , Costa Rica , Ecuador , Hong Kong , Panama , Peru , Uruguay
• For up to 60 days: Eswatini , Malaysia
• For up to 30 days: South Africa , South Korea

When applying for a visa, you will need the application form, a passport valid for at least 6 months, 3 passport-size photographs and proof that you have the funds to cover your entire trip to Guyana. If your intent is to work or live in Guyana, you will need to obtain a letter of approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs, and include a copy of it in your submission. The only way to submit a visa application is through the mail. Submissions must be made to the nearest Guyanese Embassy.

As of 2023, a tourist visa to visit Guyana costs US$50 for up to 30 days and US$70 for up to 90 days, while a single-entry business visa costs US$50 and a multiple-entry business visa valid for 1 year costs US$150. These visas can be obtained at the nearest Guyanese embassy or consulate.

Once in Guyana you can extend your visa at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Georgetown.

By plane [ edit ]

Cheddi Jagan International Airport [ edit ]

( GEO  IATA ) Originally the Timehri International Airport (Timehri means "Rock Painting") it was named in honour of the indigenous displaced peoples of Guyana.

There are daily international flights into Cheddi Jagan International Airport about 40 km south of Georgetown. International flights arrive from the Caribbean (Trinidad and Tobago), Panama, Suriname, and the USA with Caribbean Airlines. Caribbean Airlines is a state-owned airline run by Trinidad & Tobago. American Airlines, Caribbean Airlines, Eastern Airlines, and JetBlue fly to CJIA from New York-JFK. American Airlines and Surinam Airways fly from Miami. Surinam Airways flies from Orlando-Sanford (seasonal) and Paramaribo.

Ogle Aerodome [ edit ]

( OGL  IATA ) A small airfield slightly closer to Georgetown (~6 mi) which is for a few private charter companies, primarily used for domestic/local flights. The following companies have a few daily flights from/to Zorg-en-Hoop Airfield in Paramaribo for US$200 one-way or $330 round trip:

• Gum Air , Doekhieweg 03, Zorg-en-Hoop Airport, Paramaribo, Suriname , ☏ +597 433830 , fax : +597 491740 , [email protected] . M-Sa .  
• Trans Guyana Airways ( TGA ), Ogle Aerodome, Ogle, East Coast Demerara , ☏ +592 222 2525 , [email protected] . M-Sa .  

By train [ edit ]

There are no international railway services to Guyana.

By car [ edit ]

Guyana has road access to Suriname to the east and Brazil to the south. In Suriname, inquire in Paramaribo for mini-buses travelling to Guyana. entering Guyana by water from Nieuw Nickerie in Suriname is illegal, even though there is nobody to stop you. The worst-case scenario is that you could be sent back or made to pay for a visa. When travelling from Nieuw-Nickerie to Paramaribo over land you will most likely run into a military police roadblock near Totness, but they are after gun and drug smugglers, not tourists. Show your national ID card or a valid driver's licence and they won't even ask for your passport to check if you have the right visa stamps. It appears they don't mind you entering the country as long as you don't cause trouble and spend your money in their country.

There are no road links between Venezuela and Guyana. Travel to Venezuela may be done by air via Trinidad (Caribbean Airlines) or overland through Roraima state in Brazil .

By bus [ edit ]

From Suriname , there are minibuses from Paramaribo to South Drain in western Suriname, just across the river from Guyana. The trip takes at least 3 hours and costs around US$15. From there, you will go through customs on the Suriname side. Then take the 11AM daily ferry across the river to South Drain. The actual ferry ride takes about 30 minutes, but you'll need more time for going through customs on the Guyanese side.

The bus ride from Lethem , at the Brazilian border, to Georgetown takes about 10 hours through rainforest and southern savannah. The ride can be much longer in the rainy season. Sections of the roadway are known to become impassable in heavy rainy weather and extreme care must be taken.

Inquire about buses to Brazil at the Interserv Bus Office on Charlotte Street in downtown Georgetown. Buses usually leave very late at night and it is recommended that you take a taxi to the bus station as the area around there is unsafe at night. For buses from Brazil travel to Bonfim on the border and walk across the border. Find a minibus or taxi to take you to Lethem city centre and inquire about buses travelling to Georgetown.

Get around [ edit ]

When people in Guyana refer to buses, they mean minibuses. Minibuses travel throughout Guyana and are the cheapest way to travel. Minibus fares range from G$60-1,000 depending on the length of the journey. Travel in this mode at night could be risky.

Many parts of Guyana are separated by large rivers. These areas can be traversed by way of river taxi. Go to the port village and ask from where the speedboats launch. Ask other passengers what the fare is while travelling as boat operators tend to seek higher fees from tourists. Do not take "specials" without first negotiating the price.

Taxis are a good way to get around in Georgetown. Fares should never be more than G$500 for travel within the city and most fares should be around G$400. All taxi number plates begin with 'H.' There are set prices for taxis for different destinations, e.g. from the airport to town costs G$5,000, from the airport to Moleson Creek is G$24,000. From Ogle to downtown is G$1,500.

One can also rent cars or 4x4s; check the local telephone listings for car rentals. Consult more than one rental agency as prices can vary. You might also be able to negotiate the prices charged to some extent. Deposits are usually required. If renting a vehicle, be sure to inquire whether your driver's licence will be acceptable. Violations of traffic laws can result in much time wasted and possible trips to the local courts.

Talk [ edit ]

The only official language is English (with British spelling) and is spoken by all, though most people natively speak Guyanese Creole. The English spoken has a typical Caribbean accent and foreigners unfamiliar with the accent may find it hard to understand.

There are a handful of Amerindian languages spoken in the Amazonian region, most notably Arawak and Macushi.

See [ edit ]

• Kaieteur Falls . It is 5 times the height of Niagara Falls, c. 250 m tall. It can be accessed by a short plane flight from the capital offered by various tour companies as a day trip. Most companies only operate the day trip on Sundays and so booking ahead is advisable US$200-300 .  
• Orinduik Falls . A smaller waterfall than Kaieteur that is also included when visiting Kaieteur by plane.  
• Iwokrama Rainforest Reserve
• Jonestown Compound. A historic site near Port Kaituma. It is wise to have a local accompany you as the area is heavily forested and is easy to get lost in.

Do [ edit ]

• Mashramani . An Amerindian (indigenous) word meaning "celebration after hard work", this event takes place each 23rd of February as the country's republic anniversary celebration. It's a carnival-like event with float parades and costumed bands. Colourful float parades and costume bands wind their way through the city. While you look on, have a swig of local rum with coconut water or have some Banks beer, all the while swaying and wining to the beat of the soca and calypso. Starts at about 10AM. ( updated Oct 2023 )
• Eco-Tourism is a booming industry in Guyana.
• Rainforest Jungle Excursions : Take a guided overnight trip starting with a boat trip down the maze of mahogany rivers to get to your overnight site. Stay in a classic thatched roof hut, with a mosquito net at night. Hike the Jungle trails and enjoy the jungle foods. Stop and visit an authentic inland Amerindian rainforest village. You may pass by locals who are taking their child to school by boat. There are a number of these tours.
• 6.58306 -58.36883 1 Arrowpoint Nature Resort ( roraima airways ), ☏ +5922273807 . Various package tours available with flight to the falls. Joint venture with indigenous Amerindian people. ( updated Oct 2023 )

Buy [ edit ]

There are numerous markets and shopping malls, in Guyana. Stabroek Market is a quaint market in Georgetown. Trips to the market for tourists are best done in groups or with a local with whom you feel comfortable. Muggings are possible but not frequent.

Lots of locally made and beautiful crafts ranging from paintings; to sculpture; to leather purses, satchels, wallets; hand-painted, tie-dyed and batiked fabrics, pressed flowers, sun hats; semi-precious stones and hand-crafted costume jewellery using indigenous materials, can be purchased at an esplanade outside the Central Post-Office near the National Museum in downtown Georgetown. Ask around and you'll find out about the craft and gift shops as well as galleries.

Guyana is also noted for its exceptional gold jewellery.

Money [ edit ]

The local currency is the Guyanese dollar , denoted $ or G$ (ISO international currency code: GYD ). The currency is freely convertible but nearly impossible to get rid of outside of Guyana, the neighbouring countries and one exchange bureau in London Gatwick airport.

Banknotes in Guyana are issued in denominations of G$20, G$50, G$100, G$500, G$1,000, G$2,000 and 5,000 and coins in Guyana are issued in denominations of G$1, G$5 and G$10. G$500, G$1,000 and G$5,000 banknotes have a holographic stripe with a colourful macaw.

• Scotiabank and Republic bank take MasterCards at their ATMs.

Cost of living [ edit ]

The cost of living in Guyana is relatively very high, because most of the items used in daily life are imported with high transportation costs involved. Monopoly in some business sectors also causes higher profit and further raising of prices. For example (as of 2010) the approximate price of petrol is US$1.10 per litre, electricity price is US$0.33 per unit. A domestic gas bottle cylinder is over US$20. Rent for average family accommodation is US$500 per month in safer urban locations and personal income tax, which is 33.33% of total taxable income makes the cost of living higher still.

Eat [ edit ]

Guyanese food, like the entire country, is a creole fusion.

