Discover the best things to do in Guyana, from exploring pristine rainforests to embracing vibrant cultural experiences. Uncover the hidden gems and plan your perfect adventure in this South American paradise. Embarking on a journey to Guyana is like stepping into a diverse tapestry of natural wonders and cultural richness.
Things to Do in Guyana
In this guide, we'll unveil the top activities and attractions, ensuring your visit to Guyana is nothing short of extraordinary. Immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of Guyana's rainforests. Trek through Kaieteur National Park, home to the majestic Kaieteur Falls. The lush greenery and unique wildlife make it a paradise for nature enthusiasts
1. Admire the power of Kaiteur Falls
While Venezuela's Angel Falls may hold the title of tallest uninterrupted waterfall in the world and Argentina's Iguazu Falls may be the continent's most famous, there's another equally spectacular waterfall and landmark that few visitors have heard of: Caitúr Falls.
There's a reason Kaiteur Falls features on all Guyana itineraries. First, it is the world's largest single drop waterfall by volume, especially during the monsoon season (May to July) when it is at its fullest.
It's really hard to get close to Guyana without a tour. Road conditions are poor and many sites are only accessible by private plane or motorboat. I traveled to Guyana with Wilderness Explorers, a local organization 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 a lot of time trying to get around alone.
They are now offering Worldly Adventures readers a 5% discount on all their hand-crafted Guyana itineraries - just mention Worldly Adventures when you enquire!
But secondly, there's no denying the drama of the setting. Tucked away in the Guyanese interior and protected by a wall of dense rainforest, Kaiteur Falls is only accessible by a one-hour flight or two-day hike from the capital, Georgetown.
As you reach the airspace, flying over waterfalls and jungle sprawls into the ultimate distance for a bird's-eye view, it's hard to shake the feeling that you're in a real-life Jurassic Park. Although, maybe except for the dinosaurs.
2. Enjoy the 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 to "Land of Many Waters" and is an apt description.
These waterways are an essential means of travel from the capital to the interior, and a vast network of rivers snakes through the region with many remote lodges characteristic of any trip to Guyana.
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A case in point is Baganara Lodge. Surrounded by jungle, it sits on a private 185-hectare island in South America's third-largest river, the Essequibo. This swampy location means it's top of the class when it comes to places to watch the sunset in Guyana.
As the day draws to a close, take a speedboat downriver to visit Parrot Island where thousands of yellow-crowned and orange-winged parrots flock for the evening at sunset.
Alternatively, head back to the lodge where, cocktail in hand, you swim in the river's warm waters as the sun sinks behind the jungle canopy.
3. See the world's largest lily
Amateur botanists will want to head to the calmer waters of the Guyana Lakes, where they have a strong chance of encountering the world's largest water lily, Victoria amazonica.
Growing up to six feet in diameter, the leaves of this water lily are capable of supporting the weight of a child (there are tons of photos to prove it).
But while their size is remarkable, there's another reason to track down this lily pad: As a result of pollination, its flowers turn from white to red overnight.
You can see the beginning of this process in the evening, as the flowers begin to bloom. One of the best spots is near Rewa Eco-Lodge, where rare birds fly above the lily-strewn waters and baby caimans crawl out of the water onto the lily pads to wait for their prey.
4. Catching dawn over the rainforest canopy
Early birds will find themselves at home in Guyana, where dawn is always a wonderful affair. There is no better place to experience the awakening of a new day than the Eokrama Canopy Walkway, a short hike through the jungle from the ATTA Rainforest Lodge in the heart of Guyana.
Built in the treetops of Yeokrama Reserve, about 30 meters above the forest floor, the walkway is a series of viewing platforms connected by suspension bridges that offer the best views across the forest.
As the sun rises over the rainforest canopy, the hum and hum of life begins. Hear the shrill squawk of scarlet macaws overhead and the distant deep growl of howler monkeys as they begin their morning song.
5. Climb a mountain for incredible rainforest views
Guyana is not a country known for its long hikes, but there are plenty of opportunities to stretch your legs.
Rainforest walking may rank as a hot and sweaty pursuit in Guyana, but it's one that promises tremendous rewards, especially on Awermi Mountain, a trail accessed from the remote Rewa Eco-Lodge.
A short, rocky path climbs up the side of Awarmi, a low hill surrounded by forest. When it finally emerges from the treetops, the trail reaches open mountaintops, where boulders the size of cars are interspersed with thick grass and every angle offers views for miles across the rainforest.
