20 Best Places to Visit in Guyana

Nestled on the northeastern coast of South America, Guyana remains one of the continent’s best-kept secrets. With English as its official language and a unique blend of Caribbean and South American cultures, this pristine paradise offers travelers an authentic adventure unlike anywhere else. From the world’s largest single-drop waterfall to vast untouched rainforests covering 80% of the country, Guyana promises unforgettable experiences for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

When planning your Guyana adventure, two essentials will make your journey smoother: reliable connectivity and well-organized accommodations. 📶 Get an eSIM to stay connected in Guyana, especially crucial when exploring remote areas where navigation apps and emergency contact can be lifesavers. For the best travel experience, ✈️ find the best deals for flights, resorts, and hotels well in advance, as accommodations in popular areas can fill up quickly.

1. Kaieteur Falls

Kaieteur Falls stands as Guyana’s crown jewel and should top any list of the best places to visit in Guyana. At 741 feet, it’s nearly five times taller than Niagara Falls and boasts the world’s largest single-drop waterfall by volume. Located in the heart of Kaieteur National Park, this natural wonder remains refreshingly uncrowded, with visitors often having the entire viewing area to themselves.

The falls are accessible via a one-hour flight from Georgetown or a challenging multi-day trek through the rainforest. While at Kaieteur, don’t miss the opportunity to spot the tiny golden poison dart frogs that make their homes in giant tank bromeliads near the falls, or the vibrant Guianan cock-of-the-rock birds that nest in the area.

2. Iwokrama Forest Reserve & Canopy Walkway

The million-acre Iwokrama Forest Reserve protects one of the world’s most pristine rainforests and offers visitors a chance to experience the Amazon ecosystem in its untouched glory. The highlight of any visit is the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway, a series of suspension bridges and viewing platforms suspended 30 meters above the forest floor.

From this unique vantage point, you can spot wildlife that rarely descends to ground level, including colorful birds, howler monkeys, and if you’re exceptionally lucky, the elusive harpy eagle – one of the world’s largest and most powerful birds of prey. The best times to visit are at dawn and dusk when the forest comes alive with activity.

3. Georgetown

Georgetown, Guyana’s capital, offers a fascinating blend of Caribbean and colonial influences. The city’s architecture tells the story of its Dutch and British colonial past, with beautiful wooden buildings that have earned it the nickname “Garden City of the Caribbean.” Don’t miss St. George’s Cathedral, one of the tallest wooden structures in the world, standing at 143 feet tall.

Other must-visit sites include the vibrant Stabroek Market, housed in a unique iron and steel structure dating back to 1881, and the serene Botanical Gardens, where you can spot manatees in the ponds. For a taste of local culture, visit the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology and the National Museum.

4. Rupununi Savannah

The Rupununi Savannah presents a dramatic contrast to Guyana’s dense rainforests. This vast grassland region in the southwest of the country is divided by the Kanuku Mountains and offers some of South America’s best wildlife viewing opportunities. The savannah is home to over 400 species of birds and countless mammals, including giant anteaters, capybaras, and jaguars.

The best way to experience the Rupununi is by staying at one of the community-owned eco-lodges, such as Surama or Rewa, where local indigenous guides share their deep knowledge of the land and its inhabitants. Activities include wildlife safaris, horseback riding across the plains, and fishing for the massive arapaima, one of the world’s largest freshwater fish.

5. Shell Beach

Shell Beach stretches for 90 miles along Guyana’s northern coast and gets its name from the countless seashells that wash ashore. But what makes this beach truly special is its role as a crucial nesting site for four endangered species of sea turtles: leatherback, green, olive ridley, and hawksbill.

Between March and August, visitors can witness the awe-inspiring sight of massive leatherback turtles – some weighing over 1,000 pounds – coming ashore to lay their eggs. The Shell Beach Protected Area also encompasses mangrove forests and mudflats that support a diverse ecosystem including scarlet ibis, caimans, and monkeys.

6. Karanambu Lodge

Karanambu Lodge, situated on a 125-square-mile former cattle ranch in the North Rupununi, has gained international recognition for its giant river otter conservation program. The late Diane McTurk, known as the “Otter Lady,” established this sanctuary where orphaned otters are rehabilitated and released back into the wild.

Staying at Karanambu offers a unique blend of wildlife viewing and cultural experiences. Take boat trips along the Rupununi River to spot otters, black caiman, and countless bird species. Explore the savannah on guided walks to track giant anteaters, or visit nearby indigenous communities to learn about traditional ways of life.