If there's a dominant cuisine, it is dishes influenced by the Indian subcontinent that have been localized. The most prominent of these are the curries, especially chicken, pork, beef, pumpkin and aubergine. Larger roti shops and those by the sea will have shrimp, crab and other seafoods. Curries are traditionally served with roti, an Indian bread or rice.

The national dish of Guyana is pepperpot, a slow cooked stew of pork (or other meats), red peppers (capsicum), cinnamon and casareep. It is dark in colour and strongly flavoured and usually reserved for special occasions such as Christmas, but you can find restaurants in Georgetown serving the dish all year round. Pepperpot is enjoyed with plain white bread or roti.

Chinese restaurants are common, with noodle dishes such as chow mein and lo mein along with meat and rice dishes. The growing Brazilian population have led to several outdoor BBQ restaurants and churrascarias opening in the capital and near the border in Lethem .

Georgetown has a greater variety of food options than elsewhere in the country, which include a couple of steakhouses, upmarket colonial dining, European fare and Indian food. In smaller towns, there may only be restaurants serving a creole menu of a few dishes, which almost always includes a curry or two and a noodle dish.

In jungle lodges, the food can be limited to tinned goods and rice, along with whatever can be caught or grown locally.

Drink [ edit ]

The most popular national drink is Caribbean-style dark rum. Some national favourites are XM "10" Year OLD , produced by local beverage giant Banks DIH Limited and El Dorado and X-tra Mature which both offer 5-, 10-, 12- and 25-year varieties.

El Dorado also offers a 15-year-old variety which has won the "Best Rum in the World" award since 1999. Mix the cheaper ones with Coke or coconut water if you please. All are quality enough to drink neat or by themselves with the 25-year-olds comparing with high-quality scotch whisky.

Banks Beer produced by local beverage giant Banks DIH Limited is the National beer. It comes in a lager and a stout (Milk Stout). The beverage giant also bottles and distributes Heineken Beer and Guinness Stout under licence.

Also available are the lighter Carib (Trinidad and Tobago) and darker Mackeson's. Guinness is brewed locally under licence and is a bit sweeter than its Irish counterpart, but just as good. Polar (Venezuelan) and Skol (Brazilian) can be found throughout the country. You can also find Heineken and Corona at posher bars in Georgetown.

Sleep [ edit ]

Georgetown has far and away the biggest range of options, but here there are a number of problems. None of the luxury options in the capital, primarily the Pegasus and the Princess, have the polish or charm to justify the hundreds of US dollars they charge. On the other end of the scale are a number of tiny guesthouses and pay-by-the-hour places with lower prices. The only backpacker option is the Tropicana Hostel, which is above a club with the slogan "All Nite Long": it's true. There are some good options in Georgetown, especially at the three- and four-star level, including the colonial option Cara Lodge and the Herdmanston Lodge. The rising Chinese and Brazilian populations in town may lead to better options.

In the interior there are some amazing jungle lodges and camps, including those at the ranches and the south and the community-supported ecolodges in the middle of the country. Other developing options are community supported huts in Amerindian towns on the Linden-Lethm road.

The adventurous could try to get by with a hammock and paying small fees to hang it up in a benab. This isn't an option in Georgetown and will involve some planning ahead, lots of bug spray and cunning to accomplish.

Some small towns have basic guesthouses, which may have fans, mosquito nets or other amenities.

• Rainforest Jungle Excursions : Take a guided overnight trip starting with a boat trip down the maze of mahogany rivers to get to your overnight site. Stay in a classic thatched roof hut, with a mosquito net at night. Hike the Jungle trails and enjoy the jungle foods. Stop and visit an authentic inland rainforest village. You may pass by locals who are taking their child to school by boat. There are a number of these tours.

Learn [ edit ]

The official language of Guyana is English, so there won't be a language barrier problem with native speakers. That said, there are few education and learning opportunities in the country.

Education is free, but limited. Private schools improve the chances of students getting a good university education. There is only one university, the University of Guyana, with two campuses at Tain and Turkeyen.

There are opportunities for volunteer and paid teachers throughout the country. Pay, if there is any, will be low.

Work [ edit ]

Guyana has a fair number of expatriates, most of them are from developing or poor countries, working in different sectors across the country. Persons who are not Guyanese, have to get a work permit after employment is confirmed. Caribbean citizens might have some exemptions under the CSME scheme. There are a number of volunteer organisations like Project Trust, Peace Corps, VSO and CESO working in Guyana. Some people have come on short stints to volunteer with churches, and other non-governmental organizations. It is the responsibility of the host organisations or employer to arrange necessary travel/work permits from the concerned Ministry for prospective employee.

Salaries in Guyana are normally paid in Guyanese dollars. Income tax, which is one third of total taxable income, is usually deducted by employers. The overall cost of living is relatively very high, making an expatriate employee's life very difficult in Guyana.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Georgetown is notorious for petty street crime. Do not walk alone at night, or even in the day, unless you know the area well. Areas such as the Tiger Bay area east of Main Street and the entire southeastern part of the city including Albouystown and Ruimveldt are traditional high crime areas but one can be relatively safe in groups and with native escorts. Police are unlikely to help you unless they see the crime in action. Be sensible about wearing jewellery.

The interior regions with the breath-taking waterfalls, the beautiful rainforests and mountains are safe. Many rural areas around the country are filled with a friendly atmosphere and are safe. Crime is rarely directed at tourists, so don't feel intimidated. Just be sensible about the company you keep, where you go and how you behave.

"Sodomy" is punishable with a maximum sentence of life in prison. A local NGO reported that there were a few prosecutions, but neither the NGO nor the courts could provide numbers. It was reportedly more common for the police to use the law to intimidate suspected same-sex male partners. There are no laws concerning same-sex sexual activity between women. The health minister in a speech to a regional HIV/AIDS conference said that he “must be driven by public health reality,” that “sex between consenting adults in private falls into the category of personal freedom,” and that the law is “in contradiction of this expression of personal freedom.” Following the 2009 incident in which a judge fined several transgender persons G$7,500, an NGO and four of the individuals filed a motion in the High Court against the law criminalising cross-dressing; the case remained pending at year’s end.

One organisation SASOD [dead link] organises some events to promote anti-homophobic work. There is no local gay "scene" as most homosexuals remain rather closeted. Private gatherings are known to occur to which one must be invited. Public displays of affection among gay people are frowned upon and can make you the target of overt discrimination, attacks and taunts.

Stay healthy [ edit ]

Do not drink the tap water , unless you want to spend a great part of your vacation on the toilet. Bottled water is readily available in a variety of brands.

Before travelling to Guyana, it is a good idea to receive anti- malarial medications from your health care provider, as malaria is widespread throughout most of the country.

Yellow fever is endemic to this area; monkeys are a reservoir, but you can catch it even in cities. Be sure to get immunized before you leave, and take mosquito repellent with you. Also be careful of malaria and dengue fever in the interior.

Although not required, it is recommended that travellers receive vaccination against Typhoid fever within 2-4 weeks prior to arriving in Guyana.

The country's largest hospital is the Georgetown Public Hospital and is in the capital. Facilities here are basic, even though it is a tertiary referral centre. Disposal of 'sharps' (needles, etc.) is improving but needs to get better, given the country's growing AIDS/HIV prevalence at 2.5% of adults or 1 in 40. Practise safe sex .

You are better off using the private facilities at St. Joseph's Mercy Hospital near the US Embassy or the Medical Arts Centre on Thomas Street. While not first rate, these facilities are far superior to GPH, practise basic hygienic standards and rooms are not overcrowded. There are also other private hospitals

For the latest in traveller's health information pertaining to Guyana, including advisories and recommendations, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention destination Guyana website .

Respect [ edit ]

Guyanese people do not wear shoes in their homes and expect visitors to do the same.

Discussions of the current affairs of ethnic relations between the two major races, politics and the socio-economic issues in the country ought to be undertaken with much tact and much patience. These types of discourses can sometimes lead to very heated and intense debate, and possibly something much worse. Guyanese are generally very open to discussing most issues, but as an outsider, you could be seen as a part of the problem, so guard your tongue.

Connect [ edit ]

• Police +592 226 2487 emergency - 911
• Fire +592 226 2411 emergency - 912
• Ambulance Service emergency - 913
• Cheddi Jagan International Airport +592 261 2245
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs +592 226 1606
• Ministry of Tourism Industry & Commerce +592 226 2392
• Guyana Telephone & Telegraph +592 225 1315
• Licence Revenue Office +592 223 5501

Go next [ edit ]

• Brazil - Access to Brazil is via Lethem . There are Interserv buses - get the schedule at the Interserv Bus Office on Charlotte Street in central Georgetown . Typically, the buses leave late at night. Another option are minibuses that ply the Georgetown-Lethem road, although the lack of paved road beyond Linden means that the trip will probably need to be broken up overnight.
• Suriname can be reached via minibuses and a ferry, or by a short flights from Cheddi Jagan Temeri International airport or Ogle airport.
• Trinidad and the rest of the Lesser Antilles is a short flight away via Caribbean Airlines.
• Venezuela to the west has no direct road connection. Your best options would be to travel overland via Brazil or fly via Curaçao or Aruba.

