Guyana feels like a secret hiding in plain sight. Tucked on the northern edge of South America, it’s a country where rainforest meets rhythm, where English is the official language, but the culture is a blend of Afro-Caribbean, Indian, Indigenous, and colonial influences.
There are no tourist crowds. No polished resorts. Just raw beauty—rivers thick with mist, birds calling in the canopy, and the roar of a waterfall you can hear before you see it. Guyana isn’t trying to be anyone else. That’s what makes it unforgettable.
Why Go to Guyana?
Because it offers something rare: real adventure. The kind that isn’t choreographed or filtered. This is one of the last places on earth where you can stand beneath a 740-foot waterfall with no railing, no crowds, and nothing but jungle all around.
Nature dominates here. Around 90% of Guyana is covered in forest. You can paddle through blackwater creeks, spot jaguars and giant otters, and sleep in eco-lodges run by local communities who know the land better than any map.
And then there’s the culture—colorful, complex, and full of life. Think Diwali lamps floating on rivers, soca music blasting from minivans, and pepperpot served at Christmas breakfast.
Must-See Attractions in Guyana
Kaieteur Falls
One of the world’s tallest single-drop waterfalls, and by far one of the most powerful. Reach it by bush plane, then walk a short trail to the brink. No fences. No rush. Just you and the mist.
Iwokrama Forest
A protected rainforest reserve rich in wildlife. Home to the elusive jaguar, and a place to experience the treetop canopy walkway.
Surama Eco-Village
An Indigenous Makushi community offering guided hikes, birdwatching, and cultural experiences. Stay in a thatched lodge and wake up to howler monkeys.
Georgetown
The capital is lively and chaotic, with colonial wooden buildings, bustling markets, and strong rum punch. Check out St. George’s Cathedral and the Botanical Gardens.
Shell Beach
A remote stretch of sand on the northwest coast where four species of sea turtles nest. Best visited with local conservation guides.
Rupununi Savannah
Open landscapes dotted with cattle ranches and termite mounds. Great for spotting anteaters, horseback riding, and meeting Indigenous communities.
What to Eat in Guyana
Pepperpot
A slow-cooked meat stew flavored with cassareep (a sauce made from cassava). Traditionally eaten during holidays, but some restaurants serve it year-round.
Cook-up Rice
A one-pot dish with rice, beans, coconut milk, and meat. Simple, hearty, and beloved.
Roti with Curry
Influence from East Indian heritage—flaky flatbread served with spicy curry, usually chicken or goat.
Metemgee
A thick, coconut-based soup filled with root vegetables, plantains, and dumplings. Comfort food in a bowl.
Chow Mein
Chinese influence meets Guyanese style. Often made with chicken, vegetables, and local seasoning.
Essential Travel Tips for Guyana
Best Time to Visit
September to April is the dry season—ideal for jungle trips and river travel. May to August brings more rain, but also fewer tourists.
Money & Payments
- Currency: Guyanese dollar (GYD)
- Cards: Accepted in larger hotels and shops in Georgetown
- Cash: Essential for most places outside the capital
- Tipping: Appreciated, especially for guides and small eateries
Getting Around
- Domestic flights connect remote lodges and parks
- Minibuses run between towns but may not follow fixed schedules
- Boats are often the only way to reach interior villages
Staying Safe
- Georgetown requires street smarts—avoid walking alone at night
- In rural areas, safety concerns are minimal
- Bring insect repellent, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle
- Some areas require yellow fever vaccination for entry
Staying Connected in Guyana
Mobile signal is decent in Georgetown and regional towns but fades fast once you head into the rainforest or Rupununi. Wi-Fi is available in hotels and lodges, but don’t expect high speeds or constant service.
Getting a local SIM means finding a shop, showing ID, and navigating limited data plans. Not always easy if you’re moving around.
JetSet eSIM makes travel simpler.
Activate your Guyana JetSet eSIM before your flight and enjoy instant access to mobile data as soon as you land. Whether you’re navigating the markets of Georgetown, coordinating a trip to Kaieteur, or uploading a sunset from the savannah, you’ll stay connected without chasing down a signal.
Adventure doesn’t have to mean going off the grid, unless you want it to.