7. Mount Roraima

Mount Roraima is a magnificent tabletop mountain (tepui) that marks the triple border point of Guyana, Venezuela, and Brazil. Rising dramatically to 2,810 meters, its flat summit spans 31 square kilometers and features otherworldly landscapes that inspired Arthur Conan Doyle’s “The Lost World.”

While most climbing expeditions begin from the Venezuelan side, the Guyana side offers spectacular views of the mountain from the Pakaraima Mountains. The unique ecosystem atop Mount Roraima hosts many endemic species, including carnivorous plants and rare orchids, that have evolved in isolation for millions of years.

8. Orinduik Falls

Often visited in combination with Kaieteur Falls, Orinduik Falls offers a completely different waterfall experience. Located on the Ireng River along the border with Brazil, these wide cascades flow over terraces of red jasper, a semi-precious stone, creating a series of natural jacuzzis perfect for swimming.

Unlike the powerful single drop of Kaieteur, Orinduik spreads across a wide area with multiple levels, allowing visitors to safely swim in the refreshing pools. The surrounding savannah landscape provides a scenic backdrop, especially beautiful during sunset when the reddish rocks glow in the golden light.

9. Surama Village

Surama Village, home to the Makushi indigenous people, pioneered community-based ecotourism in Guyana. Located in a savannah valley surrounded by the Pakaraima Mountains, this village offers authentic cultural experiences combined with access to pristine rainforest and savannah ecosystems.

Visitors stay in simple but comfortable accommodations at the Surama Eco-Lodge, managed entirely by the community. Activities include guided nature walks to spot wildlife, demonstrations of traditional skills like cassava processing and basket weaving, and cultural performances featuring Makushi songs and dances. The community’s commitment to sustainable tourism has earned it international recognition.

10. Rewa Eco-Lodge

Rewa Eco-Lodge, established and operated by the indigenous community of Rewa Village, offers one of Guyana’s most immersive wilderness experiences. Located at the confluence of the Rewa and Rupununi rivers, the lodge provides access to diverse ecosystems including rainforest, savannah, and river habitats.

The area is famous for catch-and-release fishing for the massive arapaima, which can grow over 10 feet long and weigh more than 400 pounds. Other activities include hiking Awarmie Mountain for panoramic views, boat trips to spot black caiman and giant river otters, and guided walks to find elusive wildlife like the Goliath bird-eating spider – the world’s largest tarantula.

11. Iwokrama River Lodge

Iwokrama River Lodge serves as the research center and headquarters for the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development. Situated on the banks of the mighty Essequibo River, the lodge offers comfortable accommodations in the heart of one of South America’s most pristine rainforests.

The lodge employs expert local guides who lead visitors on boat trips, forest walks, and night drives along Guyana’s only highway to spot nocturnal creatures. Research scientists frequently stay at the lodge, providing guests with opportunities to learn about ongoing conservation projects. Don’t miss the unique experience of enjoying sundowners on the highway at dusk, watching for wildlife while sipping a cold drink.

12. Essequibo River

The Essequibo River, South America’s third-largest river, flows 630 miles from the Acarai Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean. This mighty waterway has shaped Guyana’s history and continues to serve as a vital transportation route through the country’s interior. A river tour offers a glimpse into both Guyana’s natural wonders and its colonial past.

Highlights include Fort Island, home to the well-preserved Fort Zeelandia and the oldest Dutch Reformed Church in the Western Hemisphere, and Baganara Island Resort, an ideal base for exploring the river. The Essequibo contains over 365 islands, ranging from tiny uninhabited islets to larger islands with settlements and farms.

13. Baganara Island Resort

Baganara Island Resort offers a perfect blend of comfort and nature on a private 187-acre island in the Essequibo River. Just 45 minutes by boat from Bartica, this resort serves as an ideal retreat after exploring Guyana’s more rugged attractions or as a standalone destination for relaxation and river activities.

The resort features comfortable rooms, a swimming beach, and numerous activities including kayaking, fishing, and nature trails. Don’t miss the sunset boat trip to nearby Parrot Island, where thousands of parrots return to roost each evening, creating a spectacular natural display of color and sound as they settle into the trees.

14. Kanuku Mountains

The Kanuku Mountains, which divide the Rupununi Savannah into northern and southern regions, form one of Guyana’s most important protected areas. These mountains harbor extraordinary biodiversity, including over 150 mammal species, 400 bird species, and countless plants, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth.

