Guyana is one of the last truly wild destinations in South America. Think vast savannas, remote rivers, Indigenous villages, and thundering waterfalls deep in the jungle. From the golden Rupununi, where the vaquero (cowboy) culture is still alive, to the wild rainforest region with its indigenous lodges, this country is like no other!
I explored Guyana’s interior on a high-end expedition with Wilderness Explorers, which offered access to places few travelers ever see. But here’s the good news. You don’t need an ultra-luxury budget to experience the heart of Guyana!
In this guide, I’ll show what it’s like to travel Guyana at the highest level, and how you can plan a similar adventure through guided multi-day tours that are far more accessible.
This guide is for adventurous travelers keen to explore hikes and rivers, or you’re into wildlife, remote landscapes, and off-the-grid travel, but don’t want to plan everything from scratch. This style of trip is ideal.
(Updated January 2026)
Kaieteur Falls & the Wild Heart of Guyana
Kaieteur Falls is the highlight of the trip and one of the best places in Guyana if not in South America, to visit!
Plunging 224 meters, Kaieteur stands as the world’s longest single-drop waterfall, captivating visitors with its majestic cascade of water. If you’re lucky, you’ll see an enchanting rainbow across the gorge.
Reaching one of the world’s most powerful waterfalls means flying deep into Guyana’s interior, landing on a remote airstrip, and walking to a viewpoint surrounded by rainforest.
This is the kind of place that you cannot easily reach, hence most journeys through Guyana are planned as a connected route rather than individual day trips.
How to Travel Guyana Like This
Traveling independently in Guyana’s interior is challenging. Distances are vast, roads are limited, and many of the most spectacular places are only accessible by small aircraft.
For most travelers, the easiest and most rewarding way to experience Guyana’s savannas and waterfalls is through a guided multi-day expedition.
If you want a well-rounded introduction to Guyana’s wild interior, this 8-Day Rupununi Savanna and Kaieteur Waterfalls Adventure from Georgetown is one of the strongest options available.
The itinerary covers Guyana’s most iconic landscapes, from the vast Rupununi savanna to the powerful Kaieteur Falls, while handling all internal flights, accommodation, and guiding. It’s a practical way to experience remote regions that would be difficult to visit independently, without committing to ultra-luxury pricing.
Essentials To Know for Your Guyana Trip
Mobile coverage works well in Georgetown, but becomes patchy once you travel inland. I recommend setting up an eSIM for Guyana before arrival so you’re connected as soon as you land and don’t have to rely on finding a local SIM.
You can visit Guyana year-round, but drier conditions generally make travel easier, especially for interior flights and excursions.
Prepare yourself for the delicious Guyanese cuisine! It is a fusion of Indian, African, Chinese, Creole, and other that totally surprised me. Dishes like Pepperpot or salted fish for breakfast were delicious.
How to Get to Guyana
Most people fly into Cheddi Jagan International Airport (GEO) in Timehri, just outside Georgetown, located about an hour from Georgetown. From the airport, private taxis or pre-booked transfers are the easiest way to reach your hotel in Georgetown
Guyana Travel Guide Map for the Best Things to See
How to Get Around Guyana
Getting around Guyana and to the places worth seeing is not straightforward. The country’s abundance of forests, of which 80% is virgin rainforest, and water routes can make travel both tricky and costly.
While minibuses connect some towns, most travelers rely on domestic flights or guided tours to reach places like the Rupununi or Kaieteur Falls. For this reason, multi-day guided expeditions are the most practical way to experience Guyana beyond the capital.
I’ve had the chance to travel with Wilderness Explorers who were absolutely amazing in organizing the whole trip, including various surprises.
24 Things to See & Do When in Guyana
Central Rupununi, Savannahs and River Life
This part of Guyana is where wide-open savannahs meet slow-moving rivers and working ranches. Days here are shaped by wildlife tracking, time on horseback, river safaris, and life in small communities that still move at a different pace.