Relax here for an hour or so and you will reward your patience; On our visit, pairs of red-green and blue-yellow macaws flew directly overhead, their bright plumage brilliant against the blue sky above.
6. Catch a glimpse of wild big cats
Guyana is home to more than 225 species of mammals and thanks to the unspoiled nature of its interior, it's a great place to see some of the continent's most fascinating big-cat inhabitants.
Jaguars are the largest of the South American cat species and while sightings are rare, they are not impossible. You have a strong chance of encountering them in primary forest areas across the country, especially in the early morning and evening when they are most active.
You may also see the rare puma, a small cat that prefers higher rocky terrain. Luck was on our side when I visited Guyana: we saw a juvenile puma wandering across the road in broad daylight on the road to Yeokrama Reserve.
7. Hunt the world's largest spider species, the Goliath Birdeater
Arachnophobes look away: There's one resident of the jungle you probably don't want to meet on your vacation. The goliath bird-eating spider - so named because it was once caught eating a hummingbird - is the largest tarantula on Earth and is about the size of a human fist.
A spooky tourist attraction, a tour ends with a goliath birdeater tarantula under flashlight on the forest floor in Guyana.
Despite their size, these spiders scare you more than they do.
Eagle-eyed rangers from Rewa Eco-Lodge have managed the incredible feat of tracking their burrows, and you can trek with them into the jungle to come face-to-face with one of these giant spiders.
Fortunately, although its venom poses a problem for small rodents, it is less harmful to humans. If you can bear to get close enough, admire the harpoon-shaped hairs that cover its legs and are used to attack predators.
8. Help with its one-of-a-kind Black Cayman research
Ever wanted to get close to a black caiman? While it's probably not on everyone's bucket list, catching a caiman alongside a crack team of researchers at the Caiman House in Rupununi is an experience of a lifetime.
Officially one of the largest reptiles in the world, they can grow to over 15 feet in length and are a formidable predator – at least for animals, not humans. Although the species is listed as Least Concern on the United Nations Red List, research on its lifespan and habits is limited.
With the help of tourists, Cayman House is constantly changing it. Since 2005, researchers have captured and registered more than 700 black caimans—and you can get involved.
A staff member at Cayman House on an expedition to capture a caiman for scientific research in Guyana
Board a speedboat with Caiman House staff to join their scientific study of black caimans.
Head out at night into the jet-black waters of the Rupununi with researchers who capture a caiman, bring it to shore to take 24 different measurements, before releasing it into the water.
It's a thrilling – and completely safe – experience and another way to see how your tourism dollars are boosting conservation efforts across Guyana.
9. Paddle out in a dugout canoe or kayak
While speedboats are the transportation of choice for Guyanese living along the country's rivers, there are plenty of slower ways to get around and appreciate Guyana's spectacular nature.
At Baganara Lodge, you can kayak a nearby narrow dike that flows through dense rainforest. Early in the morning along this waterway, it is possible to spot red howler monkeys or hear the calls of toucans echoing throughout the forest.
At Cayman Lodge, wooden canoes built in the traditional dugout style can be paddled out into a vast oxbow lake where otters play in the shallows and birds such as green kingfishers, Muscovy ducks and the rare coming heron wait on the lake's bottom. - Cool.
10. Follow a local cowboy to find giant anteaters
One of the animals I was most interested in seeing in Guyana was one of the country's most elusive giant species: the giant anteater
Ecotourists have the opportunity to see a rare giant anteater in the grasslands of Guyana.
The giant anteater is absurdly well adapted to survive on a diet of termites and ants.
This shaggy 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 have a fair chance of hunting ants and termites through your grass.
Perhaps the best destination in Guyana to find this is in the private reserve grasslands of Karanambu Lodge.
In this part of the savannah, the local cowboys demonstrate their skill in tracking down this giant beast and, on my trip, we encountered two: one roaming the grass beside the road and the other sleeping in the shade of a sandalwood tree.
11. Learn about otter conservation at Karanambu Lodge
As you travel along the river through Guyana's jungles and Rupununi grasslands, it's always worth keeping an eye on the water.
While caiman and capybara are frequent along the river (especially during the two dry seasons, February to March and September and October), one of the river's most impressive inhabitants is much harder to spot: the giant river otter.
Two endangered giant river otters follow their keeper at Karanambu Lodge in Guyana - a great tourist destination.
This endangered mammal is a truly unique animal to encounter on a trip to Guyana, where you can see it fishing or playing near its holt. There's no better place to visit than Karanambu Lodge to learn more about animals and species at risk - from poaching to pet ownership.
