Exploring the Beauty of South America's Best-Kept Secret: Guyana
- Ankitha
- Jul 15, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 6
In a continent full of bucket-list destinations like Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, and Chile, the quiet, soulful Guyana slips under the radar. And that’s precisely why I had my eye on it. After all, it’s the least visited country in South America a true hidden gem.
Despite its unspoiled rainforests, rich biodiversity, and cultural mosaic, Guyana remains largely untouched. The idea of flying over the Amazon jungle to witness a massive waterfall—just us and nature—sealed the deal.
Our Guyana Itinerary
Kaieteur Waterfalls
Georgetown City
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FLIGHTS + VISA
The easiest route to Guyana is via direct flight from Miami.
If you hold a weak passport, you'll need an online pre-approval letter from the Guyanese Ministry, which takes 4 weeks. Once approved, you'll get a Visa on Arrival ($25).
⚠️ You might be asked for a Yellow Fever card, especially if continuing on to Suriname.
Language
Guyana is the only English-speaking country in South America. Communication is easy, and locals are warm and helpful.
Best Time to Visit Guyana
We went during the rainy summer season—risky, but lucky. However, for the best odds of good weather, plan your trip for:
February–March
August–September
If visiting Kaieteur Waterfalls is your goal, avoid the monsoon months.
Currency
U.S. dollars work fine for short stays, but for longer trips, switch to Guyanese dollars.
Getting Around
Georgetown is walkable and safe, but it gets hot. Hire a day taxi for ~$30 to explore comfortably.
Solo Travel + Safety
Guyana isn’t cheap, but it felt safe for solo female travel. Checkpoints along the roads add a layer of security.
Where We Stayed
We chose Grand Coastal Hotel, close to both the international and domestic airports. While slightly overpriced, it offered solid amenities, great food, and restaurants nearby.
Vegan + Vegetarian Food in Guyana
Thanks to Guyana's Indo-Caribbean roots, food was a breeze. Think roti with dry potato-bean curries—comforting, flavorful, and everywhere.
You’ll find ample vegetarian options without trying too hard.
Kaieteur Waterfalls: The Heart of Guyana
Deep inside the Amazon Forest, Kaieteur is the world’s widest single-drop waterfall—a roaring 226-meter vertical plunge of pure force.
Forget the crowds at Niagara or Iguazu. Here, you’ll likely be one of just a few thousand visitors a year. This isolation is what makes Kaieteur unforgettable.
For the unreal aerial visuals of the Amazon forest and the towering waterfall, and the flowing rivers, this one deserves so much HYPE.
How to Visit Kaieteur Falls
Access is tricky—no roads, only air or multi-day jungle trekking. We opted for the flight + hike combo, which is magical in itself.
Tour booked via Touring Guyana
Airline: Trans Guyana Airways
Cost: €199 per person
Duration: 90 mins one-way
Small aircraft (13-seater)—book early!
Flights are weather-dependent, with weekend flights more likely to fill.
What to Expect Inside Kaieteur National Park
Once you land, a local guide leads a 3-hour light hike through the rainforest to the viewpoint. The park itself is one of the oldest protected areas in the Amazon and deeply sacred to the Patamona People.
The Potaro River, the source of the falls, can be heard long before it comes into view—its thundering power gives you chills. This is raw nature, unfiltered and humbling.
Can You Hike Instead of Fly?
Yes—but only if you have 5–6 days and are ready to trek through the Amazon. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime challenge, but our tight schedule didn’t allow for it. One day, perhaps.
Georgetown – Caribbean Soul in South America
Day two was about exploring Georgetown, the l
The views of the Potaro Plateau—from both air and land—were highlights of the trip. It’s rare to witness a place this untouched.aid-back capital.
Think more Caribbean charm than South American chaos. With its colonial past and English roots, you’ll find remnants of Dutch-British architecture, diverse food, and vibrant markets.
Natural History Museum: Fascinating look at Guyana’s endemic species.
Botanical Gardens: A great escape from the tropical heat.
Final Thoughts
In places like Guyana, where only a few thousand tourists visit each year, nature remains untouched and unspoiled. That’s the magic.
Sure, it takes a bit of effort and planning—but when you’re soaring above the Amazon, or standing before the mighty Kaieteur Falls, you’ll know it was absolutely worth it.
If you have more time, I highly recommend spending 7–10 days in Guyana. You won’t regret it.
If you have more time, I highly recommend spending 7–10 days in Guyana. You won’t regret it.
Thanks for reading. Drop your questions in the comments below.
With love, Anki
To explore more South American destinations, be sure to check out other blogs for additional insights.
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