Rupununi Experience Cowboy Culture & Ranch Life
Wichabai Ranch in Guyana offers a unique experience in the southern Savannah. Run by a family that makes you feel so at home, it blends cowboy culture, Amerindian lifestyle, and modern ranch living.
As the home of the South Rupununi Conservation Society, Wichabai Ranch especially integrates eco-tourism and conservation. It’s one of the best places in Guyana to support when it comes to sustainable efforts. The team specifically researches the Giant Anteaters, Red Siskin but also the Yellow Spotted River Turtle.
Besides sunset picnics with a 360-degree view of the Savannah, and family-style dinners with the most deliciously prepared food, you have an array of activities to do. When you stay at Wichabai Ranch, you can enjoy not only horseback riding but also kayaking, leisure time by the river, or engaging in cowboy activities like lassoing.
Red Siskin Birdwatching
It’s one of the best places in Guyana to observe the Red Siskin, listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. It is a remarkable bird found in the Southern Rupununi region of Guyana.
With a local guide, you head into open savannah and forest edges to look for one of South America’s rarest birds. Sightings aren’t guaranteed, but when they happen, it’s a moment that stays with you.
Bushwalk & Reviewing Camera Traps
Each day, we’d be going on different adventures. Both the bush walk to the nearby forest island and the research trip to review the camera traps were great.
Forest islands within the Savannah in general have been there for a whopping 20.000 years! Consequently, this is making it an important area of the local environment. Subsequently, it’s of great importance to the local animals, particularly Jaguars, Giant Anteaters, Deers, Capybaras, Agoutis and more.
After reviewing our camera footage, Erin, our host, compared the animal’s pattern to the Jaguar patterns she knows of. To our surprise, she found out, it was a new Jaguar that’s now in the area!
Community Weaving Class
Wichabai Ranch is located near several indigenous villages. Firstly, you have the unique opportunity to visit these villages and learn about the local culture. Additionally, you can participate in traditional activities, such as basket weaving and cassava bread making.
During our exploration, we visited the village of Adolf, where we had a remarkable weaving lesson. After that enriching experience, we ventured into the forest, a site blessed by Adolf with offerings. Whether learning traditional crafts or traditions, you are sure to leave with a deeper understanding of the culture.
Horseback Riding
Have you been on horseback before? At Wichabai Ranch you have the chance to try! Embark on a charming horseback riding adventure where the vast South Rupununi savannah becomes your playground.
Where to Stay in South Rupununi
Accommodations at Wichabai Ranch are gorgeous wooden stilt rooms that provide comfort and lovely views of the savannah. You can stay in twin or double rooms with private bathrooms, equipped with mosquito nets and fans. The ranch’s culinary offerings feature excellent meals prepared using fresh, local produce.
Waikin and Savannah Culture
Once at Waikin Ranch, you’ll encounter a delightful swimming hole, offering a perfect refuge from the heat. Alternatively, you can immerse yourself in the ranch lifestyle by joining the vaqueros on a horseback adventure.
Termite City
Nestled in the heart of the Rupununi, Termite City is one of Guyana’s most unique places. It unveils a mesmerizing landscape adorned with thousands of termite mounds, each towering over 10 feet tall.
Here, the sense prevails that you’re part of a select group fortunate enough to explore these untouched marvels. Termite City, in my opinion, made it to one of the best places in Guyana, as yet again, you’re free from the typical tourist hustle and bustle.
Where to Stay in Central Rupununi, Guyana
Nestled in the tropical wetlands, near Lethem and the Brazilian border, Waikin Ranch offers a unique experience. It made an ideal spot for unwinding in your hammock. The bathrooms provide a refreshing touch with open-to-the-sky showers, and solar power ensures a comfortably fan-cooled bedroom.
Karanambu and the Rupununi River
Situated at the meeting point of grasslands, swamps, and flood forests along the Rupununi River, Karanambu is a timeless destination in Guyana.
Have you ever stayed at a place that hosted famous guests like David Attenborough and Mick Jagger? Here you have the chance!