The late Diane McTurk, former owner of the lodge, received worldwide acclaim for her work rehabilitating orphaned otters; And this effort that his nephew and his wife continue to this day.
Their lodge is an essential place to visit in Guyana because, by doing so, you are supporting their education and conservation efforts through the Rupununi region.
Even better, you might get a chance to see one of these beautifully playful animals as it is being reintroduced to the wild.
12. Go horseback riding through the Rupununi savannah
In Guyana's deep south, the Rupununi plains offer an alternate universe to the dense jungle forests that cover much of the country. Here, there are plenty of adventure activities for those who want to appreciate the open terrain during their vacation.
Horseback riding in Rupununi, Guyana, is one of the tourist attractions in Guyana, South America
Horse riding at sunset in Rupununi is quite an experience.
At Waikin Ranch, a working cattle ranch, you can join the cowboys in the field by riding one of their workhorses.
A canter across the grassland brings you to islands of scrub, open plains in the middle of jungles home to patchy bird and mammal species, as well as picture-perfect spots to watch the setting sun.
13. Fish for the world's largest freshwater fish
There's a reason anglers flock to Guyana and it's thanks to Arpaima. Considered the largest freshwater fish species in the world, the Arpaima can weigh up to 200 kilograms (more than twice the weight of an adult male).
Although the population size has declined rapidly over the past twenty years, the conservation efforts of guides and communities at Rewa Ecolog have brought the species back from the brink.
The river is now overflowing in Arpaima and an unexpected sight to behold while at the lodge is the fish flying by the boat. Grab a hooper, pose for a picture and then, in the name of sustainability, throw it back in the water - after all, fishing is on a catch-and-release basis.
14. Spy the mating dance of the Guanan cock-of-the-rock
Mammals may steal the show when it comes to wildlife viewing in Guyana, but birders will find the country a veritable playground for discovering some of South America's most beautiful species.
A bright orange cock-of-the-rock bird perched on a tree branch in Guyana attracts both tourists and mates.
Across the country, lakes are where both sexes of the Guanan cock-of-the-rock gather for spectacular mating displays. The tangerine-colored males display their plumage as part of the noisy and colorful courtyard display, which takes place in March - although you can see the birds congregating in these areas all year round.
One of the easiest meeting grounds to find is Kaieteur Falls, while other destinations in Guyana such as ATTA Rainforest Lodge also have access to the lake.
15. Find the harpy eagle's nest
Guyana's giant animals can be found in the forests of Guyana. Named after creatures from Greek mythology, the harpy eagle is a truly magnificent bird that stands over a meter tall.
It is considered the heaviest and most powerful of all eagle species, especially because its talons are longer than those of grizzly bears.
Like the Guanan cock-of-the-rock, there are known nesting sites throughout Guyana. ATTA Rainforest Lodge and one of the other lodges around the country have access to harpy eagle nests where – with luck – you might find a female raising her young.
Their nests are extraordinary, measuring more than a meter in diameter and perched in treetops up to 40 meters from the ground - roughly the height of a ten-story building. To get a better look, don't forget to bring your binoculars!
16. Spend a day in Georgetown, Guyana's dirty but charming capital
While the country's bustling capital is certainly not Guyana's main attraction, most visitors spend at least a day or two in Georgetown. Here, Guyana's colonial past blends with the dirty and noisy reality of any modern city.
You'd be hard-pressed to call Georgetown pretty, but its streets have a certain charm. In the city center, faded wooden buildings carry wooden trots like horses and carriages across busy intersections filled with taxis and intrepid motorbikes.
The architecture here is one of the main points of interest. A stroll through the town brings you to the most curious buildings, including the restored Anglican St. George's Cathedral, which, painted white and made of wood, looks like an iced cake.
17. Stay in a historic lodge frequented by presidents and royalty
While in Georgetown, don't forget to spend a night at Kara Lodge, one of the city's most luxurious accommodations.
Like many of the capital's historic buildings, it began life as a 19th-century stately home for one of Guyanese's bourgeois families.
Since being converted into a hotel in the late 1990s, Kara Lodge now offers the perfect blend of history and modernity. Fine balconies and polished hardwood floors from the original building have been preserved, while modern comforts (like much-needed AC) have been added to the hotel's 34 bedrooms.
However, part of the hotel's appeal is its colorful history, which has opened its picture-perfect doors to members of the British royal family as well as other dignitaries such as former American President Jimmy Carter.
18. Tour the last remaining sugarcane plantation in Guyana
If there's one thing you should learn about Guyana before you travel, it's the fact that this country is run by rum. Drink it with chilled ginger ale or lime and don't forget to complement the taste: it's a source of pride for the locals.