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The 4 best things to do in Guyana for adventure seekers

Sep 20, 2022 • 8 min read

Around 95% of Guyana is wilderness © Douglas Olivares / Getty Images

Perhaps one of the most intimate and underrated travel destinations, Guyana sits on the shoulder of South America . It’s slightly larger than France, but with just 790,000 inhabitants, it’s one of the least-populated countries on earth. 

About 95% of the land is ruled by wilderness, from wild savannas and meandering earth-tone rivers to misty plateau mountains, all enclosed by one of the few remaining pristine rainforests in the world. It's the ultimate spot to disconnect; you will rarely spot other travelers if any at all.

If you’re an experienced traveler with a budget to spend on unparalleled adventures – like staring down the world’s largest single-drop waterfall or going on a nightly paddle to catch caimans – get ready to fall in love. 

After my recent family trip to Guyana, these are what I think are the top things to do there year-round (even during the rainy season).

1. Stroll and snack your way through Georgetown

Start your trip in the country’s capital of  Georgetown . Everybody in this former British colony speaks English and drives on the left side of the road. 

Venture into downtown G-town on foot on a workday morning to orient yourself. Downtown has a friendly vibe, and Georgetowners are very welcoming. However, make sure to leave any unnecessary valuables behind in case of theft and see the city most safely during daylight hours.

Start your walk near the State House, where Guyana’s president lives. From there, you’ll find plenty of tasty dining spots.  For a taste of France, grab a coffee, sandwich or pastry at Petit Four . If you're craving Indian flavors, opt for a curry and roti at Shanta’s Puri Shop , a long-standing popular hole-in-the-wall establishment further down the block.

Before heading to Main Street, continue your stroll through the lush Promenade Gardens (accessibility varies with rainfall). Enjoy refreshing coconut water from one of the street carts as you take the shaded route on the capital’s promenade.

Tip: Download WhatsApp on your phone before your trip. Almost everyone in Guyana – even small shops and restaurants – uses WhatsApp to communicate.

Then head south until you reach St George’s Cathedral . Though currently under renovation and closed off to the public, this 143-ft-high structure (one of the tallest wooden buildings in the world) is still impressive from the outside. 

Circle around and head towards the river to dive into the thriving bustle of Stabroek Market , the busiest market in the country. Or walk the other way to the less hectic Bourda Market . If you’re feeling adventurous, ask a vendor to help you try a fruit you haven’t eaten before. Sapodilla, anyone?

To cool off after your walk , message the Marriott Hotel  on WhatsApp  and ask for a day pass to their swimming pool. As the largest in the city, this pool is fit for a palace.

Tip:   If you like your cab ride from the airport, get the driver’s number; you might end up with a friend who will make getting around much easier.

2. Fall for (not into) Kaieteur

Once you have settled into the capital, check out Guyana’s main attraction:  Kaieteur Falls . You can best reach this thundering wonder via airplane from Georgetown’s city airport – or else it's a treacherous, five-day (minimum) trek through thick rainforest. Most tour operators in Guyana offer day trips to Kaieteur, including transportation to and from the airport, a plane ride with a local airline, a knowledgeable guide and snacks on the ground.

We booked our tour with  Wilderness Explorers ,  one of the region’s most well-known tour operators. Roraima Tours, Air Guyana Tours and Dragon Tours are also popular options; Rainforest Tours is known for its overland treks.

Our first glimpse of the rainforest interior left us speechless (or only capable of “oohs” and “aahs”) when our eight-seat plane emerged from a bumpy storm cloud. Below, a mighty waterfall surrounded by thick untouched green resembled a fantasy world from a video game. The waterfall  plunges 250m (820ft) to the bottom of the gorge – five times the height of Niagara Falls – hence the title, “largest single-drop waterfall in the world.” 

The falls are named after local chief Kai, who is said to have sacrificed himself by paddling over the drop and plunging into the gorge to restore peace in a tribal war. Some Guyanese avoid the area entirely because they believe it's mystical and dangerous. 

On getting closer to the drop, trembling from the tens of thousands of gallons of water falling per second just a few feet away, it almost felt scary being so exposed to a natural superpower.

Where the wild things are: tracking Guyana's iconic wildlife  

The falls are surrounded by Kaieteur National Park, one of the first protected areas in all of Latin America and the Caribbean since 1929. It’s all part of the 2-billion-year-old Guiana Shield – one of the most biodiverse areas on earth where new species are discovered frequently.

Maybe the most important thing to know for your visit is that Guyana’s most celebrated site is free of human touch. There are no guardrails. No kitschy souvenir shops. No hotels. In the rainy season, you might be the only tourist among local families, scientists or mining managers taking a day off. On the ground, I felt humbled, out of place and utterly powerless in the face of undisturbed nature.

If you feel overwhelmed or begin to experience vertigo, step back and ask your guide to point out the wildlife nearby. You may spot tiny golden rocket frogs, morphos (South America’s largest butterflies) or one of the hundreds of species of birds living behind the curtain of water. 

3. Lime like a pro

When you return to Georgetown from Kaieteur or any other adventure in the interior like birdwatching, fishing, wildlife-spotting or jungle trekking – it’s time to just lime.  To lime, or "liming," is maybe the best Guyanese word. It simply means to hang out. The term is used in other parts of the Caribbean, but in Guyana, liming is a lifestyle – and there are oh-so-many spots to lime around Georgetown.

Start in the home of chef Delven Adams, who returned to Guyana after living in the US and, together with his partner Malini Jaikarran, created the Backyard Café in their suburban home.  Adams cooks fresh market-to-table Caribbean-inspired cuisine for a few guests each day.

Reservations should be made days or weeks in advance (and with some persistence) to be one of the lucky few customers. Be on time, or you might lose your seat at the table.

If you don’t make it to the Backyard, try the Oasis Café downtown, another couple-owned, outdoor garden-like bistro that serves cakes, pastries, breakfast sandwiches and a lunch buffet.  If you prefer to dine indoors during hot or rainy weather, try one of the Indian restaurants like  Aagman , which serves up favorites like crispy fried okra, aka Kurkuri Bhindi, and butter chicken.

Once you get the hang of hanging, go all out on any evening  (though Sundays are best) and take a cab to the Sea Wall, deemed the liming capital of the world. The concrete embankment was built by Dutch settlers and has been expanded several times since the late-1800s through labor from settlers, prisoners and locals to protect the below-sea-level shoreline.   Over time, it has become a favorite hangout spot.

Good places to start liming are on the corners of Vlissengen Road or Sheriff Street. Check out the Sea Wall’s murals with a drink in hand, listen to the music and then lime with everybody catching a cool breeze at the wall: dates, dance parties, family gatherings and motorcycle parades.

4. Plan a short trip to Suriname 

There used to be a French, British, Dutch, Portuguese and Spanish Guiana. The Spanish and the Portuguese eventually folded into Venezuela and Brazil while French Guiana remained. The British and the Dutch left their colonies in (somewhat controlled) independence, leaving what is now Guyana and Suriname, the smallest country in South America.

Leaving Guyana and heading overland towards one of its siblings is an adventure in itself; remote cowboy towns and irregular river crossings dot the journey. To start, go on the day-long trip southeast to Suriname , across the Courantyne River. 

While a bridge connecting the two countries is planned, the only official way to cross the river is by ferry. Be warned: it runs on a murky schedule with crossings at least once a day, and there’s little to no schedule information available until you arrive at the terminal. 

Leave Georgetown before 4am with a packed breakfast and lunch. Have your e-visa , passports and vaccine requirements ready. Pick an experienced driver as cattle and donkeys tend to do morning jaywalks along the route, and speeding is common.

If your driver drops you off at the ferry terminal and doesn't take you further (which is common), ask for help locating another driver to continue to Paramaribo – Suriname's capital. Some drivers make the journey back and forth between the two countries several times a week, and you will most likely find one on board with their car. 

After going through immigration, you can grab something to eat (like ice cream and chips) at the kiosk inside the terminal. Once aboard the ferry, enjoy the breeze and lime your way across the bronze-colored Courantyne River. 

You won’t know you’ve left Guyana until you’ve passed under Suriname’s flag on the other side. Stay in Suriname for a day or two to explore the untouched jungles of Brownsberg Nature Reserve and the Dutch architecture of Paramaribo before taking the regional airline back to where you started.   

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Home » Travel Guides » Guyana » 15 Best Places to Visit in Guyana

15 Best Places to Visit in Guyana

Enticingly off-the-beaten-track, Guyana is a real hidden gem of South America.

With colonial influences including all of the Netherlands, Britain and France, some pretty post-colonial town centers and a wild and untouched backcountry that goes from mist-topped tepuis to wild virgin rainforests, it’s hardly surprising there’s so much to see and do.

Let’s have a look at the best places to visit in Guyana :

1. Georgetown

The place where so many Guyanese come to shop, work and play is actually something of a shadow of its former self.

In fact, there’s no question that Georgetown’s golden age came with the height of the colonial powers here, a fact that its name – made in honour of England’s King George III – implies.

Miners, plantation builders, architects, statesmen and more all flocked to this corner of Demerara-Mahaica to play their part as the city went from Dutch to French to British rule, imbuing the town with the likes of Stabroek Market and whitewashed St George’s Cathedral as they went.