River Cruise to Spot Giant Otter
Once you reach Karanambu Lodge in the Rupununi Savannah, you’ve made it to one of the best places in Guyana to see the Giant River Otter! It’s here that you can embark on a memorable river cruise along the Rupununi River, where you might encounter the fascinating Giant Otters. These unique creatures, known for their social behavior, are among the largest otter species globally. Observing them from a distance is a highlight of every trip to Karanambu and Rupununi.
Morning Safari Giant Anteater
Join a morning safari in the lodge’s van or 4×4 Jeep to go wildlife spotting through the savannahs of Guyana. As you traverse the landscape, keep your eyes peeled for the elusive Giant Anteater. Known for its long snout and distinctive fur, the Giant Anteater is a captivating sight in its natural habitat. The vaqueros’ expertise typically ensures a successful encounter. We were lucky enough to spot a female with her baby on her back! To experience this iconic species that morning really made our stay truly special.
Along this fun morning safari, you also have the chance the spot the stunning Karibou Storck, hawks, birdlife and more.
Victoria Amazonica
Discover the exquisite beauty of the Amazonica flower at Karanambu Lodge, a botanical wonder. The Victoria Amazonica is a stunning aquatic plant with enormous floating leaves that can span up to ten feet in diameter.
What makes this flower truly special is its remarkable adaptation. In its essence, the large leaves provide shade, while the intricate flowers bloom in the evening, creating a breathtaking display. Yet again, Karanambu Lodge is one of the ideal places in Guyana to see something unique.
Witness the unfolding spectacle as the Amazonica flower opens its petals during the enchanting sunset.
Where to Stay in Central Rupununi
Karanambu Lodge, resembling an Amerindian village, serves family-style meals in the main ranch building. Stay in cozy cabins with ensuite bathrooms and a hammock-covered verandah, offering a tranquil retreat amid nature.
At Karanambu, you’re not just a guest; you’re part of a journey into conservation and biodiversity.
Rock View and Cashew Country
Today, you change lodges and head to an area where you can spot wildlife and hike. Embark on a unique activity at Rock View Lodge, where you can immerse yourself in the process of cashew roasting. Here, the women of the lodge lead you through the process of skillfully handling the nuts. The air fills with the rich, toasty aromas of cashews slowly roasted over an open fire. It’s a cultural journey, allowing you to witness a traditional method passed down through generations.
If you have ever tasted a warm, freshly roasted Cashew nut you won’t enjoy them any other way ever again.
Guianan cock-of-the-rock Spotting
Leaving Rock View Lodge to Atta Rainforest Lodge, you will stop at one of the most special places in Guyana. Just a 20-minute walk into a forest area, you’re at the home of the Guianan cock-of-the-rock birds.
This vibrant bird, adorned with striking orange and black feathers, graces the rainforests of Guyana with its unique presence. Therefore, this captivating species stands as a symbol of Guyana’s biodiversity. It’s offering birdwatching enthusiasts and nature lovers an unforgettable glimpse into the unique avian wonders of the region.
Where to Stay in Central Rupununi
Rock View Lodge welcomes you to comfortable, roomy spaces with hammock-strung verandas overlooking the garden. Picture yourself enjoying tasty, home-cooked meals served family-style while swapping stories with your friendly host about local life.
But the real gem? The fantastic natural-form pool is surrounded by lush gardens – the perfect spot to chill. And for a touch of culture, explore the family ranch house with its cool mix of art and a library.
Iwokrama and the North Rupununi Rainforest
Moving north, the scenery shifts from open savannah to dense rainforest. This region is defined by canopy walks, deep jungle wildlife, and indigenous community lodges that place you right inside the ecosystem.
Birdwatching Iwokrama Rainforest
Elevate your birdwatching experience at the Iwokrama Rainforest. This particular region in Guyana is one of the few places where many of Guyana’s impressive +840 bird species live. Additionally, for the early riser, you can join morning birdwatching expeditions on the open road. Our excursions even led to a delightful encounter with a tapir, adding unexpected wildlife magic to our adventure.
