Guyana Travel Guide: All you need to know to visit Guyana in 2023

Guyana is an amazing country for explorers, with its abundance of natural rainforest, giant river otters, sustainable tourism, and cultural heritage. It is a nation the size of Idaho that is nestled along the Caribbean Sea in the far northeast of South America.

This ultimate Guyana travel guide offers practical and inspiring tips for making the most of your trip when visiting the country.

Document checklist for Guyana

• Visa (if applicable)

• Passport with at least 6 months of validity

• Sufficient funds to cover your trip

• Return or onward ticket

Essential Guyana travel information

• Currency - The Guyanese dollar (GYD) is the official currency of Guyana. USD 1 is approx. GYD 210.

• Daily budget for 1 person - Allow a daily budget of between USD 90-170 (GYD 18,900-35,700) depending on your preferences.

• Languages - English is the official language, but Guyanese Creole is also widely spoken.

• Number of travelers per year - Guyana recorded a total of 315,000 tourists in 2019.

• Socket type - Types A, B, D, and G. The standard voltage is 240 V and the frequency is 60 Hz.

• Time zone - Guyana Time (GMT-4).

• Top 3 cities to visit - Georgetown, Linden, and New Amsterdam.

• Top 3 landmarks/monuments - The Guyana Sea Wall, the Kissing Bridge, and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

Visa information for Guyana

Before visiting the country, you may have to apply for a Guyana Visitor Visa, depending on your nationality. For example, British and U.S. nationals can visit the country visa-free for up to 90 days.

Visitors who do need a visa can apply for the Guyana Visitor Visa, which you can check via the official government website. Single-entry Guyana tourist visas typically have a validity period of one to three months. For some nationals, a multiple-entry visa is valid for a year.

Citizens from Bolivia and citizens of the United Arab Emirates may obtain visas on arrival, as well as those travelers who are unable to get one through their home country's diplomatic mission.

Use our handy Visa Checker Tool to find out which documents you need for your trip.

Visa difficulty index for Guyana

Accessibility: 3/5

The Guyana visa can be obtained from an embassy or consulate. This can be an inconvenience for some people.

Time to get your visa: 3/5

The average processing time for a Guyana Tourist Visa is 3-10 working days.

Costs: 3/5

The Guyana Tourist Visa fee ranges from USD 25-70, depending on where you’re applying from.

Typical costs and budget for Guyana

Here's what you'll spend on a mid-range budget traveling through Guyana:

• Daily spending - The total budget per day would range from USD 90-170 (GYD 18,900-35,700) depending on the type of accommodation and dining options chosen.

• Meals - Expect to spend around USD 30-50 (GYD 6,300-10,500) per day on food.

• Transport - Local buses and taxis are the most common modes of transport and can cost around USD 10-20 USD(GYD 2,100-4,200) per day.

• Hotel - A night at a budget hotel starts at USD 50 (GYD 10,500).

The total budget for a week with two people would be around USD 1680 (GYD 354,390) depending on your travel standards.

Transport and best ways to travel around Guyana

There are many ways to get to and around Guyana. The following tips will help you navigate the country safely.

Getting to Guyana

Flying is the quickest way to reach Guyana. Miami and New York both offer direct flights with Caribbean Airlines. Flying to the United States and taking a connecting flight from there is the simplest way to reach Guyana if you are coming from Europe or the United Kingdom.

The cheapest months to fly to Guyana are October and February, and the most expensive months are May to August. Find out more about the best time to travel further down.

Arrival and immigration tips for Guyana

Here’s some Guyana travel advice to make the arrival process smoother:

• Make sure your passport should be valid for 6 months from the date you arrive.

• Visitors from certain countries may also require a visa to enter Guyana, so it's important to check the requirements in advance.

• Immigration and customs forms are usually distributed on the plane, so visitors should complete them before landing to avoid delays.

Exploring Guyana by road

While traveling by road in Guyana can be challenging due to the country's rugged terrain and limited infrastructure, it is an exciting way to explore the country's stunning landscapes.

Taxis, buses, and mini buses are the most common modes of transportation on land.

Visitors can also rent a car and drive around themselves, but it's important to note that the roads can be in poor condition, so it's best to hire a driver who knows the area well. It's also possible to take a taxi or minibus to the border and cross into neighboring countries, such as Brazil or Suriname.

Exploring Guyana by water

With its many rivers and waterways, Guyana offers visitors the chance to explore the country by boat. River taxis, speedboats, and ferries are all available for hire, and they are an excellent way to visit remote areas that are otherwise inaccessible.