The Parliament Building is also worth a stop-off, while the national museum is a great place to get acquainted with local history.

Oh, and the Demerara Rum Distillery is a welcome break from the heritage!

For almost a whole century, the settlement of Linden has been Guyana’s primary mining hub, with thousands of prospectors and miners making their way to this tropical spot to pull bauxite from the hills that line the Demerara River.

Today, the history and development of this mining past is chronicled in the Linden Museum of Socio-Cultural Heritage in the centre of town, revealing the evolution of the place from tented outpost in the early 1900s to mechanised industrial center today – even if many of the shaft mines have now shut down.

Other travelers will want to make a beeline for Gluck Island on the Essequibo to the west, with its red howler monkeys, colossal lily pads and tropical bird watching.

3. Kanuku Mountains

The great peaks of Kanuku are divided in two by the long and winding water channels of the Rupununi River, separated into a duo of diamond-shaped highland regions that are both famed for their wealth of mammalian species and old growth forests.

It’s actually rather rare that travels will make their way this deep into the southern recesses of the nation, passing the tepui peaks of Potaro-Siparuni and traversing great stretches of savannah and lowland forest to get here.

Those who do come, however, can spy out the rare harpy eagle, giant otters in the riparian habitats and the colossal (though now rare) pirarucu fish.

Straddling the channels of the Essequibo River where it joins the meanders of the Cuyuni and gives way to the wilder, less inhabited heartlands of Guyana, Bartica was once known as the ‘Gateway to the Interior’.

It was a popular stop-off for prospectors and miners making their way to the far-flung gold and mineral dig sites that erupted by the bucket load between the mountains of Potaro-Siparuni in the last century, while today it still bustles with cargo barges and river-dwelling folk, all of whom happily hop between the town’s Brazilian eateries and clutch of bubbling local beer bars during the weekend.

5. New Amsterdam

Since its foundation in the middle of the 18th century, New Amsterdam – the regional capital of East Berbice-Corentyne – has flitted from Dutch masters, who held sway over the lowland plantations here from the citadel of Fort Nassau up the valley (the remains of which can still be visited today), to the British, who endowed it with ground-breaking sanitation laws and attracted the likes of Cesar Castellani (perhaps the most famous architect to grace Guyana with his work).

As testimony to Castellani’s influence, the masterful facades of the New Amsterdam Public Hospital still adorn the streets, while New Amsterdam’s trio of downtown strips pulses with marketplaces and light industry to boot.

6. Port Mourant

Port Mourant is a small and welcoming little town on Guyana’s Atlantic coastal stretches, famed for its prolific output of cricketers (the sound of cork on willow is the usual backing track to daily life here!) and as the birthplace of the county’s revered ‘Father of the Nation’: Dr Cheddi Jagan.

The down-to-earth spot is also a great place to glimpse Guyana’s agricultural heartland, with famer’s markets touting fresh fruits straight from the fields.

A resident population of students add a youthful edge to the place, while the nearby urban center of Rose Hall is interesting in that it’s Guyana’s smallest town.

7. Kaieteur National Park

The jewel of the Potaro-Siparuni region is a vast and expansive protected area that rises and falls with the great bulwark ridges of the Guyana tepuis.

Dressed in thick, monkey-dotted, jaguar-stalked rainforests and covering a whopping 62,000 hectares, it’s hailed as the ecotourist hotspot for the country.

And while the biodiversity and untouched virgin woods are real pulls, the piece de resistance here is unquestionably the Kaieteur Falls.

Cascading a mind-blowing 226 meters down the escarpments of the Pacaraima Mountains, these dwarf both the Niagara and Victoria Falls alike, and cast plumes of tropical mist into the jungle airs all around.

Yes sir, a trip here is a must!

8. Orinduik Falls

Carving their way out of the rocks that roll out from the Pakaraima Mountains in the western reaches of Guyana, just on the border with Venezuala, the Orinduik Falls offer something a little different to the country’s great cascading cataracts that fall from the top of its tepui hills.

Visitors who make their way to these far-flung spots can enjoy a more up-close-and-personal experience, swimming in the plunge pools and hiking the ridges around the site, taking in the layers and terraces of rock as they go.

What’s more, the channels of the Ireng River offer up oodles more waterfalls along their courses, like the more remote Kurutuik Falls in the jungles to the north.

Tin shack docks and streets of purring scooters form the heart of riverside Parika; a down-to-earth port town on the banks of the Essequibo.

At once gritty and welcoming, this gateway to the Essequibo Islands and river boat terminal is a fine place to sample the real, raw character of Guyana’s coast.

Don’t miss the buzzing market that erupts in the town each Sunday.

Haggling locals descend by their hundreds, flitting between the stacked stalls of bananas and coconuts, dubious parrot-sellers and fish emporiums.

Parika is also the jumping off point for Baganara Island – a well-kempt luxury resort island in the midst of the Essequibo waters.

10. Shell Beach

A salt-sprayed section of the Guyana Coast, where the Atlantic rollers meld with the Caribbean currents out at sea and mangroves sprawl and crawl along the sands to the shore, Shell Beach is unquestionably the most famous beach in the country.

But people don’t come to sunbathe and swim.

They come for the turtle nesting phenomena that occurs every year from late-March to late-summer, when sea turtles of all shapes and sizes – leatherbacks and hawksbills and olive ridleys and greens – flock to the shoreline to lay their eggs.

Heading here is also a great chance to see some of South America’s undeveloped coastline, where rustic villages and bamboo huts pepper the lagoons and the sand is fringed with wild stretches of jungle.

11. Mount Roraima

Arguably the most glorious of all the South American tepuis, sheer-cut Mount Roraima is a table top mountain that rises like a petrified oblong of chiselled rock, right on the edge of Venezuela, Brazil and Guyana.

Largely unknown, the mountain is actually one of the most ancient geological formations on the planet, with its roots back in the Precambrian period more than two billion years ago.

It lurches vertically from the ground, soaring 400-meters straight up from the grasslands and woods below.

A challenge even for the most experienced hikers and mountain climbers, the top of the plateau here is a treasure box of natural wonders, with uber-rare pitcher plants and algae, reptilians and amphibians inhabiting the summit, untouched and unhindered by the predators in the flats below.

12. Iwokrama Forest

The Iwokrama Forest represents one of the last remaining swathes of pristine primeval rainforest on the planet.

It sits nestled in the very heart of the country, where the sheer-cut tepuis of the highlands give way to the tropical lowlands, feeding the verdant canopies with their countless arrays of glorious waterfalls and mountain streams.

The forest is famed for its soaring canopies (which hits heights of a whopping 30 meters in some sections), where oodles of endangered bats, harpy eagles, multi-coloured frogs and lizards all flit between the waxy boughs and the undergrowth.

Jaguars, giant armadillos and howler monkeys are among the curious beasts too, and travelers can opt to safari here across rope bridges and mud tracks from one of the few lodges that now pepper the river channels.

13. Kamarang

Far-flung Kamarang in the depths of western Guyana comes shrouded by great swathes of old-growth rainforest.

The remote and largely inaccessible spot (the most popular way to get here is by private charter plane) was once just a humble Amerindian tribal settlement on the edge of the wild Pacaraima Mountains, which rise in stepped rock terraces and table-topped bluffs all over the region forming the bulwark of rock that is now the border with Venezuela.

Today, Kamarang is something of a boomtown, famed as the home of some of Guyana’s richest mineral and gold veins.

It’s also something of an up-and-coming tourist spot, with the uber-dramatic and largely unseen Kamarang Great Falls lurking amidst the jungles close by!

14. Fair View

Fair View is a tiny conglomeration of bamboo homes and stilted longhouses that rises from amidst the waxy canopies of Potaro-Siparuni – the wild and virtually unexplored hinterland that forms the very heartlands of Guyana.

Inhabited by welcoming Amerindian folk with a perennial smile, the spot was only connected to the rest of the country by road in 1992, meaning this one’s Makushi traditions and intimate connection with the Iwokrama woodlands that dominate all around are just about as raw and real as they come.

Travelers head here for up-close-and-personal cultural encounters, to hike Guyana’s primeval forests and to swim in the plunge pools of the Kurupukari Falls alike.

15. Anna Regina

Indelibly clean and well-to-do, Anna Regina is a patchwork of whitewashed garden fences, pristine frontispieces and sun-splashed streets.

Fruit vendors line the roadways touting tangerines and mangos, while the Damon Monument – the town’s main historical attraction – pays homage to the martyred slave rebel who helped with revolts in Essequibo during the first half of the 19th century.

Anna Regina is also the base for hitting the resorts around Mainstay Lake, where charming cottages abut the water and mix with the earthy villages of indigenous Arawak folk beneath a canopy of palms.

15 Best Places to Visit in Guyana:

• Kanuku Mountains
• New Amsterdam
• Port Mourant
• Kaieteur National Park
• Orinduik Falls
• Shell Beach
• Mount Roraima
• Iwokrama Forest
• Anna Regina

Update April 12, 2024

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Travel Advisory July 17, 2023

Guyana - level 3: reconsider travel.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Reconsider travel to Guyana due to  crime .

Country Summary : Violent crime, including murder and armed robbery, is common, especially at night. Local police often lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Guyana.

If you decide to travel to Guyana:

• Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Avoid walking or driving at night.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Guyana.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.

