Best Things to Do in Guyana
Planning the trip of a lifetime is more than just logistics - the how, where and when. Even if you have the main part of your trip mapped out, chances are you’ll also be researching what else you might want to explore in your destination country.
A Guyana adventure is something we know about well, here at Kandoo, and we love to help with inspiration, travel tips and advice. From flights to Guyana to the weather of Guyana and how to make the most of your time there, our goal is to help build excitement for your adventure and make sure you have an unforgettable experience, with us and beyond.
A Kandoo Guyana tour will invariably include awesome trekking, incredible scenery and immersion into some of the most pristine and beautiful wildlife in the world but if you plan to stay on longer and want to know about other things to see in Guyana, we’ve got your back! No matter which Guyana trip you opt for, our recommendations of places to visit in Guyana will give you plenty of food for thought and ideas for trip extensions.
1. Kaieteur Falls
Kaieteur Falls in Guyana is one of the world's most powerful waterfalls. Located in Kaieteur National Park, deep within the Guyana Amazon rainforest, it is the largest of all the Guyana waterfalls (of which there are many!). Situated on the Potaro River, Kaieteur Falls lies in the country's western region which forms part of the Guiana Shield and is surrounded by pristine wilderness and diverse wildlife. Five times the height of Niagara Falls with incredible views, this natural wonder should not be missed!
Kaieteur Falls’ remote location has kept it largely untouched by commercialism - a blessing for nature lovers - but it also means it is logistically challenging to get to. Most people take a guided tour by plane from Georgetown - the largest city in Guyana and its capital - or a multi-day trek for an immersive jungle experience.
2. Iwokrama Rainforest
Guyana is one of South America's most densely forested countries, with rainforests covering nearly 91% of its landmass. Exploring this biodiversity hotspot is an adventure into one of the world’s most pristine ecosystems. Home to jaguars, giant otters, and countless bird species, it's an absolute haven for environmentalists and animal lovers.
The highlight of any trip to the Iwokrama rainforest is the canopy walkway - a series of suspension bridges and decks of up to 30 metres in height and 154 metres in length. From it, you can take in breathtaking views of the forest, with minimal impact on the natural environment. Stay in an Iwokrama River Lodge for a fully immersive experience.
3. Georgetown
As mentioned above, Georgetown is the capital of Guyana. Because of the history of Guyana, it is a city with a diverse heritage and culture. Find out more about this in the Guyana National Museum.
Georgetown's architecture is predominantly influenced by British colonial rule, evident in its wooden structures and Victorian-era buildings like St. George’s Cathedral - one of the world’s tallest wooden churches - that dates back to the early 1800s and is well worth a visit.
Head to Stabroek markets, where you can experience Guyanese daily life and culture and sample delicious Guyanese food. Visit the waterfront in Georgetown on a Sunday evening for some warm weathered people-watching. More specifically - the Kingston Seawall - where hundreds of locals enjoy finishing their weekend with a stroll along the sea.
For a dose of urban green space, check out Guyana Botanical Gardens. Explore the exotic flora, ponds, and wildlife and find out how it has contributed to botanical research, biodiversity conservation and ecological awareness.
4. Rupununi Savannah
A vast expanse of grasslands in southwestern Guyana, the Rupununi Savannah supports a large percentage of Guyana’s biodiversity and is home to indigenous communities. Vital to the region’s ecological and cultural balance, the Rupununi River runs through the savannah, connecting ecosystems, sustaining wildlife, and supporting agriculture and fishing.
The Kanuku Mountains divide the savannah from north to south, making its landscape diverse and beautiful. Unique wildlife like giant anteaters and capybaras can be spotted here, along with many bird species.
Guyanese people celebrate their indigenous culture and you can stay in eco-lodges, run by these communities, supporting the local economy. This unspoiled region is perfect for conservation enthusiasts who are visiting Guyana.
5. Essequibo River Tour
Next on our list of Guyana attractions is an Essequibo River tour. Taking a boat to explore Guyana’s largest waterway is an adventure and offers the opportunity to take in the surrounding nature and historic landmarks with a local expert.
Guyana is known as the land of many waters for a reason and it’s easy to see why when visiting the Essequibo River - with its extensive tributaries. You can expect lush river islands, cascading waterfalls, and wildlife-rich shores. Highlights include Fort Island’s colonial ruins, Bartica - a prominent town in central Guyana, which stands on the confluence of two tributaries, and Sloth Island - as the name suggests, a serene island inhabited by a high concentration of sloths.
