Guyana

Guyana

Guyana is South America's hidden treasure - the only English-speaking country on the continent. Home to Kaieteur Falls, the world's tallest single-drop waterfall at 741 feet, and nearly one million acres of pristine rainforest at Iwokrama. Jaguars, giant river otters, and harpy eagles roam free while indigenous communities preserve ancient traditions.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay10 days
Budget$50/day
Mid-range$120/day
Luxury$350/day

Known For

guyanakaieteur_fallsgeorgetownrainforesteco_tourismiwokramawildlifejaguarharpy_eaglegiant_river_otteramazonsouth_americaenglish_speakingadventurebirdingrupununiindigenousamerindianunexploredoff_the_beaten_path

🇬🇾 Country Information: Guyana

CapitalGeorgetown
CurrencyGuyanese dollar ($)
LanguageEnglish , Guyanese Creole, Hindustani, various Indigenous languages
Phone Code+592
Electricity240V (Type A, B, D, G)
Tap WaterNot recommended

Tipping

  • Tipping is becoming more common in tourist areas
  • For restaurants, 10% is customary if a service charge is not included
  • For tour guides and drivers, a few dollars per day is appreciated

Money & Payments

  • ATMs are available but not always reliable, especially outside of Georgetown
  • Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and some larger businesses in Georgetown, but less so elsewhere
  • It is advisable to bring cash, especially smaller denominations, for daily expenses and areas outside the capital
  • There is no official black market for cash, but unofficial currency exchange may exist

Cultural Norms

  • Dress conservatively, especially when visiting religious sites
  • Respect elders and use appropriate titles
  • Politeness and good manners are highly valued
  • Ask for permission before taking photos of people

LGBTQ+ Information

Exercise caution. Homosexual acts are illegal and punishable by law. LGBTQ+ individuals may face discrimination.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

  • Legal drinking age is 18
  • Drug laws are strict, and penalties for drug offenses are severe

Special Laws

  • It is illegal to possess or traffic in protected wildlife and their products
  • Driving is on the left
  • hand side of the road
  • Photography of military or government installations is prohibited

Common Phrases

NoNo
YesYes
HelloHello
Thank youThank you

Climate

Tropical climate with two rainy seasons. Long rains May-July, short rains November-January. Dry seasons August-October and February-April offer best conditions. Hot and humid year-round (75-90°F/24-32°C). Interior rainforest cooler. Coastal Georgetown has sea breezes.

Best Time to Visit

Getting There

Getting Around

Health & Vaccinations

Staying Connected

Local Cuisine

Pepper Pot must_try

National dish - a rich, dark stew of meat slow-cooked in cassareep (cassava syrup) with spices. Traditionally served at Christmas but available year-r

Roti must_try

Guyanese roti reflects the country's large Indo-Guyanese population. Soft flatbread served with curry - chicken, goat, or vegetable. The dhal puri var

Cook-Up Rice must_try

One-pot rice dish with beans, coconut milk, and meat or fish. Every Guyanese family has their own recipe. Comfort food often served on weekends.

Metemgee local_favorite

Traditional Afro-Guyanese dish of ground provisions (cassava, plantain, yam) cooked in coconut milk with fish. Rich and satisfying.

Pholourie must_try

Deep-fried split pea balls served with mango sour or pepper sauce. Perfect street snack. Found at markets and roadside vendors.

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Kaieteur Falls Flight tour_or_activity
Book 2 weeks to 3 months in advance

Limited charter flights. Weather can cause cancellations requiring schedule flexibility.

Eco-Lodge Stays (Iwokrama, Surama, Karanambu) Accommodation
Book 1-6 months in advance

Limited capacity at remote lodges. No walk-in option.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

International Flights Transport
Book 1-4 months in advance

Limited flight options to Georgetown. Few airlines serve the route.

Fun Facts

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