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Failure to declare funds in excess of $10,000 USD can result in prosecution and possible forfeiture.

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Georgetown

100 Young & Duke Streets Georgetown, Guyana Telephone: +(592) 225-4900/9 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(592) 623-1992 Fax: (592)-225-8497 Email: [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

U.S. citizens must have a valid U.S. passport to enter Guyana.

Visit the  Embassy of Guyana website  and the  Ministry of Foreign Affairs website  for the most current visa information.”

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Guyana.

Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

Safety and Security

Crime: Criminal activity, including murder and armed robbery, is common in Guyana.

Exercise increased situational awareness in certain areas of Georgetown due to increased reports of robberies, sexual assaults and homicides. The neighborhoods of Agricola, Tiger Bay and Albouystown as well as Stabroek Market should be avoided at all times. During the day, exercise increased situational awareness at the National Park, Seawall and Bourda Market. At night, avoid the seawall east of Vlissengen Road, the National Park, and Bourda Market. Avoid walking in Georgetown after dark.

Sexual Assault: Verbal sexual harassment is common and usually takes the form of catcalling and using lewd and sexually suggestive language to describe women’s dress and appearance. This can occur anywhere groups of men congregate, for instance, bars, seawalls, construction sites, bus and car parks, and market areas. Reports of rape have increased within past year. Most victims knew their attacker. U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence should call the domestic and sexual violence hotline, 914, and contact the Embassy.

Domestic Violence:  Domestic violence, especially against women, is common in Guyana. Some police stations may have a domestic violence unit; however, not all police officers are trained to handle these cases. U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence should call the domestic and sexual violence hotline, 914, and contact the Embassy.

Border Dispute:   The ongoing dispute about the western border between Guyana and Venezuela has reportedly resulted in assaults, robberies, extortion, and murders in towns on both sides of the border. Fishing villages and mining camps are the most victimized. The Guyanese military and law enforcement lack the capacity to adequately face the challenges in this region.

International Financial Scams:  See the  Department of State  and the  FBI   pages for information.

Victims of Crime: Report crimes to the local police at (+592) 225-2700, 226-4585 or (+592) 227-6123, and contact the U.S. Embassy at (+592) 225-4900/9. The local equivalent to the "911" emergency line in Guyana is 911.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion
• Provide a list of local attorneys
• Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Illegal Drugs: U.S. citizens should only carry items they personally purchase and pack. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, pre-trial detention can last for years, heavy fines are leveraged, and final sentences are lengthy.

Changing Currency and Credit Card Use:  Credit cards are accepted in limited locations. Counterfeit U.S. currency is prevalent in Guyana. U.S. citizens should only exchange currency with banks, hotels or licensed money exchange houses.

Firearms:  Do not enter Guyana with firearms or ammunition without prior express consent from the Guyana Police Force. Visit the Guyana Police Force ’s and U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for more information.

Wildlife:  An export permit is required by the Ministry of Agriculture to take an exotic animal or plant out of Guyana, and an import permit is required by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to bring an exotic animal or plant into the United States.

Faith-Based Travelers:  See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad  

LGBTQI+ Travelers: Consensual same-sex sexual relations between men are criminalized in Guyana. It is not uncommon for local police to use the law to intimidate men known or perceived to be gay. There are no laws concerning same-sex sexual relations between women. There is no legal protection from discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity under Guyanese law. See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers .

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance: Guyanese law prohibits discrimination against disadvantaged persons and persons with disabilities. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is not as prevalent as in the United States. Access to buildings, pedestrian paths, and transportation is difficult for persons with mobility issues. Sidewalks are often unevenly paved. Buses and taxis do not have special accommodations. Newer buildings/ buildings in the city are more likely to have ramps, reserved parking, and accomodating sanitary facilities.

Students:   See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .

The Government of Guyana requires all non-Guyana citizens ages 18 and over entering the country to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. 

The quality of medical care in Guyana remains low and inconsistent. Emergency care and hospitalization for major medical illnesses or surgery are limited due to lack of trained specialists and poor sanitation.

The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas and activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. Almost 80 percent of Guyana’s territory is covered by forest, beyond the area of paved roads. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in or near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide medical treatment.

Purchase medical evacuation insurance in advance of travel. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .

For emergency services in Guyana, dial 913.

Health facilities in general:  Hospitals and doctors often require payment “up front” or proof of insurance prior to service or admission. Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment.  Psychological and psychiatric services are limited.

Ambulance Services:   Are not widely available, especially in remote parts of the country. Training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards. Ambulance services are not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment and are not staffed with trained paramedics and/or often have little or no medical equipment. Injured or seriously ill travelers are often taken to nearest hospital by taxi or private vehicle.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas. We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Prescriptions:   If traveling with prescription medication, check with the government of Guyana to ensure the medication is legal in Guyana. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription.

Vaccinations: Be up to date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

General Health Language

The following diseases are present:

• Chikungunya
• Chagas disease (American Trypanosomiasis)
• Leishmaniasis
• Yellow Fever

Use the CDC recommended insect repellents and sleep under insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets. Chemoprophylaxis is recommended for all travelers, even for short stays.

Water Quality:  In many areas, tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals . We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:   Road conditions in Guyana differ significantly from those in the United States. Main roads are generally marked, though they often have potholes. Secondary rural roads tend to be narrow, are sometimes inadequately marked, and have potholes. Exercise caution when driving in Guyana and avoid driving after dark. Road accidents are common and sometimes severe. Drivers, especially those who drive public transportation, can be erratic and display disregard for road safety laws.

If an accident occurs, call 911 for the police and 913 for an ambulance. These numbers may not always be operational, that the police may be slow to respond. An ambulance may not always be available.

For more information about traveling in Guyana, visit the Guyana Tourism Authority website .

Tourism Safety: All travelers visiting Guyana should use only Guyana Tourism Authority approved tour companies and ensure any sub-contracted company or guide is also approved by the Guyana Tourism Authority.  A list of approved operators is published on the website of Ministry of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce at Approved Tour Operators – MINTIC . Travelers should be diligent and closely follow the safety protocols administered by the tour operators and take reasonable steps to protect safety.  We highly recommend travelers wear a personal flotation device that meets U.S. Coast Guard standards and carry appropriate  communication equipment when engaging in water activities (link:  https://www.nrs.com/learn/is-your-life-jacket-safe ).  U.S. embassy personnel are required to use only tour companies approved by the Guyana Tourism Authority and to follow their administered safety protocols.

Travel in the Interior: The interior of Guyana is under-policed, emergency services are generally not available, and there is no cellular phone reception in many places. Dirt roads in the interior may be impassable during the rainy season. Travelers visiting the interior should consider bringing their own safety gear, such as life jackets, first aid kits, and communications equipment (e.g., a satellite phone).

Traffic Laws:   The use of seatbelts is required by law. There are no laws concerning the use of child car seats. Anyone on a motorcycle must wear a protective helmet. Talking on the cellular telephone while driving without using a hands-free set is illegal.

Public Transportation:  Small buses, called “mini-busses” are privately owned, often crowded and tend to travel at excessive speeds. Avoid privately owned minibuses, as drivers frequently drive erratically. Taxis are generally safer to use. Use taxis that are connected to major hotels or that are painted yellow, which indicates they are registered with the Guyana Taxi Association.

See our Road Safety page for more information. The entity responsible for road safety in Guyana is within the Guyana Police Force . They can be reached at (+592) 227-2349.

Private roadside assistance is available through local Guyanese insurance companies. For travel outside of Georgetown, roadside assistance may be delayed or unavailable.

Aviation Safety Oversight: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Guyana, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Guyana’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page .

Airlines typically operate based on demand and can therefore delay, reroute, or cancel flights without notice. U.S. citizens should carry medication, valuables, and perishables in carry-on luggage.

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Guyana should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the NGA broadcast warnings .

For additional travel information

• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Guyana . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA) report.”

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21 Unique Tourist Attractions You Can’t Miss in Guyana

By Author Steph Dyson

Posted on Last updated: 6th October 2023

When you hear the name “Guyana”, what do you think? 

• Perhaps that it’s a place in Africa?
• Maybe the location of the Jonestown massacre?
• Or, well, not much?

Whichever it is, this English-speaking country (yes, really!) on the northeastern edge of South America is as surprising as it is under-the-radar. I’ve spent close to six years exploring South America but Guyana blew me away. 

It’s a place brimming with nature. While the Amazon jungle further south might be scientifically more biodiverse, around 80% of Guyana is covered in tropical rainforest, meaning that the opportunities for spotting elusive and, in some cases, giant wildlife are abundant. 

It’s also a country committed to sustainable tourism, meaning that you can visit safe in the knowledge that your trip is doing a little bit of good towards protecting a critical slice of global biodiversity. 

But, with visitor numbers only reaching some 280,000 annually, Guyana is also a country that you can also expect to share with few others. When I visited, I saw just two other groups of tourists in a two-week trip. 

There’s a lot about this country that makes it unique, and these 21 things to do and tourist attractions that you can find in Guyana are just the tip of the iceberg….but they’re also a great place to start. 

Guyana tourist attractions: Natural wonders and striking landscapes 

1. admire the might of kaieteur falls.