6. Visit an Indigenous Village
No trip to Guyana would be complete without visiting an indigenous village. Guyana tourism invests in these immersive experiences which promote cultural preservation and support local economies. Visit villages such as Surama and Rewa in the Rupununi region, which are popular for eco-lodges and guided tours.
You can expect warm hospitality, traditional crafts, dances, and authentic local cuisine. It’s fascinating to learn about the sustainable practices of tribes like the Makushi and Wai Wai, including farming, fishing, and forest conservation. By visiting, you contribute to preserving Guyanese heritage while exploring untouched landscapes and it’s an invaluable opportunity to connect with Guyana’s cultural diversity and natural beauty.
7. Guyana Beaches
As part of the Caribbean, you might assume there are a few beautiful beaches in Guyana. But because of deposits of mud and silt from the mouth of both the Orinoco and Amazon Rivers into the Atlantic, plus tidal activity, Guyana is not renowned for its beaches.
There are better known river beaches and more tourist spots inland, but - if you’re lusting after some coastal beach life when travelling to Guyana, Shell Beach is your best bet.
Shell Beach in Guyana is a remote, 90-mile-long, protected coastline of crystal clear water and golden sand with intermittent mangroves. It is home to endangered sea turtles that nest here between March and August. The ecosystem here also supports manatees, jaguars and monkeys. Eco lodges can be found in small villages close by but it’s worth noting that you must obtain permission from the Protected Areas Commission before planning your visit to this beach.
8. Mount Roraima
Mount Roraima is a majestic tabletop mountain that
borders Guyana, Venezuela, and Brazil reaching 2810m. Also known as a tepui and
characterised by its tabletop summit, Mount Roraima rises dramatically from
surrounding forests and has sheer cliffs and unique rock formations that date
back over two billion years.
If reaching the summit of Mount Roraima is your
goal, this is best achieved by venturing into neighbouring Venezuela from Gran
Sabana - something which many describe as a surreal adventure because of the
unique landscape and vegetation. Visitors report being awed by the distinct
geology, lush greenery, breathtaking waterfalls, and rare flora - including
carnivorous plants. The summit provides unparalleled views and a somewhat
otherworldly experience.
As one of the most distinctive landmarks of Guyana,
simply viewing Mount Roraima (if hiking it isn’t possible) during your travel
to Guyana is achievable from the Pacaraima Mountains - which are worth a trip
of their own!
9. Orinduik Falls
Orinduik Falls can be tied in with some of the items we have already listed here, such as a trip to Kaieteur Falls or visiting the Rupununi Savannah. They are accessible via short flights from Georgetown or overland tours - Orinduik Falls is a highlight of the Rupununi region.
Found on the Ireng River near the Brazil border, the falls are in the middle of grasslands, a characteristic of the surrounding savannah. Beautiful terraced falls flow over jasper rock - a semi-precious, red-coloured stone, common in the Essequibo region of Guyana. The natural pools make for a delightful cooling dip during a trek and the wide flat rock formations are perfect for stopping to sunbathe and picnic. The best time to visit is outside of the Guyana rainy season, between February and April when the flow of the river is less intense the falls are more safely accessible.
10. Birdwatching
Even if you don’t consider birdwatching to be a
favourite pastime, the sheer volume of birds that are unique to Guyana and the
incredible beauty of many of these species is a reason to engage in a spot of
birding.
Guyana has almost 80% of its territory covered by
forest and still holds some of the few remaining areas of untouched, unspoiled,
primary rainforest in the world, making it a safe sanctuary for many bird
species, including the harpy eagle, toucans, parrots, macaws, hummingbirds,
trumpeters and many more. Bird spotting is easily combined with many of the
above Guyana attractions and can be done on most tours.
By now, you’ll have realised that you won’t be
short of ideas for what to do in Guyana if you have some time outside of your
organised adventure travel, but we all agree at Kandoo that the birds of Guyana
deserve a special mention here.
Kandoo Adventure Travel – Get Guyana Ready!
For more advice on the places to visit in Guyana,
along with any other queries you might have about this amazing destination,
Kandoo are here to help.