Guyana

Things to Do in Guyana

Discover South America's best-kept eco-tourism secret, where pristine rainforests meet thundering waterfalls and rich indigenous heritage.

  • CapitalGeorgetown
  • CurrencyGuyanese Dollar (GYD)
  • LanguageEnglish
  • Time zoneUTC-4
  • Emergency911 (Police), 912 (Fire), 913 (Ambulance)

Why visit Guyana?

Guyana, South America’s only English-speaking nation, offers an unparalleled frontier for eco-travelers. Bordered by Venezuela, Brazil, and Suriname, the country remains largely blanketed by pristine Amazonian rainforest, teeming with unique wildlife like giant anteaters, jaguars, and Harpy eagles. Visitors trade high-density resort hubs for raw, community-led indigenous tourism and untamed landscapes.

The journey typically begins in Georgetown, the bustling coastal capital known for its wooden Victorian architecture and multi-ethnic markets. However, the true essence of Guyana lies in its interior. From the thundering cascade of Kaieteur Falls—the world's largest single-drop waterfall by volume—to the sweeping Rupununi Savannahs, traveling here requires a spirit of flexibility and a willingness to step off the grid.

Navigating Guyana is a distinct adventure. Due to limited road networks reaching deep into the rainforest, travelers rely on small charter flights, riverboats, and rugged 4x4 tracks. Booking with local indigenous guides is highly recommended, not only for logistics but to gain deep insight into the rich cultural heritage and conservation efforts of the Makushi and Wapichan nations.

Kaieteur Falls

Iwokrama Rainforest

Rupununi Savannah

Georgetown Historic Wooden Architecture

Karanambu Lodge

Shell Beach

Popular regions

The Coastal Plain

The Coastal Plain

The Essequibo Region

The Essequibo Region

The Rupununi Savannah

The Rupununi Savannah

When to visit Guyana

Based on average conditions in Guyana.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Temperature30°30°30°31°31°30°31°31°32°32°31°30°
Rain15d10d9d11d20d23d19d13d8d7d11d18d
CrowdsMedLowLowMedLowLowLowLowMedMedMedHigh
  • Cold
  • Comfortable / dry / low crowds
  • Cool–hot / typical / moderate
  • Very hot / wetter / high crowds

Plan your trip to Guyana

The Classic Eco-Safari

7-10 Days

Deep Interior Exploration

12-14 Days

The Quick Nature Break

5 Days

Wilderness and Wildlife Trek

10 Days

Getting around Guyana

Domestic Charter Flights

Minibuses

Riverboats and Speedboats

4x4 Vehicles

Costs, food & practical info

Costs

  • Budget

    70 to 120 USD per day

  • Mid-range

    150 to 300 USD per day

  • Luxury

    400+ USD per day

Food & drinks

  • Guyanese Pepperpot1500 GYD
  • Cook-up Rice1000 GYD
  • Roti and Chicken Curry1200 GYD
  • Pine Tart300 GYD
  • Metemgee1800 GYD

Practical

  • Vaccinations & Health

  • Cash & Banking

  • Safety & Security

  • Packing Essentials

Insight in one click

Frequently asked questions about visiting Guyana

How many days do I need in Guyana? +

A stay of 8 to 10 days is ideal. This allows you a couple of days to explore Georgetown and secure flights, plus 5 to 6 days to experience the interior rainforest and savannahs without rushing.

When is the best time to visit Guyana? +

The best times are the dry seasons: late August to November, and February to April. Avoid the heavy wet seasons (May to mid-August) when interior dirt roads can wash out.

What is a good first-timer itinerary? +

Start with 2 days in Georgetown, take a domestic charter flight to Kaieteur Falls, spend 3 days at an indigenous-run eco-lodge in Surama or Iwokrama, and end with 3 days wildlife-spotting in the Rupununi.

Is Guyana expensive to travel? +

Yes, Guyana is more expensive than neighboring South American countries. Infrastructure in the interior is sparse, meaning travelers must rely on chartered flights and all-inclusive wilderness lodge bookings.

How do I get around Guyana? +

Along the coast, you can use local minibuses and taxis. To reach the interior, you will need to book domestic flights from Eugene F. Correia International Airport (Ogle) or hire a rugged 4x4.

Do I need a visa for Guyana? +

Tourists from the US, Canada, UK, and EU do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days, but you must present a valid passport and proof of yellow fever vaccination.