The Real Lowdown About Visiting Guyana
- Assanié Morrison
- 3 days ago
- 6 min read
Forget the sugar-coated travel brochures—this is the unfiltered guide to what it’s really like to visit Guyana. If you’re looking for an all-inclusive, resort-heavy vacation with luxury at every turn, Guyana might not be your best bet. But if you’re craving untamed jungles, vibrant culture, and an off-the-beaten-path adventure, you’re in the right place. This guide breaks down the highs, the lows, and the unexpected truths about experiencing Guyana like a real traveler.
What Guyana Is Really Like
Most people hear “Guyana” and either confuse it with Ghana (which just irritates me, especially when they wanna argue on the topic like you don’t know where you’re from) or assume it’s just another Caribbean island (spoiler: it’s not). So, let’s clear up some common misconceptions:
No, it’s not an island – Guyana is on the South American mainland, bordered by Venezuela, Brazil, and Suriname. And since it apparently needs to be said—we are not on the continent of Africa.
Yes, it feels Caribbean – Even though we’re on the South American mainland, we are Caribbean through and through. The culture, food, and music have deep Caribbean influences.
It’s not just rainforest – While 80% of Guyana is covered in jungle, we also have savannahs, rivers, and urban areas like Georgetown. And size matters—our coastline alone is 459 km, bigger than some whole islands.
It’s still largely undiscovered – Unlike its neighbors, Guyana isn’t overrun by tourists, making it a true hidden gem.
In short—expect lush landscapes, diverse cultures, and a place where nature still rules.
Who Will Love Guyana (and Who Won’t)
Guyana isn’t for everyone—so let’s be real about the kind of traveler who will thrive here.
✅ You’ll love Guyana if you:
Enjoy raw, unfiltered adventure – If your idea of a good time includes hiking through untouched jungles, swimming in rivers, or hopping in a boat to explore remote villages, Guyana is your kind of place. You’re not just sightseeing here—you’re experiencing nature up close and personal.
Love experiencing cultures that haven’t been overly commercialized – Guyana doesn’t do cookie-cutter tourism. Want to learn how to make pepperpot from a local? Join a village festival? Hang out with a group of fishermen and hear their best "backdam" stories? You’ll find authentic cultural experiences everywhere—you just have to be open to it.
Are okay with limited Wi-Fi and unpredictable infrastructure – Let’s be real, Wi-Fi can be iffy in certain areas (and by iffy, I mean, sometimes you just won’t have any). If the thought of going without Netflix for a few days sends you into a panic, this might not be the place for you. But if you can embrace the digital detox and just be in the moment, Guyana will reward you with experiences you won’t forget.
Appreciate a little chaos and don’t mind things running on ‘Guyanese time’ – Plans change, minibuses stop randomly, and sometimes the person who was supposed to meet you is “coming just now” and 2 hours gone and they ain't reach yet. If you can roll with the unpredictability and just enjoy the ride, you’ll have a great time.
Prefer natural beauty over city life – Guyana does have urban areas, but let’s be real, it’s not about the skyline or high-rise hotels. If you’re drawn to places where waterfalls outnumber shopping malls and birdsong replaces car horns, you’ll be right at home here.
Enjoy meeting friendly, no-nonsense people – Guyanese people are some of the warmest and funniest you’ll meet, but we also don’t mince words. If you ask for an honest opinion, you gon’ get it. If you enjoy real, down-to-earth interactions, you’ll love the people just as much as the place.
❌ You might struggle in Guyana if you:
Need ultra-luxury resorts and 24/7 room service – If your version of "travel" is sipping champagne on a private balcony in a five-star hotel, Guyana might not deliver in the way you expect. We have nice eco-lodges and boutique hotels, but full-blown luxury? That’s not really our thing. (That being said, if you got money and willing to splurge, you can make it happen—Check out my post on how to visit Guyana bougie style, here.)
Don’t like insects, humidity, or roughing it a little (or a lot) – You will sweat, you will see bugs, and you might end up showering under a pipe at some point (or with a bucket of rainwater). If this sounds like your worst nightmare, rethink your trip.
Expect hyper-organized tourism – Look, things in Guyana move at their own pace. You might book a tour, only to have the itinerary change last minute. You might show up for a river tour, and the guide says, “Nah, the water too high today.” You gotta just go with it. If you need everything to be scheduled to the minute, this place might … will stress you out.