One popular route is the Essequibo River, where visitors can explore the vast rainforests, spot wildlife like jaguars and tapirs, and visit indigenous villages. Another option is to take a river cruise along the Demerara River, where visitors can enjoy the stunning scenery and learn about Guyana's rich history.

Safety in Guyana

Guyana is generally considered a safe country to visit, although it's recommended to take appropriate precautions when traveling to certain areas. Here are some tips to ensure your safety:

• Beware when traveling to or from Georgetown Cheddi Jagan International Airport during early morning or late night hours. Keep car windows closed and doors locked while driving.

• Use official taxis or arrange transportation through your hotel or a trusted source.

• Keep your valuables and passport secure and avoid displaying expensive jewelry or electronics.

• Avoid political rallies or demonstrations, as they can sometimes turn violent. Additionally, areas near the borders of Venezuela and Suriname may have heightened security risks due to illegal activities such as drug trafficking and smuggling.

• Take precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue fever and Zika virus by wearing long-sleeved clothing and using insect repellent. To avoid medical or other emergencies, it's important to get travel insurance. This will help access medical treatment, get emergency travel documents, and even assist with medical evacuation if necessary.

Weather in Guyana

Guyana has a tropical climate, with temperatures ranging between 23°C to 32°C (73°F to 90°F) throughout the year. The country experiences two rainy seasons, from May to mid-August and from mid-November to mid-January.

The best time to visit Guyana is from August to September or February to March, just after the rainy seasons.

Must do and see in Guyana

Here is a roundup of the top Guyana attractions you should see on a trip to the country:

1. Visit Kaieteur Falls: Located in the heart of Guyana's rainforest, Kaieteur Falls is the world's largest single-drop waterfall. A visit to this natural wonder is a must-do when in Guyana.

2. Explore the capital city Georgetown: Georgetown is the largest city in Guyana and is home to many historic sites, including St. George's Cathedral, the National Museum, and the Botanical Gardens.

3. Take a wildlife tour: Guyana is known for its diverse wildlife, including jaguars, giant otters, and anacondas. Many tour operators offer guided tours to see these animals in their natural habitat.

4. Visit the Iwokrama Rainforest: The Iwokrama Rainforest is a protected reserve that is home to a variety of wildlife and bird species. Visitors can take guided tours, hike through the rainforest, and stay in eco-friendly lodges.

5. Experience Amerindian culture: Guyana is home to several indigenous communities, including the Wai Wai, Makushi, and Arawak. Visitors can learn about their culture and traditions through cultural tours and homestays.

Typical Guyanese food to try

Try these typical Guyana dishes on a trip to the country:

• Pepperpot: This is a meat stew that is traditionally made with cassareep, a sauce made from cassava root. Adding beef, pork, or mutton, it will be simmered for hours with spices like cinnamon and cloves to create a rich, spicy flavor.

• Roti: A flatbread, commonly eaten with curry dishes in Guyana. Roti can be made with a variety of flours, including wheat, chickpea, and all-purpose flour. It is often filled with meat or vegetable curries and is a staple in many Guyanese households.

• Metemgee: This seafood and coconut milk stew is popular among the Guyanese Creole population. The stew is typically made with fish, crab, and shrimp, and is flavored with herbs and spices like thyme, basil, and scallions.

• Cook-up Rice: A one-pot rice dish similar to jambalaya or paella. The rice is cooked with meat, beans, and vegetables, and is seasoned with spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Cook-up rice is a hearty, filling dish that is a favorite among Guyanese families.

Vaccine information for Guyana

Before booking your trip, it's important to know what vaccinations and COVID-19 measures are needed to enter Guyana. We advise you to check the CDC website for more info about all vaccine requirements and any recommended guidance or medicine lists.

How to visit the Kaieteur Falls in Guyana

One of the best things to see in Guyana are the Kaieteur Falls, located in the Kaieteur National Park. The falls are one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world, with a drop of 226 meters, making it almost five times taller than Niagara Falls.

The park is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including over 800 species of birds, making it a perfect spot for birdwatching.

To reach the falls, visitors can take a short plane ride from Georgetown, the capital city of Guyana. Along the way, they can enjoy the stunning views of the rainforest and the Essequibo River. Once at the falls, visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the history, geology, and ecology of the area.

Or take a hike through the rainforest to see the falls from different viewpoints, and spot some of the unique wildlife of the area. Visiting Kaieteur Falls is a must-do activity for nature lovers and adventure seekers visiting Guyana.