Adventure seekers can arrange guided treks into the mountains to explore pristine forests, crystal-clear streams, and hidden waterfalls. The mountains are also culturally significant to the indigenous peoples of the region, who have traditional knowledge of the area’s medicinal plants and wildlife.

15. Lethem

Lethem, the main town in the Rupununi region, sits on the border with Brazil and serves as a gateway to both the savannah and the Kanuku Mountains. This frontier town offers a fascinating blend of Guyanese and Brazilian influences, visible in everything from the architecture to the cuisine.

The town comes alive during its famous Easter Rodeo, when cowboys from ranches across the Rupununi gather to demonstrate their skills in events like bull riding, horse racing, and wild cow milking. Throughout the year, Lethem serves as a base for exploring the surrounding natural attractions and indigenous communities.

16. Bartica

Known as the “Gateway to the Interior,” Bartica sits at the confluence of the Essequibo, Mazaruni, and Cuyuni rivers. This bustling river port serves as a crucial supply hub for mining operations and interior communities, creating a frontier atmosphere where gold miners, traders, and travelers converge.

Visitors can explore the lively waterfront, where boats of all sizes load and unload supplies, or venture to nearby Marshall Falls for a refreshing swim. Bartica also hosts one of Guyana’s most colorful Mashramani celebrations (Carnival) each February, featuring vibrant costumes, music, and dancing through the streets.

17. Arrow Point Nature Resort

Just a 45-minute boat ride from Georgetown, Arrow Point Nature Resort offers an accessible taste of Guyana’s rainforest without venturing deep into the interior. Located on the east bank of the Kamuni Creek, this eco-resort features comfortable cabins built in traditional style and raised on stilts among the trees.

Activities include guided nature walks to spot wildlife, boat trips to explore the creek’s tributaries, and night excursions to search for caimans and nocturnal creatures. The resort is particularly popular with birdwatchers, as the surrounding forest hosts hundreds of species including toucans, parrots, and the elusive crimson topaz hummingbird.

18. Caiman House Field Station

Located in the village of Yupukari in the North Rupununi, Caiman House Field Station offers visitors a unique opportunity to participate in black caiman research. This community-based conservation project studies these massive reptiles, which can grow up to 15 feet long, while providing sustainable livelihoods for local residents.

Guests can join researchers on nighttime boat expeditions to catch, measure, and tag black caimans before releasing them back into the water. During the day, explore the surrounding savannah and forest on guided walks, visit the village to learn about indigenous culture, or relax in hammocks at the field station while watching for birds and wildlife.

19. Lake Mainstay Resort

For those seeking a beach experience without the rough Atlantic waters, Lake Mainstay Resort offers a pristine white-sand beach along a freshwater lake on Guyana’s Essequibo Coast. This popular weekend getaway for locals features comfortable accommodations, water sports, and cultural performances.

The resort is known for hosting Guyana’s largest Amerindian heritage celebration each August, featuring traditional dancing, music, crafts, and food from the nine indigenous tribes of Guyana. Throughout the year, visitors can enjoy swimming, kayaking, and fishing in the lake, or explore nearby Amerindian villages and nature reserves.

20. Backyard Café in Georgetown

While not a traditional tourist attraction, no list of the best places to visit in Guyana would be complete without mentioning the Backyard Café in Georgetown. This unique dining experience takes place literally in the backyard of Chef Delven Adams, who returned to Guyana after years of working in the United States to create one of the country’s most memorable culinary experiences.

There’s no menu at Backyard Café – instead, Chef Delven discusses your preferences and dietary restrictions before creating a personalized feast featuring the freshest local ingredients. For the full experience, join him for a morning tour of Bourda Market, where you’ll help select the ingredients for your meal while learning about Guyanese culinary traditions and meeting local vendors.

Ready to Explore Guyana?

Guyana offers travelers a rare opportunity to experience pristine nature, authentic cultural encounters, and adventure without the crowds found in more popular destinations. From the thundering waters of Kaieteur Falls to the tranquil rainforest canopy, from vibrant Georgetown to remote indigenous villages, this “Land of Many Waters” promises unforgettable experiences for those willing to venture off the beaten path.

As you plan your journey to explore the best places to visit in Guyana, remember that preparation is key to a smooth adventure. Ensure reliable connectivity throughout your trip with an eSIM specifically for Guyana, which will keep you connected even in remote areas where navigation and emergency contact might be crucial.