While Angel Falls in Venezuela might take the title of world’s tallest uninterrupted waterfall, and Iguazú Falls in Argentina might be the continent’s most famous, there’s another equally spectacular waterfall and landmark that few visitors have heard about: Kaieteur Falls. 

There’s a reason that Kaieteur Falls features on all itineraries to Guyana. Firstly, it’s the world’s largest single drop waterfall by volume, particularly during the rainy season (May through July) when it’s at its fullest. 

Wondering How You Can Plan A Once-in-a-Lifetime Trip to Guyana?

It’s genuinely difficult getting around Guyana without a tour. Roads are in poor condition and many of the sites are only accessible with a private plane or motorboat. I travelled to Guyana with Wilderness Explorers , a local company that has spent 25 years developing sustainable tourism in Guyana and organizing once-in-a-lifetime trips for intrepid travelers. The trip was truly incredible – and saved me so much time trying to get around alone.

They’re now offering Worldly Adventurer readers a 5% discount on all of their hand-crafted Guyana itineraries – just mention Worldly Adventurer when you enquire!

But secondly, there’s no denying the drama of the setting. Tucked into the Guyanese interior and protected by a wall of thick rainforest, Kaiteur Falls is only accessible by a one-hour flight from the capital, Georgetown, or a two-day hike. 

As you arrive by air, flying over the falls for the ultimate in bird’s-eye views as the jungle undulates into the distance below, it’s hard to shake off the feeling that you’re in a real-life Jurassic Park. Although, probably without the dinosaurs…

2. Enjoy sunset from the waters of the Essequibo River at Baganara Lodge

In the language of one of the many Amerindian tribes still living here, Guyana translates as “land of many waters” and it’s a fitting description. 

A vast network of rivers snakes across the territory, with these waterways providing a necessary means of getting from the capital out into the interior and the many remote lodges that feature in any trip to Guyana. 

A case in point is Baganara Lodge. Surrounded by jungle, it lies on a private 185-hectare island in South America’s third largest river, the Essequibo. This watery location means its top of the class when it comes to spots to watch the sunset in Guyana. 

As the day comes to a close, take a speedboat downriver to visit Parrot Island where thousands of yellow-crowned and orange-winged parrots arrive in a squawking, heaving mass at sunset to roost for the evening. 

Alternatively, kick back at the lodge where, cocktail in hand, you swim in the river’s warm waters as the sun dips behind the jungle canopy.

3. See the world’s largest lily 

Amateur botanists will want to head out to the calmer waters of Guyana’s lakes, where there’s a strong chance they’ll encounter the world’s largest water lily, the Victoria amazonica . 

Growing up to six feet in diameter, the leaves of this water lily are able to support the weight of a baby ( there’s many photos to prove it ). 

But while their size is extraordinary, there’s another reason this lily pad is worth tracking down: as a result of pollination, its flowers change from white to red overnight.  

You can see the beginnings of this process at dusk, as the flowers begin to unfurl. One of the best places is near Rewa Eco-Lodge , where rare birds flit above the lily-strewn waters and baby caiman crawl out of the waters onto the lily pads to await their prey. 

4. Catch dawn breaking over the rainforest canopy

Early birds will find themselves at home in Guyana, where dawn is always a splendid affair. There’s no better place to experience the awakening of a new day than at the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway, located just a short hike through the jungle from ATTA Rainforest Lodge in the very centre of Guyana. 

Built into the treetops of the Iwokrama Reserve some 30 metres above the forest floor, the walkway is a series of viewing platforms connected by suspension bridges that provide the finest views across the jungle.  

As the sun lifts over the rainforest canopy, the hum and buzz of life recommences. Listen out for the sharp squawk of scarlet macaws overhead and the distant deep roar of the howler monkeys as they begin their morning song.

5. Climb a mountain for incredible rainforest views 

Guyana isn’t a country known for its long hikes, but there are still plenty of opportunities to stretch your legs here. 

Walking in the rainforest might rank as a hot and sweaty thing to do in Guyana, but it’s one that promises extraordinary rewards, particularly at the Awarmie Mountain, a trail accessed from the remote Rewa Eco-Lodge. 

A short, rocky path climbs up the side of Awarmie, a low mountain clad with jungle. When it finally emerges out of treetops, the trail has reached the open mountaintop, where boulders the size of cars are interspersed with thick grasses and every angle grants views for miles across the rainforest. 

Spend an hour or so relaxing here and you’ll find your patience rewarded; on our visit, pairs of red-and-green and blue-and-yellow macaws passed directly overhead, their resplendent feathers bright against the blue sky above. 

Guyana tourist attractions: Wildlife experiences

6. catch a glimpse of big cats in the wild.

Guyana is home to over 225 species of mammal and, thanks to the unspoilt nature of its interior, it’s a fantastic place to spot some of the continent’s most mesmerizing big-cat residents. 

The jaguar is the largest of South America’s cat species and while sightings are rare, they’re not impossible. You’ve got a strong chance of encountering them in areas of primary forest across the country, particularly at dawn and dusk when they’re most active. 

You might also see the rarer puma, a smaller cat that prefers higher rocky terrain. Luck was on our side when I visited Guyana: we spotted a juvenile puma wandering across the road in broad daylight on the road through the Iwokrama Reserve. 

7. Hunt down the Goliath Birdeater, the world’s largest spider species

Arachnophobes look away: there’s one resident of the jungle that you probably don’t want to meet on your vacation. The Goliath bird-eating spider – named as such because it was allegedly once caught eating a hummingbird – is the largest tarantula on earth and about the size of a human fist. 

Eagle-eyed rangers from Rewa Eco-Lodge managed the incredible feat of tracking their burrows down and you can trek into the jungle with them to encounter one of these enormous spiders. 

Luckily, while its venom poses a problem for small rodents, it’s less harmful for humans. If you can bear to get close enough, admire the harpoon-shaped hairs that cover its legs and which are used to attack predators. 

8. Help out with one-of-its kind black caiman research

Ever wanted to get close to a black caiman? While it’s probably not on everyone’s bucket list, catching a caiman alongside the crack team of researchers at Caiman House in the Rupununi is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

Officially one of the largest reptiles in the world, they can grow to over 15 feet in length and are a terrifying predator – at least for animals, not humans. While the species is listed as of least concern on the UN Red List, research into its lifespan and habits is limited.  

With the help of tourists, Caiman House have been steadily changing this. Since 2005, researchers have caught and registered over 700 black caiman – and you can get involved. 

Head out at night onto the jet-black waters of the Rupununi with the researchers, who catch a caiman, bring it ashore to take 24 different measurements, before releasing it back into the water.

It’s a thrilling – and completely safe – experience and another way of seeing how your tourism dollars are boosting conservation efforts throughout Guyana. 

9. Paddle out in a dugout canoe or kayak

While speedboat is the transport of choice for the Guyanese people who live along the country’s rivers, there are plenty of slower means of getting around and appreciating Guyana’s spectacular nature.

At Baganara Lodge, you can take kayaks out onto a nearby narrow dyke that flows through the dense rainforest. Early morning along this waterway, it’s possible to catch sightings of red howler monkeys or hear the calls of toucans echoing across the forest. 

At Caiman Lodge, wooden canoes built in the traditional dug-out style can be paddled out onto a vast oxbow lake where otters play in the shallows and birds such as green kingfishers, Muscovy duck and the rare agami heron wait in the undergrowth on the lake-shore. 

10. Follow a local cowboy to find giant anteaters

One of the animals I was most keen to see in Guyana was another of the country’s most elusive giant species: the giant anteater.

This shuffling creature, measuring up to seven feet from its long, sensitive nostrils to its brush-like tail, inhabits the plains of the Rupununi region.

What’s more, you’ve a fair chance of spotted roaming through the grasses hunting for ants and termites. 

Probably the best destination in Guyana to find it is in the private reserve grasslands of Karanambu Lodge .

In this part of the savannah, local cowboys demonstrate a knack for locating this giant beast and, on my trip, we came across two: one wandering the grasses beside the side of the road and another one sleeping beneath the shade of a sandpaper tree.

11. Learn about otter conservation at Karanambu Lodge

As you travel along the rivers through the jungle and the Rupununi grasslands in Guyana, it’s always worth keeping an eye on the water itself.

While caiman and capybara are frequent sightings along the river bank (particularly in the two dry seasons, February through March and September and October), one of the river’s most captivating residents is much harder to spot: the giant river otter. 

This endangered mammal is a truly unique creature to encounter on a trip to Guyana, where you may well see it fishing or playing near its holt. To learn more about the animal and the threats facing the species – which range from hunting to becoming a pet – there’s no better place to visit than Karanambu Lodge. 

The late Diane McTurk, the former owner of the lodge, received global acclaim for her work rehabilitating orphaned otters; and these are efforts that her nephew and his wife continue to this day. 

Their lodge is an essential place to visit in Guyana because, by doing so, you’re supporting their efforts of education and conservation through the Rupununi region.

Better still, you may well get a chance to see one of these beautiful playful creatures as it’s being reintroduced to the wild.  

12. Go horseback riding through the savannahs of the Rupununi

In the deep south of Guyana, the Rupununi plains offer an alternate universe to the dense forests of the jungle that covers most of the country. Here, there are plenty of adventure activities for those wanting to appreciate the open terrain during their vacation. 

