Guyana Travel Guide
Guyana has monolithic natural attractions that are so unblemished it practically
dwarfs human endeavor. It makes you both humbled and wonder: how long will such
treasures in a country linger for more wandering visitors to witness?
Guyana is the smallest country in South America with the Atlantic Ocean as
coastline on the northeastern part. With the exception of selected European
countries, Americans, Japanese and Koreans, visas are required for all tourists
entering Guyana. Do check first with the nearest consulate, embassy or travel
agent for visa issuance instructions of your travel to Guyana.
Optimal time to visit is during late January or August. It's the end of their
rainy season and the time which Kaieteur falls discharges the greatest amount of
water for maximum appreciation. Locals will recommend for you to visit during
October to May as the climate is not as hot, but do take note that weather tends
to be wet during these months.
The country boasts a lot of places for eager
visitors to explore. Starting from the picturesque capital of Georgetown,
splendid botanical gardens will greet you at the city. Think: wide tree-lined
avenues, lily covered canals, colorful East Indian markets and amazing masonry
wall. Georgetown's architecture, which is a reflection of their colonial era
with the Dutch and British, can be enjoyed as fine models of 18th and 19th
century European buildings still abound the graceful city.
Of course, if mighty water display astonishes you, you should visit are two
of their famed waterfalls. Kaieteur Orinduik Falls is located at Potaro River
and is extraordinarily the worlds largest single drop waterfall (measured at 741
feet). It drops downward for 101 feet, making it five times the drop of Niagara
Falls in Canada. Another is Marshall Falls, up the Cuyuni River. It is a natural
Jacuzzi created by tumbling waters and you can either take a refreshing dip or
stroll through the surrounding lush rainforest.
At the southwestern part of Guyana lies Rupununi. This is where Arapaima, the
world's largest freshwater fish, swims. Rupunini is more than a vast area of dry
grasslands. The irony is that every year, rains flood the savannah, making the
only possible way to move about is by boat. This paves way for exciting water
tours for the beautiful forest areas.
Also within the vicinity of southwest Guyana is The Kanuku Mountains. The sight
looks as if it was premeditated to serve as a fantastic setting to the Rupununi
savannah. Aside from the breathtaking wind sculpted Kanuku crowns rising just
below cloud level, it is home for approximately 80% known bird and mammal
species in Guyana.
If you think that's it, wait till you move along 90 miles of Guyana's
northwestern shore. Shell Beach is made up of countless tiny shells and is
located between Pomeroon and Waini Rivers. The shore's unique composition made
it an ideal nesting site of sea turtles. Four out of the world's eight sea
turtle species visit the coastline between March and July to lay their precious
eggs.
Cap off your zealous trip with a visit at Iwokrama Rain Forest Programme.
About 360,000 hectares space of virgin rainforest has been set aside by the
country for their patriotic display that such tropical haven can coexist while
providing collective social and economic benefits. If you leave Guyana bearing
this kind of ecological integrity, there's no doubt then that Guyana's immense
natural treasure will still be enjoyed by more generations to come.