Guyana Travel and Tourism

Even though Guyana is the third-smallest country in South America, it’s home to some of the most pristine wilderness on the continent. In Arawak Wayana, the language of the local indigenous culture, “Guyana” means “land of many waters”, but 80 percent of the country is covered by forest that is home to more than 1,000 species of trees and some 8,000 plant species not found anywhere else in the world. In the Guyana’s forests, large mammals like anteaters, jaguars and bush dogs, rare in other countries, are common.

In 2004, the government of Guyana created the world’s largest community-owned natural reserve. The 1-million acre Konashen Community Owned Conservation Area is owned by indigenous groups and home to many yet-to-be-named plants and animals.

At 741 feet (five times the height of the United States’ Niagara Falls), Kaiteteur Falls is a popular destination for tourists. To get there, tourists either take a plane, or head out on a multi-day hike to witness the incredible volume of water pouring off the falls. Other destinations include the Burro Burro River, the Pakaraima Mountains, and the Kanku Mountains.

English is the official language of Guyana. There are international flights in and out of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport; from there, smaller airplanes and minibuses can connect you to the rest of the country.

Sustainable Lodging in Guyana

Guyana is one of the most preserved countries in the world, and as you would expect, accommodations are rural and secluded. No bustling cities here. Transportation to and from lodging locations may take time, but the payoff is an experience of unparalleled seclusion and immersion in pristine wildernesses.

Find your Sustainable Trip to Guyana.

Learn more about ecotourism and sustainable tourism in Guyana on the Rainforest Alliance’s Eco-Index Web site.