At Waikin Ranch, a working cattle ranch, you can join the cowboys out in the fields by taking a ride on one of their working horses.

A canter out into the grasslands brings you to bush islands, patches of jungle in the middle of the open plains home to birds and mammal species, as well as picture-perfect places from which to watch the setting sun.  

13. Fish for the world’s largest freshwater fish 

There’s a reason anglers are flocking to Guyana and it’s thanks to the arapaima. Considered one of the world’s largest freshwater species fish, the arapaima can weigh up to 200 kilograms (well over twice the weight of an average adult male).  

While population sizes diminished rapidly over the past twenty years, the conservation actions of the guides and community at Rewa Ecolodge have brought the species back from the brink. 

The river now brims with arapaima and an unmissable thing to do while staying at the lodge is to head out by boat to fly-fish. Catch a whopper, pose for a photo and then, in the name of sustainability, throw it back into the water – fishing is on a catch and release basis after all. 

14. Spy the Guianan cock-of-the-rock’s mating dance

While mammals might steal the show when it comes to wildlife watching in Guyana, birders will find the country a veritable playground for discovering some of South America’s most beautiful species. 

Across the country, leks are where the both sexes of the Guianan cock-of-the-rock gather for extravagant mating displays. Tangerine-coloured males show off their plumage to the females as part of a noisy and colourful courtship display, which takes place in March – although you can spot the birds congregating in these places throughout the year. 

One of the easiest mating grounds to find is at Kaieteur Falls, while other destinations in Guyana such as ATTA Rainforest Lodge also have access to leks. 

15. Find harpy eagles nesting 

The final of Guyana’s giant creatures can be found in the forests of Guyana. Named after the namesake creatures of Greek mythology, the harpy eagle is a truly staggering bird that measures over a metre in height.

It’s considered the heaviest and most powerful of all eagle species, particularly given that its claws are longer than those of a grizzly bear. 

Like the Guianan cock-of-the-rock, there are known nesting sites located across Guyana. ATTA Rainforest Lodge and a number of the other lodges across the country have access to harpy eagle nests where – with luck – you may find a female raising its young. 

Their nests are extraordinary, measuring over a metre in diameter and wedged into the treetops up to 40 metres above ground – roughly the height of a ten-storey building. To get a good look, be sure to bring your binoculars!

Guyana tourist attractions: History and modern life

16. spend a day in georgetown, guyana’s scruffy but charming capital .

While the country’s scruffy capital is certainly not the main appeal of Guyana, most visitors spend at least a day or two in Georgetown. Here, Guyana’s colonial past mingles with the dirty and noisy reality of any modern-day city. 

You’d be hard pushed to call Georgetown pretty, but there is a certain charm to its streets. In the centre of the city, faded wooden mansions look on as horse and carts carrying lumber trot nonchalantly across busy intersections filled with taxis and fearless motorbikes. 

The architecture here is one of the main points of interest. A wander through the city brings you to the most curious buildings, including the restored, Anglican St George’s Cathedral, which, painted white and built from wood, looks a bit like an iced cake. 

17. Stay in a historic lodge frequented by presidents and royalty

While in Georgetown, make sure you spend a night at Cara Lodge, one of the city’s most luxurious accommodations.

Like many of the historic buildings in the capital, it started life as a 19 th -century stately home for one of Guyana’s bourgeois families. 

Since its conversion to a hotel in the late 1990s, Cara Lodge now offers the perfect blend of history and modernity. Delicate verandas and polished hardwood floors have been preserved from the original building, while modern comforts (such as much needed AC) have been added to the hotel’s 34 bedrooms. 

However, part of the hotel’s appeal is its colourful history, which has seen it opening its picture-perfect doors to guests including members of the British royal family, as well as other dignitaries such as former American president, Jimmy Carter. 

18. Tour Guyana’s final remaining sugar cane plantation 

If there’s one thing you need to learn about Guyana before you visit, it’s the fact that this country is powered by rum. Drink it with chilled ginger ale or lime and be sure to complement its taste: it is a point of pride for the locals. 

But to learn about where it comes from, hop on a tour of one of just three still-functioning sugar cane plantations in Guyana. Established by Dutch colonisers, the Lenora and Uitvlugt plantation is the only one in the world to use a unique form of transportation for moving the sugar cane between the fields and the factory: punts. 

In fact, tourists get to board one too (transformed for passengers rather than sugar cane) as you float out along the canal system and you learn about a key part of the country’s colonial history. 

19. Take a sundowner on Guyana’s only highway 

Perhaps Guyana’s most unique feature is its lack of roads. Because of its vast network of rivers, boat travel has superseded over-ground transport, and, as a result, Guyana is home to just one highway – which, to this day, remains unpaved. 

For a truly quirky thing to do in Guyana, stay at ATTA Rainforest Lodge, a charming hotel surrounded by the rainforest of the Iwokarama Reserve. Accessed by vehicle along the red dust of the highway, this lodge offers a singular sunset activity: a sundowner out on the road. 

While enjoying a chilled beer on a highway might not sound like much fun, it’s certainly a bizarre experience as staff from the lodge bring deck chairs and coolers of beer for you to sit out on the dusty road as the dusk falls. 

Avoid getting too relaxed, however: while the road is closed at night to traffic, you should still keep your eyes peeled for toucans in the treetops and big cats padding across the highway. 

20. Stay at one of the country’s indigenous lodges 

While the world debates the merits of tourism and how travellers can have a positive impact on the places they visit , the people of Guyana have been quietly proving how easy sustainable tourism can be.

Everywhere you go, eco-lodges operated by local indigenous people have been setting the standard for eco-conscious and socially responsible tourism. 

Check out Rewa Eco-Lodge , a 24-bed lodge deep in the jungle and run by the indigenous people of Rewa Village. Started thanks to a grant from Conservation International, this lodge is staffed by local community members.

Their ancestral knowledge about the habitats of animals and their behaviours make this an ideal place to learn about the rainforest and to catch sightings of many of its most evasive creatures. 

What’s more, the community has been involved in several initiatives to protect wildlife and the forest, meaning that by visiting, you’re supporting the conservation of over 350 square kilometres of virgin land from logging, mining and other environmentally-damaging industries. 

Guyana tourist attractions: Food and dining

21. tour bourda market and enjoy a guyanese feast at backyard café.

With a population encompassing cultures as varied as Indian, African and indigenous Amerindian, there’s no better to place to dive into this mix than with a tour of Bourda Market in Georgetown.

Covering four blocks in the centre of town, this market spills out onto the roadsides, with a furore of noise as stall owners heckle passers-by.

Products on sale include everything from everyday vegetables to fruits you’ve never seen before in your life and questionable looking bottles of brown sludge that claims to cure impotence. 

An unforgettable thing to do in Georgetown is to explore the market accompanied by local chef Delven Adams, who introduces you to vendors as you buy ingredients for lunch and sample local dishes such as dhal and fresh coconut water mixed with rum. 

Back at his restaurant, the Backyard Café , the day’s shopping is transformed into a spectacular display of local Guyanese dining. Highlights include baked fish rubbed with garlic and herbs and delicious fruit juices – again, infused with rum if you want!

My trip to Guyana was in partnership with the Guyana Tourism Board and Wilderness Explorers . As always, my opinions (and absolute LOVE of Guyana) are all my own.

Wednesday 8th of June 2022

When we visited Guyana in 2013, there were no books or guides, there was literally nothing available to help with planning the trip. I found a forum where a gentleman recommended Wilderness Explorers. We contacted them and they did absolutely fantastic job helping us with planning based on our budget and the things we wanted to do. It was an unforgettable experience! I'm glad you got to visit this beautiful country as well.

Friday 4th of August 2023

@Steph Dyson, can you refer me to those wilderness explorers

Steph Dyson

Thursday 23rd of June 2022

Thanks Anya! I had such a great time with Wilderness Explorers and now know the owners very well. They're an absolutely brilliant company and do a fantastic job of sharing what is one of South America's hidden gems! Steph

Tewah laurita

Thursday 12th of May 2022

wow such an amazing place to visit I will be travelling to Guyana just to visit this places

Have a great time! Steph

Keith Thomas

Monday 14th of February 2022

I left Berbice Guyana 45 years and I visited seldomly. In 2019 I there to spend 3 months, but spent 1 year instead due covid-19. I also went in 2121 to attend my mother's funeral. guyana was and is greatly improved and I am preparing to go back and live. Some of scenes I am aware of because I served in the Guyana Defense Force in the 60s and 70s. I always told my American friends how beautiful Guyana is see you soon.

Wednesday 9th of February 2022

Looking for things to when we arrive for our family reunion in July...This has been most helpful...Thank you!!!

Tuesday 15th of February 2022

You're welcome! Steph

Tuesday 23rd of March 2021

I was born in Guyana I left 42 years ago. I am amazed at the beauty of Guyana I am now about to retire and looking forward to enjoy these place . It is truly an amazing land to visit and widen your horizon . I toured Europe the Middle East and most of the USA .My heart is still in Guyana.