Barges loaded with sugar cane stalks are moored in the canal at one of Guyana's last sugar plantations.
Explore the country's history and rum traditions in one of the last sugar plantations.
But to find out where it comes from, visit one of only three still-working sugarcane plantations in Guyana. Founded by Dutch colonists, the Lenora and Uitvlugt plantations are the only ones in the world that use a unique type of transport to move sugarcane between the fields and the factory: the punt.
In fact, tourists can even board one (converted for passengers instead of sugarcane) as you float along the canal system and learn about an important part of the country's colonial history.
19. Take in a sunset on Guyana's only highway
Perhaps the most unique feature of Guyana is the lack of roads. Due to the vast network of rivers, boat travel outstripped over-ground transportation, and as a result, Guyana is home to only one highway - which, to this day, remains unpaved.
Two men chatting at a popular tourist attraction - a mobile roadside bar on Guyana's only highway
Enjoy a drink along the open road and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife.
For something truly unique in Guyana, stay at ATTA Rainforest Lodge, a charming hotel surrounded by rainforest in the Yokarma Reserve. Accessed by vehicles along the red dust of the highway, this lodge offers a single sunset activity: a sunset out on the road.
While enjoying a cold beer on the highway might not sound like much fun, it's definitely a quirky experience as staff from the lodge bring deck chairs and beer coolers to sit on the dusty road as dusk falls.
Avoid getting too relaxed, however: While the road is closed to traffic at night, you should still keep your eyes open for tree bait and big cats paddling across the highway.
20. Stay at a tribal lodge in the country
While the world debates the virtues of tourism and how travelers can positively impact the places they visit, the people of Guyana continue to quietly prove how easy sustainable tourism can be.
Wherever you go, eco-lodges run by local indigenous people continue to set 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 tribals of Rewa village. Started thanks to a grant from Conservation International, the lodge is staffed by members of the local community.
Their ancestral knowledge of the animals' habitats and their behavior makes it an ideal place to learn about the rainforest and see its most elusive creatures.
What's more, the community is involved in several initiatives to protect wildlife and forests, which means that by visiting, you're supporting the preservation of over 350 square kilometers of virgin land from logging, mining and other environmentally damaging industries.
21. Explore Borda Market and enjoy a Guyanese feast at the Backyard Cafe
With a population spanning cultures as diverse as Indians, Africans and indigenous Amerindians, there's no better way to dive into this mix than with a stroll through Georgetown's Borda Market.
Spanning four blocks in the heart of the city, this market spills out onto the streets, with stall owners screeching as they hustle passers-by.
Products for sale range from everyday vegetables to fruits you've never seen before and suspicious-looking bottles of brown sludge that claim to cure impotence.
An unforgettable experience in Georgetown is a tour of the market with local chef Delven Adams, who introduces you to vendors as you buy ingredients for lunch and sample local delicacies such as rum-infused slops and fresh coconut water.
At his restaurant, the Backyard Cafe, the day's shopping is transformed into a spectacular display of local Guyanese cuisine. Highlights include baked fish rubbed with garlic and herbs and delicious fruit juices – again, mixed with rum if you like!
FAQs:
Q: What is the best time to visit Guyana?
Experience Guyana's beauty during the dry season from September to November when the weather is favorable for exploration and outdoor activities.
Q: Are there any safety concerns for tourists in Guyana?
While Guyana is generally safe, it's advisable to stay vigilant, especially in urban areas. Follow local advice and take necessary precautions.
Q: Can I explore Guyana on a budget?
Yes, Guyana caters to various budgets. Opt for local transportation, affordable accommodations, and explore markets for budget-friendly meals and souvenirs.
Q: Is English widely spoken in Guyana?
Yes, English is the official language, making communication easy for international travelers.
Q: What wildlife can I encounter in Guyana's rainforests?
Guyana boasts diverse wildlife, including jaguars, howler monkeys, toucans, and vibrant bird species. Join guided tours for a chance to spot these incredible creatures.
Q: How can I contribute to Guyana's conservation efforts?
Support local eco-friendly initiatives, choose responsible tourism, and participate in community-based projects to contribute to Guyana's conservation endeavors.
Conclusion:
Embarking on a journey to Guyana is an immersive experience, blending nature, culture, and adventure seamlessly. From the untamed rainforests to vibrant festivals, every moment in Guyana is a celebration of life. Plan your itinerary wisely, and let Guyana unveil its magic to you.
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