Iwokrama Canopy Walk
Nestled within the lush Iwokrama Rainforest, Atta Rainforest Lodge and its tree-top canopy walkway offer an immersive rainforest experience.
A short 15-minute walk through a forest trail leads to the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway – a network of suspension bridges. This elevated path offers intimate views of the mid and upper canopy, providing a non-intrusive space for wildlife observation.
It’s a birdwatcher’s paradise and a unique chance to see Toucans and birds of prey.
Where to Stay in North Rupununi
The lodge’s simple yet comfy rooms feature ensuite bathrooms with open-to-the-sky showers. In its essence, it is extending your birdwatching right into your personal space! Atta Rainforest Lodge is renowned for its indigenous-inspired home-cooked meals and warm, friendly hospitality and makes it the ideal place for wildlife watching.
Stay with the Indigenous Community
Nestled at the heart of Rewa village, the Rewa Eco-Lodge stands as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of the Macushi, Patamona, Wapashana, and Waiwai tribes. Home to approximately 361 villagers, this Amerindian community thrives at the confluence of the Rewa and Rupununi Rivers.
In 2005, Rewa shifted to conservation, creating the Rewa Eco-Lodge with support from Conservation International. Rooted in a “self-help” ethos, the community united to build projects for the collective good, showcasing Rewa’s commitment to sustainability.
Amerindian Village Walk
Embrace a minimalist lifestyle as you immerse yourself in the village’s rhythm. It’s a wonderful experience to see how farming and living in harmony with nature shape the community’s ethos. The untouched beauty of Rewa reflects a life unspoiled by human interference. Therefore, it’s offering you a genuine encounter with traditional Amerindian culture.
Observe the Arapaima in Oxbow Lake
Embark on a short boat ride, following a short five-minute stroll from the boat and you’ll reach a hidden gem – a charming Oxbow Lake!
It is one of the few places in which you can observe the famous Arapaima.
What makes this place so charming is this wooden deck extending over the pond, offering intimate views of the Victoria Amazonica, Guyana’s largest waterlily. Witness the blossoming of white flowers on the first night, gradually transitioning to pink and adopting a male flower form by the third night.
This overnight spot is renowned as the ideal location for observing the Arapaima, the world’s largest freshwater fish. The Arapaima can reach lengths of over 15 feet (4.5 meters) and weigh several hundred pounds.
Hike Awarmie Mountain
Gear up for a hike up Awarmie Mountain following a short boat ride. The hike up starts easily but ends steeply, leading past a viewpoint ridge that already gives fantastic views. Thankfully, the team at Rewa Lodge installed new handrails that make the next part of the hike a bit more of a breeze.
Once at the top, you’ll be blessed with one of the most epic views of your whole Guyana trip. As far as the eye reaches, you’ll see nothing but rainforest, the Rupununi River, and the far-off Kanuku Mountains. It was there at the top that I understood what it meant to be in a country with 80% virgin rainforest.
The view goes all out with a crazy 200m drop, showing off untouched forests toward Iwokrama Mountain and Makarapan Mountain. Makarapan is the oldest mountain in South America if not the world, clocking in at an amazing two thousand million years old!
Pro Tip: Pack your binoculars to spot birds and maybe trees surrounded by hundreds of butterflies!
Bird Eating Spider
Rewa Lodge arranges another fantastic adventure, starting with a boat trip up the river. On the boat ride, you’ll likely pass Black Caimans and encounter Amazon Kingfishers as part of the scenery. Once at the particular place of the rainforest, you’ll start a casual 20-minute walk. It’s in that part of the rainforest where you’re in for an up-close encounter with the Goliath bird-eating spider, the heavyweight champ of arachnids.
Despite its name, these giants usually snack on rodents, frogs, and other critters, rather than birds. It’s a surreal sight – the world’s largest spider by mass and size, just hanging out in its natural habitat. No need to worry, though; these spiders are more into munching on snacks that won’t bite back.