Thursday 25th of November 2021

Wonderful! It's such a lovely country! Steph

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• |  April 23, 2024
• By Staff Reporter
• -  April 23, 2024

GUYANA has been awarded for its magnificent contributions to the indigenous communities nationwide at the 4th edition of the World Travel Market (WTM) Latin America Responsible Tourism Awards.

The country secured silver place under the category ‘Best Initiatives for Indigenous Communities and/or Traditional Communities.’ In a recent interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI), Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Kamrul Baksh noted that over the years, the nation has been fostering many tourism initiatives led by the indigenous peoples.

“This was well-deserved because as you know Guyana is uniquely positioned as a country that promotes indigenous tourism that is led and owned. This means that the indigenous people own the land, the assets, the business, and control the profits,” the director explained.

He added that this type of indigenous tourism is a major differentiating factor compared to other community-based tourism models around the world. “One of our officers who is also an indigenous person went to Brazil to collect this award and also to make a presentation. We are really happy about this, because it shows our commitment to supporting communities and developing tourism in Guyana,” Baksh stated.

In Guyana, many tourism products and services can be found deep within indigenous communities due to the nature-like and relaxing environment like the pristine rivers and the fresh and heavy vegetation that surrounds these areas.

Additionally, with great tourism potential existing in many indigenous villages, the GTA plays a crucial role in helping the leaders and residents of the communities to further build upon what the village is already offering.

The authority oftentimes conducts its assessment of the talent and art of the people such as pottery and painting and see how it can make this into an activity for tourists when they visit the village, making their stay more enjoyable.

With the implementation of these activities, employment for the indigenous people will become available and foreign exchange will begin to circulate in the villages which will help to expand the newfound venture.

The government also plays a pivotal role in sustaining these products and services by funding them through various grants such as the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) funds and the Presidential Grants.

These grants help the villages to build guest houses, kitchens, and purchase vehicles to propel tourism within the area. (DPI)

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• | 2024-04-24

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[email protected] (Editorial) (Advertising Department) [email protected] or [email protected]

E-Papers Daily

Business supplement.

Interactive Magazine

Whats unique about our magazine, features include:, lethem rodeo : an exhilarating, fun time, from georgetown to lethem. a journey beyond your imagination, black caiman conservation, the hidden gems of the rewa river, recent articles, articles & publications.

Lethem Rodeo

An Exhilarating, Fun Time By Stephan Sookram Overland travel to Lethem is fun especially if you are an adventurous person thrilled by off-road drives, but the next four days in this town located on the border with Brazil for their annual Rodeo...

How one village turned an extinction story into a conservation success story By Johann du Preez It was 2019 when I first set foot in the jungle of Guyana. When I stepped off the plane and into the jungle it was like I had taken a step back in...

Waikin Ranch

Explore the Rupununi with us Unless you holiday literally in your own backyard, you’re likely to get on to a plane to start your vacation. But, if you choose to get off at Waikin Ranch in Guyana’s hinterland, you’ll be giving back to the Earth...

Extreme fishing trip in the jungles of Guyana

On the mid to upper reaches of the essequibo river, tourismguyana.

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Stay in Guyana

Whatever your style, guyana has accommodations to fit every need. your experience and safety mean the most to us. stay at an officially licensed tourism establishment., where to stay.

Hotels & Guesthouse

294 Quamina Street, Georgetown, Guyana

Email:   [email protected]

Tel : +592-225-5301 WhatsApp: +592-624-2272

Paid breakfast

Air-conditioned

Laundry Service

Kid-friendly

Grand Coastal Hotel

1 & 2 area m plantation, le ressouvenir, east coast.

Email:  [email protected]

Tel : +592-220-1091

Outdoor Swimming Pool

Ramada Georgetown Princess Hotel

Providence, east bank demerara, georgetown, email: [email protected] tel: +592-265-7001, free breakfast.

Millennium  Manor

43 hadfield street georgetown guyana.

Email: [email protected]

Tel : +592-223-0541

Airport shuttle

Aracari Hotel Inc.

160 plantation versailles, vreed en hoop, guyana.

Email: [email protected]

Tel : +592- 264-2947

 Breakfast

Pegasus Hotels of Guyana

Seawall road, georgetown, guyana, email: [email protected] tel: +592-225-2853       +592-225-2856.

Tejmohall Enterprise Hotel

Lot 107 section a no 79 village corriverton, berbice.

Email:  [email protected]

Tel : +592-339-2520

D Factor Interior Guesthouse

Lot 2 triangle street, bartica, essequibo river.

Email: [email protected]

Tel : +592-455-2544

La Vista Guesthouse

Interior lodges & resorts.

Renowned for its abundance of wildlife and ecological diversity, Rewa Eco-lodge is one of the most pristine eco-systems on Earth, Rewa Eco-lodge is a nature lovers’ dream.

Rewa Eco Lodge

Nestled in a clearing beneath the Canopy Walkway, Atta Rainforest Lodge provides comfortable rooms, expert guides, and homecooked meals for all visitors.

Atta Rainforest Lodge

Nestled on the banks of the majestic Essequibo River in the heart of Guyana is the award-winning Iwokrama River Lodge and Research Centre.

Iwokrama River Lodge

Escape to this exotic island paradise and experience one of Guyana’s true gems. Peaceful, exotic & spectacular are just some of the words used to describe Baganara, a rainforest resort located five miles from Bartica in the Essequibo River.

Baganara Island Resort

Rock View Lodge is nestled between the Amerindian villages of Annaiand Rupertee on the North Rupununi Savannahs of Guyana, where the foothills of the Pakaraima mountain range meet the tropical rainforest

Rock View Lodge

As one of Guyana's premier vacation destination, Aruwai Island Resort seeks to deliver on a unique guests experience by capturing a blend of nature's refreshing comforts nestled in luxury

Aruwai Resort White H2O

Bimichi eco lodge.

Karanambu, a nature lovers paradise, is situated on the Rupununi River with access to the Simuni River - one of the key wildlife and fishing areas in Guyana. Karanambu has a strong reputation of providing excellent viewing opportunities of Giant River Otters, Black Caiman and Giant Anteaters.

Karanambu Lodge

Surama eco-lodge, park square fun city.

Upcoming Tours

February 22-25, March 29 - April 1, August 1 -4, November 22-24, 2024

Every Saturday and Sunday

Why Choose Us?

Diverse destinations, easy booking, affordable rates, awesome adventure & unforgettable memories, customer service, personalized tours, search tours, most popular tours.

Pakuri - St. Cuthbert's Mission (Indigenous Village)

Pomeroon - Moruca 3 Days

Mahdia - 3 Days

A day in the Country

Rupununi Tour - 4 Days

Essequibo Lakes (Lake Capoey & Mainstay)

Mazaruni River Tour (Bartica)

Santa Aratak (Indigenous Village)

Kaieteur & Orinduik Falls

Tour Reviews

Jarelle brandford (kaieteur / orinduil falls).

What a fulfilling experience. Thanks to Touring Guyana for delivering!

Dr. Cosmos Omoniyoc (Kaieteur/Orinduik Falls)

Thank you very much for the experience. We had a blast.

Madonna Ghanie (Dhandarry Nature Resort)

My daughter said it was her best birthday ever. I’m really glad we didn’t get scared because of the little rain that was falling in the morning because the rest of the day was beautiful.

Senetra Rampersaud (Marshall Falls)

It was AMAZING!!! I’m honestly ready to go again, even though my body hurts. Thank you so much.

Davie Rambharrat (Bartica and Linden)

Thanks to you for making our trip a great one.

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Guyana awarded for fostering Indigenous tourism

Guyana has been awarded for its magnificent contributions made to the indigenous communities nationwide at the 4 th  edition of the World Travel Market (WTM) Latin America Responsible Tourism Awards.

The country secured silver place under the category ‘Best Initiatives for Indigenous Communities and/ or Traditional Communities.’

In a recent interview with the  Department of Public Information (DPI), Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Kamrul Baksh noted that over the years, the nation has been fostering many tourism initiatives led by the indigenous peoples.

“This was well-deserved because as you know Guyana is uniquely positioned as a country that promotes indigenous tourism that is led and owned. This means that the indigenous people own the land, the assets, the business, and control the profits,” the director explained.

He added that this type of indigenous tourism is a major differentiating factor compared to other community-based tourism models around the world.

“One of our officers who is also an indigenous person went to Brazil to collect this award and also to make a presentation. We are really happy about this, because it shows our commitment to supporting communities and developing tourism in Guyana,” Baksh stated.

In Guyana, many tourism products and services can be found deep within indigenous communities due to the nature-like and relaxing environment like the pristine rivers and the fresh and heavy vegetation that surrounds these areas.

Additionally, with great tourism potential existing in many indigenous villages, the GTA plays a crucial role in helping the leaders and residents of the communities to further build upon what the village is already offering.

The authority oftentimes conducts its assessment of the talent and art of the people such as pottery and painting and see how it can make this into an activity for tourists when they visit the village, making their stay more enjoyable.

With the implementation of these activities, employment for the indigenous people will become available and foreign exchange will begin to circulate in the villages which will help to expand the newfound venture.

The government also plays a pivotal role in sustaining these products and services by funding them through various grants such as the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) funds and the Presidential Grants.

These grants help the villages to build guest houses, kitchens, and purchase vehicles to propel tourism within the area.  (DPI) 

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