10-Day Itinerary for Exploring Guyana
With its stunning rainforests, diverse wildlife, and rich culture, Guyana is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. This 10-day itinerary will help you visit the best spots while giving you some time to relax and enjoy the country at your own pace.
Day 1: Arrival in Georgetown
Start your trip by flying into Georgetown, Guyana’s capital. The city is small, so getting acquainted doesn’t take long. Check into your accommodation and then head out to explore a bit.
Stroll around Stabroek Market; it’s chaotic, colorful, and full of life. You’ll find everything from fresh produce to local handicrafts. Grab a fresh fruit smoothie and take in the atmosphere.
In the evening, enjoy some local dishes. Try Pepperpot or Curry Chicken at Backyard Cafe. It’s a hit for its friendly vibes and delicious home-cooked food. After dinner, head back to your hotel and rest up for the adventure ahead.
Day 2: Georgetown Highlights
Spend today exploring Georgetown’s landmarks. Start at the St. George’s Cathedral, one of the tallest wooden buildings in the world. It’s a beautiful piece of architecture and a great way to kick off the day.
Next, take a walk along the Seawall. It’s a nice place to stretch your legs and take in views of the Atlantic Ocean. You’ll see locals hanging out in the late afternoon enjoying the breeze.
Afterward, visit the Botanical Gardens and Zoo. The gardens are a peaceful break from the city, with plenty of plant species and birds to see. If you’re into wildlife, this is a must.
Day 3: Kaieteur Falls Day Trip
Takes things up a notch with a day trip to Kaieteur Falls. This is one of the most incredible natural wonders in Guyana and is five times taller than Niagara Falls.
You’ll likely have to fly out from Ogle Airport via a small aircraft. The aerial views are breathtaking. Once you land, a short hike will bring you up close to the waterfall. It’s an unforgettable experience watching this powerful force of nature drop over 700 feet.
You’ll return to Georgetown in the evening for some downtime. Relax at your accommodation or grab a light dinner at Shanta’s Puri Shop for some classic street food flavors.
Day 4: Explore Bartica and the Essequibo River
Take a boat ride from Parika to Bartica, the gateway to the interior of Guyana. Bartica is located at the junction of the Essequibo River and the Mazaruni River. You’ll notice right away it has a more laid-back feel.
Spend the day cruising around some of the nearest river islands like Sloth Island or Fort Island. Both spots offer fascinating, tranquil nature experiences and are perfect for bird-watching.
In the afternoon, relax and take in the slower pace of Bartica. Enjoy a meal by the river while you soak up a sunset over the Essequibo.
Day 5: Take a 4WD Adventure to Iwokrama
Get ready for an off-road journey today. Head south towards the Iwokrama Rainforest. The drive may take several hours, but the views you’ll see along the way more than make up for it.
En route, you’ll easily spot wildlife: sloths and colorful birds will likely make an appearance. Once at Iwokrama, settle into the eco-lodge and take time to appreciate the remote jungle vibes.
Later in the day, you could go on a guided wildlife tour or just relax at the lodge, immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of the rainforest.
Day 6: Wildlife Spotting at Iwokrama
Today you’ll go deeper into the jungle. Start with an early morning walk to spot birds and monkeys. The rainforest is dense, and the local guide will point out species you may not have noticed.
Later in the day, you can visit the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway. This series of suspension bridges hangs high above the forest, giving you aerial views of the jungle plus a greater chance to spot treetop wildlife.
In the afternoon, spend some time kayak fishing or just relaxing by the river before returning to the lodge. You won’t want to rush through these raw wilderness vibes.
Day 7: Visit the Amerindian Community of Surama
Leave Iwokrama and journey slightly south to Surama, an Amerindian village. Surama provides an authentic cultural experience, giving you a glimpse into traditional Guyanese life.
Once in the village, you’ll meet with a local guide who will take you around and introduce you to the ways the community lives, trades, and conserves resources. The traditional practices and stories of the Makushi people will leave a lasting impact.
Consider doing a short nature hike in the nearby savannah or up a hillside, which offers fantastic panoramic views. Then, enjoy a home-cooked meal with your hosts in the village.
Day 8: Journey to Lethem
Start your day with a journey to Lethem. It’s a long trip, so you might want to leave early. Lethem is your gateway to the Rupununi savannahs and is located along the border with Brazil.
Check into a local guesthouse to rest. This area is famous for wide-open plains, so you can take a stroll to enjoy the landscape, or wander around the border town, which has some Brazilian influences on its culture and cuisine.
If you’re not too tired from the drive, you could visit the Takatu River for a swim.
Day 9: Explore the Rupununi Savannahs
The Rupununi Savannahs offer a classic landscape full of grasslands, cattle ranches, and wildlife, including giant anteaters and capybaras. Today, you can explore the region on a guided safari tour. The guides here know where to find those elusive animals.
Visit a traditional ranch and experience cowboy life, or if you are into history, drop by Kumu Falls, which played a role during the original Rupununi Uprising in the 1960s.
Enjoy the open landscape and huge skies before heading back to Lethem for dinner. The next day you’ll be heading back to Georgetown.
Day 10: Return to Georgetown
Fly back from Lethem to Georgetown. This 90-minute scenic flight gives you one more look at Guyana’s beautiful, diverse landscape.
Once back in the capital, you have some free time. Head to a local café, wander the streets, or do some last-minute shopping in the markets. Consider grabbing a final meal at the famous Bistro Café and Bar or any of the vibrant eateries you missed on day one.
Wrap up your journey with a relaxed evening and reflect on your trip through one of South America’s least-visited but most exciting countries.
Final Thoughts
This 10-day itinerary offers a perfect balance of cities, nature, culture, and downtime. You’ll explore both well-known and off-the-beaten-path spots. Travel in Guyana is adventurous, but the rewarding landscapes and experiences make it worth it.
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