When people think about South America they automatically think about countries like Argentina, Chile, Brazil, or Peru. Guyana is often left out. Guyana is a unique and diverse South American country few people choose to visit. Guyana is one of my favorite countries because of its various foods (roti, curry, rice & beans, carrots & rice, fried chicken, chick peas, stew, stir fry, homemade fresh juices, etc…yum!), lush natural environment, waterfalls, and the friendly and welcoming people. I have a thousand reasons why I love Guyana. Here are just a few details why you should visit Guyana based on my personal experiences traveling throughout the country for three weeks. Visiting Kaieteur Falls alone is well worth a journey to Guyana.
1. City life. Georgetown is the capital and the largest city in Guyana-the culture (and booming music) on every street corner is energizing
City Life
2. Souvenirs. Guyana is world renowned for its gold
Souvenirs
3. Natural Environment. Guyana has one of the world’s highest one drop waterfalls at 741 feet high: Kaieteur Falls (among other grand waterfalls and mountain ranges)
Natural Environment
4. Bang for your buck. The exchange rate is approximately $200 Guyanese dollars for every Canadian dollar (as of July 1st, 2013 it was 194.4529 GYD)
Bang for your buck
5. Affordable. It costs approximately $500 Guyanese dollars per person for the average taxi ride and a typical meal costs approximately $1000-$1500
Affordable
6. Authentic. In places like Lethem (a remote inland village on the border of Brazil and Guyana), due to previous floods in the Rupannuni, red dirt flood-stains could still be seen in the reception area almost a meter up the wall at the guest house where I was staying. They used milk crates during the time of the flood to try to continue a sense of normality even during the chaos. People are living life to the fullest regardless of what has happened in the village. The people are eternally happy. I enjoyed watching the children running and playing outside of the guest house.
Authentic
7. Real experiences. Sleeping under a mosquito net is common in Guyana for tourists to avoid the risk of potentially contracting malaria or dengue fever (although it is unlikely). Guyana was my first destination where I was encouraged to use a mosquito net. It made my experience more real.
Real
8. Stories. Guyanese love to talk (they are known to use their hands while they are talking)! Their storytelling ability is a true gift!
Stories
9. Welcoming. The Guyanese people are the warmest and welcoming people I know. I felt right at home the moment I landed in Guyana.
Welcoming
10. Food. Need I say more?
Food
When are you heading to Guyana?
A wonderful blog entry, and synopsis of the country!
Thank you so much Maggie. Have you been?
Ooh always nice to get some info on an “underrated” destination! Guyana is close to Curacao, where I lived for a while, and I’ve always wanted to go there and to Surinam. Thanks for stopping by my blog!
I agree! I love reading about and traveling to non-touristy or “underrated” destinations. I would also love to visit Curacao as I love the beach/Caribbean!
Do you have any recommendations for beautiful places in Curacao where the locals go? I love finding the “secret” spots.
Yes Guyana, beautiful country rarely mentioned in the same breath as South America. A quite special place in my eyes too.
I agree! A very special country!
What makes Guyana special to you?
Hi TC,
This was actually right on….born and raised in Guyana 🙂
Be blessed
JC
Awesome! I am glad I got it spot on! What do you love about your country?
ahh, what don’t i love…..i love the culture, food, music, climate, the people and the rainforest…
Exactly, it is all wonderful! When was the last time you were there?
2000
Awesome!
I loved this post. Seeing that my family is Guyanese, I love when other people see the beauty of our land. Can’t wait to go back!
Thank you so much! I am glad you enjoyed reading the post about where your family is from. I loved Guyana! It is incredible…and a lot of people don’t know about this hidden gem! When was the last time you were there? Let me know when you are going back again!
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Beautiful blog! My family and I truly agree with everything you said. We just returned about 10days ago and loved it but want to see and do more for the country. Are you a Guyanese or a visitor?
Thanks so much Rochell. I’m glad you loved Guyana as much as I did. I am Canadian, so visiting Guyana was an extremely enriching experience. There is so much more to see isn’t there?
I know this is an old blog, but thanks!! I’m headed there for work soon, and am totally looking forward to it!
The blog is still up and running and current, but this is one of my older posts! Enjoy!
Jessica, Turquoise Compass
Not any time soon I’m afraid, but it looks great 🙂
Great! It was incredible. I like visiting places off the beaten path.
Jessica
The people there looked delightful from the little girls to the storyteller. Great pictorial summary.
I know it sounds creepy but I wish I could go and see Jonestown – is there a memorial or museum there?
That I’m not sure. I didn’t make it to that region. It’s not creepy at all; I visited a concentration camp when I was in Germany. It’s our human nature to remember the past and learn from the mistakes of others. You must be interested in history?
Indeed. I do like to visit concentration camps too – it’s important not to forget these atrocities!
You’ve got that right! Cultural & historical experiences while traveling are so important!