Introduction
A land dense with monolithic natural treasures. Guyana's natural attractions are spectacular, unspoiled and on a scale that dwarfs human endeavor. While lingering effects of Dutch and British colonization make for an unpredictable political and demographic climate, the Guyanese are doing what they can to make their country an ecotourism haven.
Guyana has immense waterfalls, vast tropical rainforests and grasslands teeming with wildlife. There's still a hint of frontier wildness about the country and a few rough edges in the capital Georgetown, but the treasures that await are more than adequate reward for the willing traveler.
'I come to the world with scars upon my soul / wounds on my body, fury in my hands / I turn to the histories of men and the lives of the peoples. / I examine the shower of sparks and the wealth of the dreams./ I am pleased with the glories and sad with the sorrows / rich with the riches, poor with the loss.' - Martin Carter, Guyana's poet laureate
Geography:
Roughly the size of the UK, Guyana is bordered by Venezuela to the west, Suriname to the east, and overshadowed by Brazil to the south. Its northern coast abuts the Atlantic Ocean. The country's most prominent geological feature is the Guiana Shield, a vast crystalline upland north of the R í o Solim õ es, the Amazon's major channel. From Mt Roraima (2772m/9092ft), on the Brazilian border, the shield recedes in steps all the way to the coast. Thick rainforest covers great chunks of the interior, though southwestern Guyana features extensive grassland. About 90% of the population lives on the agriculturally rich coastal plain.
Getting there and away
Most travelers arrive from North America or the Caribbean, and less frequently from Venezuela and Suriname. There are no direct flights from Europe. A departure tax of about 14.00 is payable in Guyanese dollars only. Overland crossings can be made to/from Brazil at the Lethem-Bomfin crossing point, but the border with Venezuela is closed. A passenger ferry crosses the Courantyne River at Corriverton (Springlands) to the Surinamese town of Nieuw Nickerie. Several airlines now offer flights to and from Georgetown to New York and Trinidad.
Getting around
Major carriers fly between Georgetown and Lethem, while smaller carriers provide passenger flights to over 20 destinations. Minibuses and collective taxis link Georgetown and most towns on the coastal belt. Guyana's road network, apart from a paved two-lane stretch from the capital to Linden, is poor and deters all but the hardiest of cyclists. With almost 1000km (620mi) of navigable river, Guyana has ferry services galore. Car hire is available in Georgetown and taxis are a must if crossing the city at night.
Visa:
All visitors must carry a passport, but travelers from the US, Canada, EU countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and the UK do not need a visa; confirm with the nearest embassy or consulate. A 90-day stay is granted on arrival in Guyana with an onward ticket. If you do need a visa, file your application at least six weeks before you leave your home country.
Events
The national celebrations marking Republic Day (February) last about a week and are the most important cultural events of the year. Hindu and Muslim religious festivals are also celebrated and include Phagwah (early March) and Diwali (November).
Destination Facts
Capital: Georgetown
President: Bharrat Jagdeo
Prime Minister: Samuel Hinds
Government: republic
Time zone: GMT -4
Area: 215000
Population: 769095
People: 50% East Indian, 36% Afro-Guyanese, 7% Amerindian, 7% European & Chinese
Languages: Creolese is also spoken, as is Amerindian.
50% Christian, 35% Hindu, 10% Muslim, 5% other
Currency: Guyana Dollar (G$)
Major industries: Sugar, bauxite, rice milling, gold, textiles, timber and shrimp.
Major Trading Partners: UK, USA, Canada, Portugal, Trinidad & Tobago and Jamaica
Country Dialing Code: 592
Weather
While Atlantic sea breezes bring some relief from the turbid atmosphere during the day, visitors unaccustomed to the climate may find nights somewhat unbearable. Guyana's climate hardly budges from 25-30 ° C (75-85 ° F) with on-and-off rain, mostly in September and October. Nevertheless, sunshine is still regular and conditions are overall more comfortable on the plateau if the coast and lowlands get a bit much. Guyana has two distinct rainy seasons: May to mid-August and mid-November to mid-January. August through October are the hottest months.
Places of Interest
Guyana's natural attractions are spectacular, unspoiled and on a scale that dwarfs human endeavor. While lingering effects of Dutch and British colonization make for an unpredictable political and demographic climate, the Guyanese are doing what they can to make their country an ecotourism haven. Guyana has immense waterfalls, vast tropical rainforests and grasslands teeming with wildlife. There's still a hint of frontier wildness about the country and a few rough edges in the capital Georgetown, but the treasures that await are more than adequate reward for the willing traveler.
Warning
Home invasions, carjackings, kidnappings and shootings are not uncommon in Guyana, particularly in Georgetown and New Amsterdam. Georgetown's Tiger Bay and Stabroek Market areas and all of the city's south should be avoided after dark. The east coast of the Demerara river is also a high-risk area, particularly the villages of Buxton, Friendship and Annadale, as is the highway from Timerhi to Linden.
