Home > Destinations > Guyana

Guyana

Guyana, set in a natural tropical wilderness, is a splendid combination of the Caribbean and South America, with fascinating touches of a sometimes turbulent past. On the northeast corner of the South American continent, Guyana stretches from its 270 mile long Atlantic coastline into dense equatorial forest and the broad Savannah of the Rupununi.

Dominated by mighty rivers which provide essential highways into the rainforest and jungles of the interior, where man has made little impact, Guyana is waiting to be explored.

The picturesque capital and port of Georgetown, with its modern hotels and traditional wooden buildings lining broad boulevards, stands guard over the Demerara River. The striking architecture reminds us of its strong 18th and 19th century Dutch and British history and is a fascinating introduction to the land of Guyana. Don't miss St. George's Cathedral, reputed to be the world's tallest wooden building.

Setting out to explore the natural beauty of the interior by boat, light aircraft or 4 x 4, you encounter the extraordinary natural heritage of Guyana spreading out like a tropical carpet. See jaguar roaming freely in the rainforest and listen to the unearthly cry of howler monkeys echoing through the trees. To discover the beauty of Guyana is to glimpse the flashes of scarlet, yellow and blue as macaws fly like arrows across a clearing in the forest canopy, and toucans and the awesome Harpy Eagle swoop through the trees. These are a few of the more than 700 species of birds that are indigenous to Guyana.

In Guyana, nature has supplied the beauty, man has supplied the means to explore. The natural wonder of the Kaieteur Falls, where the 400 foot wide Potaro River plunges over the Pakaraima Plateau in a stunning 740 foot single drop, is one of the world's great waterfalls. Discover the 90 mile-long Shell Beach where four species of turtle, including the endangered Olive Ridley, crawl awkwardly up the beach to to lay their eggs in the warm sands, by the light of the tropical moon. An experience never to be forgotten by the human watcher.

Guyana offers the visitors a truly unique experience with nature; the heartland provides an experience with raw, rugged nature that is an ideal complement to the more traditional tourism fare of the Caribbean. Blue waters turn to brown as one approaches the Guyanese coastline, and brown waters assume darker hues as you journey inward along the rivers and creeks. Black waters have their own dark, brooding serenity, even as blue waters have a gaiety and beauty all their own.

Black waters are an important part of the tourist discovery of Guyana. Kaieteur, Orinduik, Andu and Great Falls are all part of the majestic chain of cascades that have enchanted and mystified explorers, travelers and tourists from as early as the nineteenth century. Kaieteur, for example, has generated in travelers feeling akin to mystic awe and reverence. Its beauty has been described as distant and inaccessible. Orinduik, on the other hand, has been regarded as the more 'accessible' of the two falls, a natural jacuzzi for the adventurous traveler.

Your trip of discovery does not end at the Mighty Falls! Guyana boasts a number of nature resorts where an intimate experience with nature can be had for as long as you wish. Emerald Tower rainforest Lodge on the Madewini Creek is ideal for those who do not wish to make a very distant interior journey, far away from Georgetown.

But its nearness to the city does not in any way diminish the element of adventure at Emerald Tower. A relaxing boat ride along the Kamuni Creek will take you to the sands of Timberhead Eco-Resort. The resort comprises three jungle lodges on a forested area, the Nature Trails of which are not to be missed!

Shanklands on the Essequibo river beckons the traveler in quest of serene solitudes. The white colonial style gingerbread cottages sit regally upon a cliff overlooking the mighty Essequibo river. There is rich birdlife in the forest aback Skanklands. Beyond Shanklands there lies the Gazebo on Kaow Island.....the natural place to be! Experience the Sunset Suite, set on the edge of the jungle, ten feet above, and lording over, the jungle.

Much, much farther away, leaving the river behind and entering the North Rupununi, stands Rock View Ecotourism Resort - a graceful old ranch built in the 1950s. Rock View is in Annai where the savannah ends and the cattle trail begins. If your urge is for a real ranch style vacation, with daredevil vaqueros, horse racing and roping, then a visit to the Dadanawa ranch, deep in the Southern Rupununi, is a must.

There is no shortage of beach in Guyana. Discover Almond Beach, the only shell beach in the world where four of the eight species of sea turtles nest. Shell Beach is also home to the brilliant Scarlet Ibis. If you travel to Berbice, you will wish to spend time at No. 63 Beach in the Corentyne. The Essequibo, meanwhile offers the rolling Saxacalli Beach to tempt your fancy.

For a more historical flavour your discovery may prompt you to visit any of the ruins of the Dutch forts in Guyana. Fort Nasau in Berbice, Fort Island and Kyk-Over-Al in the Essequibo. Still on the Essequibo river there is the gold-mining town of Bartica, familiarly known as 'the gateway to the interior.' Bartica is galvanized in April, the month of the famous Bartica regatta.

Santa Mission is an Amerindian village where visitors can purchase authentic and high-quality handicraft made by the villagers themselves. Our experienced tour guides will assist you in making your plans.

And then there is Georgetown, with so much to offer...

With so much travel your journey of discovery will have acquainted you with the immense and diverse beauty that is Guyana. Before you leave, however, you may wish to enjoy an education in trees at the Guyana Forestry Commission's Yarwkabra Nature Trail, where skilled and knowledgeable guides will explain the fascinating culture of different species of trees.

About Us : Advertise with Us : Disclaimer : Privacy Policy : Contact Us

© 1995-2016 Turquoise Interactive. All rights reserved.