7 Best Places to Visit in Guyana Before You Die

When thinking of Guyana in the Caribbean, you may not think of rainforests and cities, but the best places to visit in Guyana before you die inherit strongly from this country’s South American-and-Caribbean roots. A sovereign state on the Caribbean coast of South America, Guyana is one of the few Caribbean countries to be located in South America, and thus has a rich heritage of natural beauty, from rainforests to waterfalls (‘Guyana’ actually derives from an indigenous phrase meaning ‘land of many waters’!). If you’re not impressed by this country’s stunning natural beauty, perhaps Georgetown, it’s most populous area, will be more up your street; from culturally-rich museums to bustling night-life, the city has something for everyone. Guyana is a country made up of vastly differing geological features; this country has natural beauty aplenty. Whilst this country does not hold any World Heritage sites, it is recognized by UNESCO for being an area worthy of conservation.

Although, like most countries in South America, Guyana has a turbulent political history, it is now considered to be a politically-stable republic and should be totally safe to travel to. As always it is best to take precautions before you travel, including checking local news and weather to see if there is anything that could upset your journey. The weather in Guyana can be exceptionally warm, so remember to pack sunscreen and drink plenty of water. If you’re going hiking in one of the many forests, remember to stick to the paths. If you plan ahead and follow these simple steps, you’ll experience all the best places to visit in Guyana before you die.

If the other side of the South American sub-continent intrigues you, then perhaps a read of the best places to visit in Ecuador before you die will add fuel to the fires of your wanderlust. But for now, let’s get on with the top 7 places to visit in Guyana before you die!

7. Mount Roraima

Mount Roraima, with its breathtaking sheer-cliff top, is the triple border point of Guyana, Brazil and Venezuela. The table-top mountains of this range are considered some of the Earth’s oldest geological features, and are not to be missed by geology enthusiasts and avid climbers.

6. Iwokrama Forest

The Iwokrama Forest covers one million acres, and is a lush green paradise full of flora and fauna surprises for scientists and adventurers alike. It is often called the ‘green heart of Guyana’, and is a nationally-protected site.

5. Kanuku Mountains

These mountains are recognised by Conservation International for being one of the last, pristine Amazon habitats. The mountainous backing makes for a jaw-dropping panorama, fabulous for hiking, and the savannah surrounding contains many a delight for nature lovers.

4. Georgetown

The capital city of Guyana, Georgetown is host to financial districts and major retail, as well as being the seat of political power (Parliament Building is an architectural wonder, and should make the list of anyone visiting this city). Although small for a capital city, Georgetown offers everything you’d expect and more; shopping, museums, and beautiful skylines.

3. Kaieteur National Park

Home to the Kaieteur Falls, this park is a nationally-protected site with a diverse range of plant and animal life to keep budding biologists on their toes. The Kaieteur Falls are a stunning sight, surrounded by lush, green forest; perfect for losing all your worries in.

2. Orinduik Falls

This waterfall cascades over solid, semi-precious jasper rocks to the beautiful relaxing river beneath. The rolling green hills surrounding this area add to the tranquility of one of Guyana’s most beautiful waterfalls, and any visitor is sure to be left breathless by the awe-inspiring power of the falls.

And, the best place to visit in Guyana before you die is: Shell Beach

Bordered by the Atlantic seaboard, Shell Beach is a unique ecosystem all of its own, containing Mangrove forests, swamps, and savannahs. It is around 90 miles long and is the nesting site of four of the world’s marine turtle species. Whilst during nesting times areas of the beach may be protected by conservation efforts, this amazing stretch of coast is not to be missed.

With its rich cultural and biological heritage, the best places to visit in Guyana before you die are as numerous as they are diverse. If you follow simple, common sense travel tips and plan your itinerary, there is no reason why you shouldn’t be able to see all the beauty Guyana has to offer whilst also staying safe and secure. As always, check local news and weather before you travel, and don’t be afraid to adjust your plans if you need to.