Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in French Guiana
Deep in tropical South America, French Guiana (also famous as “Guyane”) is a division of France surrounding Brazil, Suriname, as well as the Atlantic. It’s a land where history adjoins current in obvious inconsistency. Thick jungles shield age-old native villages, while rockets surge above, hurled from the country’s profitable Space Centre. The metropolis, Cayenne, is a fusion of French, Asian, African, and Brazilian lifestyles.
Îles du Salut (Salvation Islands).
Back in 1931, Frenchman Henri Charrière was declared guilty of a murder he did not do. He was convicted to life in prison at the disciplinary outpost on Devil’s Island, one of the notable Îles du Salut where shark-filled waters whip the rocky coasts. After enduring 12 years of dreadful conditions he fled to Venezuela. The book and movie, Papillon, recall his trials.
Nowadays, South America tours to the islands, around 11 kilometres away from the shoreline of Kourou, brings his tale to life. Many emerge at Île Royale, the biggest of the three islands and the earlier managerial base for the territory. The structures have been turned into resorts and tourist establishments, and an ample range of animals now occupy the island such as macaws, monkeys, also agouti. At the gift boutique, travellers could purchase postcards stamped “Devil’s Island,” while the dock now greets cruise ships where convicts were once discharged. Île St Joseph was kept for solitary imprisonment for those convicts at Devil’s Island, and Île du Diable (Devil’s Island) is not open to the public.
Hattes Beach (Plages les Hattes).
In the northwest nook of French Guiana, Plage les Hattes at Awala-Yalimapo is the most significant single nesting location in the world for massive leatherback turtles. In the peak season from April to July, around 80 leatherbacks stumble up the beach in one night. Their eggs hatch amid July and September. This 3-kilometre extent of beach is also a significant nesting location for green turtles and, on certain instances, Olive Ridley and hawksbill turtles. Prior to travelling to the beach, tourist could learn about these gentle animals at the tiny native museum.
Also at Awala-Yalimapo are various Amerindian colonies. Travellers could sail up the Maroni River to a long-lasting customary village.
Tresor Nature Reserve, Kaw.
A 1.5- to 2-hour drive from Cayenne, the wildlife-affluent swamps of Kaw engulf thousands of square kilometers. The Tresór Nature Reserve surrounds a large region of the Kaw environment and is a great location to watch black caimans, a tinier relation of the American alligator, and also a wealthy variety of bird types like the scarlet ibis. Backpacking South America travellers normally tour the marshes on escorted trips on board native ships that differ greatly in ease. When reserving boat trips, make sure to ask about shade coverings and seat pillows. Choices comprise of day or night tours and a 24-hour tour with a one night stay in an Amerindian-style shack. Even though this is one of French Guiana’s most approachable wildlife regions, it is still well off the beaten path.
Inside the Tresór Nature Reserve, Mont Favard includes hiking paths, petroglyphs, and ample purple and yellow poison dart frogs.
Remire-Montjoly Beach.
At Remire-Montjoly, those looking for a beach holiday would find Cayenne’s best extent of sand and sea. Bordered with palms and rich vegetation, this small, stretch of golden coastline is prominent for sunbathing. The sediment waters are not perfect for swimming, but good enough for a quick plunge following a hike in the neighbouring nature keep. Fort Diamant rests on the tip of the Cayenne Cape, and travellers could also view the remains of an ancient sugar mill. From the town of Rémire-Montjoly, the picturesque 5 kilometre Rorotá Track (Sentier du Rorotá) mounts Mahury Mountain with the opportunity to view wide-eyed sloths clutching trees.