Related Country: Brazil Country, French Guiana Country, Argentina Country
A land dense with monolithic natural treasures. Guyana's natural attractions are spectacular, unspoiled and on a scale that dwarfs human endeavor. While lingering effects of Dutch and British colonization make for an unpredictable political and demographic climate, the Guyanese are doing what they can to make their country an ecotourism haven.
Guyana has immense waterfalls, vast tropical rainforests and grasslands teeming with wildlife. There's still a hint of frontier wildness about the country and a few rough edges in the capital Georgetown, but the treasures that await are more than adequate reward for the willing traveler.
'I come to the world with scars upon my soul / wounds on my body, fury in my hands / I turn to the histories of men and the lives of the peoples. / I examine the shower of sparks and the wealth of the dreams./ I am pleased with the glories and sad with the sorrows / rich with the riches, poor with the loss.' - Martin Carter, Guyana's poet laureate
Geography:
Roughly the size of the UK, Guyana is bordered by Venezuela to the west, Suriname to the east, and overshadowed by Brazil to the south. Its northern coast abuts the Atlantic Ocean. The country's most prominent geological feature is the Guiana Shield, a vast crystalline upland north of the R í o Solim õ es, the Amazon's major channel. From Mt Roraima (2772m/9092ft), on the Brazilian border, the shield recedes in steps all the way to the coast. Thick rainforest covers great chunks of the interior, though southwestern Guyana features extensive grassland. About 90% of the population lives on the agriculturally rich coastal plain.
Getting there and away
Most travelers arrive from North America or the Caribbean, and less frequently from Venezuela and Suriname. There are no direct flights from Europe. A departure tax of about 14.00 is payable in Guyanese dollars only. Overland crossings can be made to/from Brazil at the Lethem-Bomfin crossing point, but the border with Venezuela is closed. A passenger ferry crosses the Courantyne River at Corriverton (Springlands) to the Surinamese town of Nieuw Nickerie. Several airlines now offer flights to and from Georgetown to New York and Trinidad.
Getting around
Major carriers fly between Georgetown and Lethem, while smaller carriers provide passenger flights to over 20 destinations. Minibuses and collective taxis link Georgetown and most towns on the coastal belt. Guyana's road network, apart from a paved two-lane stretch from the capital to Linden, is poor and deters all but the hardiest of cyclists. With almost 1000km (620mi) of navigable river, Guyana has ferry services galore. Car hire is available in Georgetown and taxis are a must if crossing the city at night.
Visa:
All visitors must carry a passport, but travelers from the US, Canada, EU countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and the UK do not need a visa; confirm with the nearest embassy or consulate. A 90-day stay is granted on arrival in Guyana with an onward ticket. If you do need a visa, file your application at least six weeks before you leave your home country.
Events
The national celebrations marking Republic Day (February) last about a week and are the most important cultural events of the year. Hindu and Muslim religious festivals are also celebrated and include Phagwah (early March) and Diwali (November).
Destination Facts
Capital: Georgetown
President: Bharrat Jagdeo
Prime Minister: Samuel Hinds
Government: republic
Time zone: GMT -4
Area: 215000
Population: 769095
People: 50% East Indian, 36% Afro-Guyanese, 7% Amerindian, 7% European & Chinese
Languages: Creolese is also spoken, as is Amerindian.
50% Christian, 35% Hindu, 10% Muslim, 5% other
Currency: Guyana Dollar (G$)
Major industries: Sugar, bauxite, rice milling, gold, textiles, timber and shrimp.
Major Trading Partners: UK, USA, Canada, Portugal, Trinidad & Tobago and Jamaica
Country Dialing Code: 592
Weather
While Atlantic sea breezes bring some relief from the turbid atmosphere during the day, visitors unaccustomed to the climate may find nights somewhat unbearable. Guyana's climate hardly budges from 25-30 ° C (75-85 ° F) with on-and-off rain, mostly in September and October. Nevertheless, sunshine is still regular and conditions are overall more comfortable on the plateau if the coast and lowlands get a bit much. Guyana has two distinct rainy seasons: May to mid-August and mid-November to mid-January. August through October are the hottest months.
Places of Interest
Guyana's natural attractions are spectacular, unspoiled and on a scale that dwarfs human endeavor. While lingering effects of Dutch and British colonization make for an unpredictable political and demographic climate, the Guyanese are doing what they can to make their country an ecotourism haven. Guyana has immense waterfalls, vast tropical rainforests and grasslands teeming with wildlife. There's still a hint of frontier wildness about the country and a few rough edges in the capital Georgetown, but the treasures that await are more than adequate reward for the willing traveler.
Home invasions, carjackings, kidnappings and shootings are not uncommon in Guyana, particularly in Georgetown and New Amsterdam. Georgetown's Tiger Bay and Stabroek Market areas and all of the city's south should be avoided after dark. The east coast of the Demerara river is also a high-risk area, particularly the villages of Buxton, Friendship and Annadale, as is the highway from Timerhi to Linden.
Related Country: Brazil Country, French Guiana Country, Argentina Country
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