Related Guyana Favorites Tips

Favorite thing: Tourism and related infrastructure is not developed in Guyana. People who come here either already know what they are doing, or have the luxury of time and economics to figure it out.

The first things to note is that there should be tourist maps of Georgetown and area available in the airport, "before" you get to the immigration desk. After you exit immigration/customs, there is a tourist information office, but all the ex-pats the I've met here say it is never open.

Second thing to note is my Georgetown tip for getting from the airport to the town center. Third is my tip for getting cash if you do not already have Guyanese Dollars.

And lastly, while they might not be the best trained or most informed, the Tourism & Hospitality Association of Guyana office definitely has some friendly people... Located on Waterloo St (between New Market & Lamaha St), they will share contact information with all travel and excursion activity businesses.

Favorite thing: Guyana is a cash dependent country. With the exception of large purchases (for example at electronics store, major hotel or travel agent), everything is cash only.

Make sure you have enough on hand, particularly when you head into the interior of the country. "Scotia Bank" has now a few branch offices in Georgetown. This is possibly the only place for people with foreign cards to use the ATM for withdrawals. They also honor American Express Travelers Checks. Main branch location is 62 Robb Street, near the corner of the Ave of the Republic.

Other banks are available, but they do not always accept foreign cards in their teller machines.

1 more image

Favorite thing: Kaiteur Falls
Guyana's number one attraction ranks alongside the Niagara, Victoria and Iguaz? falls in power and majesty - with the added bonus of being surrounded by virgin forest. Its waters drop 250 precipitous meters (820ft) from a sandstone tableland and, depending on the season, are nearly 100m (328ft) wide. Its isolated location means wildlife thrives in the area, but it also requires determination to reach. Small planes fly to the falls from Georgetown but seats can be difficult to secure. Otherwise, it's a rugged two-day walk with a guide from Bartica (see Off the Beaten Track). Orinduik Falls, southwest of here, on the Brazilian border, is another popular destination.

Fondest memory: Speaking of Guyanese travel opportunities, there are wonderful jungle lodges where you can pig out on wild game, jumbo shrimp and tropical fruits and veggies. For the adventurous soul seeking the ultimate different vacation, it would be hard to top Guyana.

Favorite thing: Esequibo river, 21 miles across at its mouth and reputed to contain 365 islands. Take a ferry to Adventure on the western bank. Then by road to Charity and again by boat. West of the Pomeroon River, the coast is almost uninhabited. Called Shell Beach it is a protected area and a nesting ground for four species of sea turtles. Leatherback, hawksbill, green and olive ridley turtles lay their eggs from March to June.
Most of the region consists of mudflats and mangrove forests. Best explored by canoe. Parrots, toucans, ibises and flamingoes can be seen . Also manatees and river dolphins

Fondest memory: Has not be spoiled because it is not easily acceccable.
Places like Shell Beach
Accommodation is limited to a single camp run by an Arawak family. Facilities are tents with mosquito nets and central thatched dining hut. Wild life as far as you can see.

Favorite thing: Take a tour of Georgetown the capital city, there are a number of interesting sights that should not be missed: the most famous being St. George's Cathedral (See attached photo). The Cathedral is one of the world's tallest free standing wooden buildings and was consecrated on 1892.
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' '''''''''''''''''''''''''''
No trip to Georgetown would be complete without a visit to the Botanical Gardens and zoo. The Botanical Gardens houses one of the most extensive collection of tropical flora in the Caribbean and are laid out with ponds, canals, kissing bridges and bandstand. Over 100 species of Guyanese wildlife can be observed at the Zoo including a wide variety of tropical fishes and birds.
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' '''''''''''''''''''''''''''
The Famous Stabroek Market, once described as a 'bizarre bazaar', contains every conceivable item from house hold goods and gold jewellery to fresh meat and vegetables brought to town on the river daily. The clock tower can be seen for miles around and is a famous landmark
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' '''''''''''''''''''''''''''
The National Museum which contains a broad selection of our animal life and heritage should not be missed, nor the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology, which explains Amerindian history and life style. The Demerar Harbour Bridge is the longest floating bridge in the world and connects the east and west banks of the Demerara River

Fondest memory: When I am not home in Guyana, I miss the tropical fruits like the genip, the awara and the mangoes. I have not even start to mention the Cookup Rice, the Shine Rice and The Black or White Pudding. At Christmas, there is nothing like the smell of the Pepperpot in the air on Christmas Eve night, nor can you miss the smell of the Guyana Black Cake baking in oven!!!

Make sure that you get a taste of these other special dishes in Guyana like the Metem-me-gee or 'Dry Food' as the locals call it - a dish of ground provision served with fried fish - and the Garlic Pork, the Cassava Bread and the Cassava Pone.
.......................................................................... .......................

And if you are in for desert, nothing beats a taste of the local Fruits Salad, complete with mangoes, pineapple slices, pawpaw and banana as well as what other fruits may be in season. There are Indian sweet meats that will make your mouth water like the Parashad, the Vermacelli Cake and the Polurie.
................................................................................
So get ready, steady and get that flight, get on board and come to Guyana let us pamper you in our tropical paradise!!!!!!

Favorite thing: Guyanese are very warm and welcoming and if you are looking for elegant, romantic dining and accommodation then look no further, the Le Meridien Pegasus Hotel, 132 air conditioned rooms is the ideal place, located in Central Georgetown. The atmosphere is a unique combination of tropical, elegant and casual with an enchanting view of the Demerara River and the Atlantic Ocean. Yes!!! you must enjoy choosing from an impressive variety of wines, liqueurs and local fruit punches and a variety of creole cuisine.
Why not step into a cool and relaxing atmosphere at Hotel Tower, Plaza Hotel, Cara Lodge, Cara Inn and Georgetown Club they sure can accommodate you in an spendid way, the drinks are tropical too and the food is just sizzling...prepared with the freshest ingredients with an accent on light and healthy dishes

Fondest memory: The seawalls is my favourite place for the relaxation of the mine, body and soul.....sitting on the walls of Guyana seashores is a very refreshing experience.

From the top of the seawall...... it is possible to see the vehicles go by on there way to and from Guyana's East Coast, and ships coming into the Demerara River and leaving the Demerara River for the Atlantic Ocean.

The Guyana Seawall is also a place where people from all walks of life exercise in the mornings and evenings....... it is also an ideal lovers lane watching the beautiful sun set in the evenings.

Favorite thing: The Carabian influence (steel drum, etc.) is very interesting. People are friendly despite a lot of racial tension between blacks and East Indians.

Fondest memory: Good friends I have made over there and the luxurian rain forest.

Favorite thing: Mind you, all the information I am giving dates a few years back. Therefore, this is more of a memory lane walk through the passages of time. If possible, get to know a family or friend to help you get around. If you have a chance to vist the interior, do so. I was not fortunate enough back then due to the lack of development of the area. Only authorised personnel were allowed in back then. Through friends, I am told and shown photos of Kaiteur Falls. A must to see. Georgetown with its market area is interesting.

Fondest memory: The people was unbelievable. Thay gave even when they had little.