Are looking for a party-centric vacation – Yes, Guyanese love a good lime (aka a get-together with drinks, food, and vibes), but this is not the place for all-night clubbing every day of the week. Outside of holidays like Mashramani or Independence celebrations, the nightlife scene is relatively laid-back. If you’re hoping for the Ibiza of South America, this ain't it.
Get easily frustrated with casual service – This isn’t the US or Europe where waiters check in every five minutes. Here? You might wait a little longer for your food. You might have to ask for the bill instead of it being brought to you automatically. Just don’t take it personally—it’s not rudeness, it’s just how things work. (And trust me, the food is always worth the wait.)
Aren’t willing to adjust your expectations – If you expect Guyana to function like a polished, tourist-heavy destination, you’re going to be disappointed. But if you come with an open mind, ready to experience things as they are, you’ll walk away with memories you never expected.
The Best & Worst Parts of Visiting Guyana
Every destination has its highs and lows, and Guyana is no exception. Here’s what you need to know:
The Best Parts:
Nature like you’ve never seen before – Kaieteur Falls, Iwokrama Rainforest, the Rupununi savannahs—Guyana is absolutely gorgeous. Even the simple things, like livestock chilling on the road or endangered animals casually crossing your path, will leave you in awe.
Wildlife that rivals the Amazon – Jaguars, giant river otters, arapaima fish, harpy eagles—you name it. If you love wildlife spotting, birdwatching, or fishing, YOU NEED TO COME TO GUYANA. No if, but, or maybe about it.
Genuine local experiences – No tourist traps here. Guyanese people are warm, welcoming, and love to share their culture. It’s quite easy to find locals happy to help you out with whatever you need. Don’t be scared, we don’t bite.
Incredible food – If you love flavorful, spicy, and diverse cuisine, Guyana’s food scene is elite. I don’t care what your dietary restrictions are—vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, keto, or the ‘I’ll eat anything once’ type—we got food for you, boo. But if you want the full authentic experience, try everything at least once.
Uncrowded and authentic – No mass tourism means you get to experience Guyana’s culture and nature without the crowds.
⚠️ The Challenging Parts:
Infrastructure is still developing – Roads can be rough, and some areas have limited amenities. With rapid development happening, there’s still a lot of ongoing construction, so patience is key.
Travel can be expensive – Domestic flights and eco-lodges add up (but they’re worth it). Inflation is real, and getting to certain interior locations is not easy—hence the cost. But trust me, you will get your money’s worth.
Heat, humidity, and mosquitoes – It’s a tropical country—expect all three. Don’t come here and complain about sunburn, especially if you lacking melanin. You were warned beforehand—bring a wide-brim hat and nuff sunscreen.
Limited public transport – Minibuses exist, but let me warn you—some of these drivers will have you praying to God for survival. Your best bet? Hire a car for the day to chauffeur you around. It’s safer, and they can help you navigate everything.
Slow service in some areas – Things operate on Guyanese time, so patience is your friend. When a Guyanese tells you “just now,” just know that just now can mean anything from five minutes to a couple hours.
Final Thoughts
So, is Guyana worth it? If you’re looking for an untouched, culturally rich, and adventure-packed destination, absolutely. It’s not the easiest place to travel, but that’s what makes it special. Guyana isn’t trying to be like every other tourist hotspot—it’s a place for explorers, nature lovers, and those who crave something real.
Would you survive a trip to Guyana? That’s for you to decide. But if you’re ready for an unforgettable experience, you just might fall in love with this wild and wonderful place!!
References :
Arjun Brij. (2024, November 20). Guyana: Why This Small South American Nation Has Become Important To India’s Strategic Calculus. Swarajyamag. https://swarajyamag.com/world/guyana-why-this-small-south-american-nation-has-become-important-to-indias-strategic-calculus
Rewa Eco-Lodge. (n.d.). Rewa Eco-Lodge. https://www.rewaecolodge.com/
Seoraj, N. (2017, December 25). Just when the fun begins,the prices go up - Guyana Chronicle. Guyana Chronicle. https://guyanachronicle.com/2017/12/24/just-when-the-fun-beginsthe-prices-go-up/
Tour Guyana and fishing charters . (2023). BLACKWATER ADVENTURES. https://www.blackwater-adventures.com/
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