Where to Stay in North Rupununi
Rewa Eco-Lodge is a remote haven in the Guyanese rainforest crafted with dedication by the Makushi village. Their simple yet comfortable accommodations include traditional benabs – shared spaces with solar-powered amenities – and self-contained cabins for added privacy. It’s the ideal place to immerse yourself in nature and community.
Bonus, you’ll be having a fantastic breakfast right by the riverbank!
Georgetown
Georgetown, the capital of Guyana, holds a unique charm and several distinctive features that make it special. It’s a low-key capital with colonial architecture, lively markets, and a strong food scene, best experienced as a short stay before heading into the interior or after returning from the rainforest and savannahs.
Georgetown City Tour
If you want context before heading deeper into Guyana, booking the Georgetown City Tour is the easiest way to do it. You’ll explore colonial streets, wooden heritage buildings, and everyday neighborhoods with a local guide who explains how the city actually works.
The highlight of Georgetown had to be the National Park and its pond, home to a group of endangered West Indian Manatees. Pluck some grass, and go ahead and feed these beautiful animals. You can even touch them!
St. George’s Cathedral
St. George’s Cathedral in Georgetown is a remarkable wooden structure, standing tall as one of the world’s tallest free-standing wooden buildings.
Built in 1899, it showcases stunning Gothic architecture with intricate details like stained glass windows and a soaring spire.
Bourda Market
Afterward, you’ll delve into Bourda Market with its fish and meat section. The bustling market offers a sensory experience with diverse goods, including rice, demerara sugar, fabrics, and bush (or witchcraft) medicine stalls.
Strolling over Bourda Market is a paradise for photographers and anybody interested in local life.
Georgetown Foodie Walk
Your full-day Georgetown tour starts early in the morning. We embark on a culinary adventure with Chef Delven Adams, exploring Bourda Market, Georgetown’s largest market. Essentially, you’re following the ‘Gordon Ramsey Food Trail’, discovering all the secret eateries and food stalls. The best part? You can sample some of Guyana’s best delicacies!
Sunset Cruise & Roosting Scarlet Ibis
A visit to Georgetown should end with a sunset cruise on the Demerara River. This evening Demerara River cruise shows a completely different side of Georgetown.
Navigating beneath the Demerara Harbour Bridge, your boat docks by a mangrove, a favored nightly spot for diverse bird species.
Amidst this tranquil scene, vibrant Scarlet Ibis, graceful Snail Kites, majestic Herons, and three distinct Egret varieties grace the sky, finding refuge in the mangroves as night descends.
The Scarlet Ibis in particular, captivated all of us with its striking scarlet plumage, symbolizing beauty and nature’s wonders in the heart of Guyana.
Where to Stay in Guyana, The Grand Coastal Hotel, Georgetown
Grand Coastal Hotel provides a range of spacious, comfortable, and budget-friendly accommodation options just on the outskirts of Georgetown. Whether you opt for the air-conditioned Standard or Luxury rooms, each comes complete with an ensuite bathroom, cable TV, and WiFi.
The Caribbean Soul Restaurant, renowned for its local and international cuisine, offers a lovely indoor and outdoor dining experience. It’s a great place to unwind with an evening drink by the pool.
Book The Best Georgetown Guyana Hotels
From the awe-inspiring Kaieteur Falls to the rich biodiversity of Rewa Eco-Lodge and the historic charm of Georgetown, Guyana unfolds as a multifaceted destination. The unique ranch life, diverse wildlife, and warm hospitality of its indigenous communities create a web of experiences that leave an indelible mark on every traveler.
Above all, community tourism plays a significant role when visiting the best places in Guyana. Consider bringing gifts like pencils, pens, or stickers for schools you may visit or any remote villages.
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Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase using these links, I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend services and tools I know and trust myself. The trip was arranged by the Guyana Tourism Authority, all opinions are my own!
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