Guyana travel guide
Guyana Tourism | Guyana Guide
You're Going to Love Guyana
This small country in South America, with a little under 800,000 people, is an up-and-coming ecotourism destination, known for dense forests and diverse wildlife.
What to do in Guyana
1. Explore the Kaieteur Falls
Not only are these waterfalls one of the most impressive landscapes in Guyana, but they are also the highest in the world. There's a good reason why these falls are one of the top must-sees in the country.
2. Walk Near Tree Tops
At the Iwokrama Rainforest, not only is it possible to admire Guyana's notoriously diverse wildlife, from monkeys to different bird species, but there is also a canopy walk where all of this can be seen from the top.
3. Take a Tour of Georgetown
Georgetown, the capital city of Guyana, is a mix of colonial architecture and Dutch-style canals. Admiring the city's unique traits also includes a visit to the tallest wooden church in the world, St. George's Anglican Cathedral.
4. Head to Shell Beach
One of the few wild beaches left in the world, Shell Beach is a famous attraction for its resident leatherback turtles.
5. Explore the Rupununi Savannah
The best way to explore the more rural side of Guyana is to head to the Rupununi Savannah, where the experience can be enhanced by staying at a locally owned working ranch.
When to visit Guyana
In Guyana, rains are frequent most of the year, so don't wait for a dry season as the best time to travel. Most tourists travel to Guyana between November and January.
How to Get to Guyana
Entry requirements
Citizens from the United States, Canada, and most countries in Europe don't need a visa to enter Guyana.
Travelers from other countries need to apply for a visa at least four weeks before their trip, although the process is usually quite simple.
Plane
International flights to Guyana land at Cheddi Jagan International Airport, near the capital Georgetown.
Regular flights between large cities in the United States and Canada are frequent. Passengers flying to Guyana from elsewhere should expect at least one layover.
Car
It's possible to enter Guyana by car from Brazil and Suriname. In addition to the visa, if necessary, and passport, car renters must have a driver's license issued by their country of origin.
Bus
There are no direct bus connections to Guyana. The alternative is to catch a bus in Brazil to Bonfim, at the border with Guyana, and then cross the border on foot to catch another bus on the Guyana side.
Popular airlines serving Guyana
Where to stay in Guyana
Accommodation varies between guesthouses with shared bathrooms in Georgetown to all-inclusive ecotourism lodges and ranches on the savannah.
Where to stay in popular areas of Guyana
How to Get Around Guyana
Public Transportation
Public transportation in most towns in Guyana is a mix of taxis (usually catering to tourists) and affordable local buses. A one-way ticket costs approximately 100 GYD (0.50 USD) per person.
Bus
Buses are the locals' favorite and most inexpensive way to travel long distance in Guyana. However, don't expect a comfortable and reliable experience. Most buses depart from Georgetown to the suburbs and other destinations along the coast.
Car
Even if traveling with an International Driving Permit, it is necessary to obtain another driving permit at the airport to be able to rent a car. This permit is free and is available at the airport's arrivals area.
Be aware that in Guyana, driving takes place on the left side of the road.
The Cost of Living in Guyana
Credit cards are usually accepted in larger businesses like hotels and tour operators, but cash is still the preferred payment mode. However, ATMs are limited outside main towns and cities. Expect to pay approximately 390 GYD (2 USD) for milk and around 250 GYD (1.20 USD) for a loaf of bread. Vegetables and fruits at the supermarket for a couple of days can cost approximately 2,400 GYD (12 USD).