French Guiana travel guide
French Guiana Tourism | French Guiana Guide
You're Going to Love French Guiana
A unique slice of Europe sits on the western coast of South America. As the second-largest territory of France, French Guiana delivers a unique mix of primeval rainforests and colonial ancestry.
Dense humidity provides the spring for vast jungles to grow, with spectacular ecosystems of savannahs and woodlands inhabited by thousands of mammal and bird species. Coastal cities, such as Cayenne, have cultural influences from the Caribbean, with a laid-back atmosphere and seafaring industries.
What to do in French Guiana
1. Discover the Salvation's Islands
Located roughly 7 mi from the mainland coast, the islands offer a tantalizing mix of prison history and sandy beached heaven.
2. Trek Through Guiana Amazonian Park
The largest park in the European Union stretches along the Maroni and Oyapock Rivers, with remote hut villages and winding trails to explore.
3. Experience the Wonders of Cacao
The town has been a place of resettlement for Laos refugees since the 1970s and has bustling markets, a nature museum, and magnificent hand-woven souvenirs.
4. Feast at Cayenne's Central Market
Surrounded by drooping palm trees, the colorful market has strong aromas floating through the air. Exotic fruits, steaming soups, and rich spices are available.
5. Be Amazed by the Guiana Space Centre
Due to being close to the equator, the site has launched numerous rockets. Tours must be arranged in advance and include a visit to the launching platform.
When to visit French Guiana
The dry season from August to November offers the most pleasant weather for getting outside and exploring as maximum temperatures sit around 89°F.
How to Get to French Guiana
Entry requirements
Citizens of other European Union states can enter freely as well as obtain work, while nationals of countries, such as Canada, the United States, Australia, Singapore, and Mexico, can visit without a visa for up to 90 days.
Plane
Cayenne – Félix Eboué Airport is the major international gateway with nonstop flights from Paris provided by Air France and Air Caraibes. Routes are also possible from Miami, Belem, Martinique, and Guadeloupe.
Car
The Oyapock River Bridge allows direct travel from Oiapoque in Brazil, while vehicle ferries can be caught from Suriname at Albina. The ferry charge for a vehicle is roughly €35 ($39). Immigration services on the French Guiana side of the Oyapock River Bridge are open from 8:00 am until 12:00 pm, then reopen after lunch between 2:00 pm and 6:00 pm.
Boat
Ferries depart from Albina in Suriname twice daily (Monday to Saturday) in the morning. Boats also cross the Oyapock River from Oiapoque to St. Georges.
Popular airlines serving French Guiana
Where to stay in French Guiana
A wide range of hotels are available in cities such as Sinnamary, Kourou, and Cayenne. Beach fronted lodges and resorts are popular choices to embrace the surrounding North Atlantic Ocean. Bed and breakfast accommodations can be found in the larger towns as well as some more rural areas, offering a more authentic taste of life in French Guiana.
Where to stay in popular areas of French Guiana
How to Get Around French Guiana
Public Transportation
Transport within cities can be limited, with buses primarily traveling between towns. Taxis are commonly available in places, such as Matoury, Kouru, and Remire-Montjoly, while Cayenne is the only city with a public bus network - there are 7 lines and tickets cost approximately €1.10 ($1.20).
Bus
Minibuses regularly travel between major towns. However, departure times are not regular. Fixed fares connect destinations, such as St. Laurent, St Georges, and Cayenne, with prices ranging from around €10-50 ($11-55).
Car
The driver's license from the country of origin is sufficient, with the roads in French Guiana maintained to a good standard. Both local and global rental companies are available; daily fares range from roughly €35-50 ($39-55).
Plane
Domestic flights are operated by Air Guyane to Grand Santi, Saül, Saint-Laurent du Maroni, and Maripasoula. The services take between 30-60min and cost approximately €95-120 ($105-132).
The Cost of Living in French Guiana
As one of the most expensive places in South America, a meal at a standard restaurant is priced at roughly €20 ($22), however, a beer can be bought for around €2 ($2.20). Credit cards are accepted in most shops and restaurants, though it's best to carry cash to pay for buses and taxis.