Guyana
Guyana is a mostly forested country on the north coast of South America, with English as the national language and Caribbean culture. It has rivers, savannas and some of the most intact rainforest on the continent.
Why it is on my list
Kaieteur Falls, five times taller than Niagara, in the middle of the jungle. It drops about 226 meters in a single plunge and can only be reached by small plane or a long trek.
Best time to go
February to April and August to November: dry spells, easier travel.
May to July: rainy, but Kaieteur flows at its strongest.
Easter: the Rupununi Rodeo in Lethem.
Wildlife: giant river otters and macaws are seen year round.
Where to stay
Georgetown: colonial wooden buildings and a base for flights.
Iwokrama: forest reserve with lodges and canopy walks.
Rupununi savannah: ranches and eco lodges such as Karanambu and Rock View.
Surama: a Makushi village with an eco lodge.
Getting there and around
Airport: Cheddi Jagan (GEO) near Georgetown.
From the US: direct flights from New York, and connections via Miami.
Internal: small planes serve the interior, and rough roads link Georgetown to the Rupununi.
Kaieteur: day trips fly from Georgetown, often with Orinduik Falls added.
Permits: interior areas often need arrangement through a tour operator.
What to eat
Pepperpot: a slow cooked meat stew with cassava.
Cook-up rice: rice, beans and meat in coconut milk.
Roti and curry: from the Indo Guyanese tradition.
Metemgee: a stew with root vegetables.
Chow mein: a Chinese Guyanese staple.
What to drink
El Dorado rum: aged rum from Demerara.
Banks Beer: the national lager.
Mauby: a bark based drink.
Coconut water: everywhere.
Don't miss
Kaieteur Falls: the main attraction.
Georgetown: St George's Cathedral and the Stabroek Market.
Iwokrama canopy walkway: treetop views.
Rupununi savanna: wide landscapes and wildlife.
Orinduik Falls: a broad terraced fall.
Giant river otters: seen along rivers.
Day trips and side trips
Shell Beach: turtle nesting, March to August.
Essequibo River: islands and old forts.
Lethem: a border town with ranch life.
Kaieteur and Orinduik: combined by air.
Festivals and events
Mashramani: Republic Day on February 23.
Phagwah: the Hindu spring festival, usually in March.
Diwali: usually in October or November.
Rupununi Rodeo: usually at Easter.
Music and dance
Chutney and soca: the soundtrack of the country.
Steelpan: common at celebrations.
Nightlife
Nightlife is local and festive. It centers on rum shops, bars and soca events.
When people go out: late, from about 10.
Where the action is: Georgetown bars and clubs.
Good to know: take taxis at night.
Photography spots
Kaieteur Falls: the main viewpoint.
Rupununi sunrise: savanna light.
Georgetown: colonial wooden architecture.
Iwokrama: canopy views.
Drones: permission is usually needed. Check current rules.
Cost of living
Overall: $$ versus New York.
Coffee: $2 to $4.
Local lunch: $4 to $8.
Dinner for two: $30 to $60.
Beer: $2 to $4.
Mid range hotel: $80 to $160 per night.
Daily budget: $100 to $200, more with interior tours.
Prices are approximate in US dollars as of 2026.
Working remotely
Wi-Fi: good in Georgetown, slow in the interior.
Coworking: a few spaces.
Time zone: same as US Eastern in summer, 1 hour ahead in winter.
Longer stays: check current rules for extensions.
Nomad rating: 2/5.
Good to know
Language: English and Guyanese Creole.
Currency: Guyanese dollar. US dollars are accepted by many tourism operators.
Plugs: Types A, B and G, mixed voltage.
Entry for US citizens: usually no visa for short stays. Check current rules and any vaccination requirements.
Getting around apps: taxis arranged by hotels.
Tipping: about 10 percent.
Water: bottled.
SIM/eSIM: local SIMs.
Meeting people
Social scene: friendly and talkative.
Apps: local groups.
Etiquette: greet people and be polite.
Stay smart: use trusted operators.
Staying safe
Georgetown: avoid walking at night.
Interior: travel with guides.
Borders: check advisories for areas near Venezuela.