Guyana

On the northwestern tip of South America is a hidden country coated in tropical rainforest and visited by very few people. Guyana is a well-kept secret although that might all be about to change! Bordered by Venezuela to the west, Brazil to the south, Suriname to the east and the Atlantic to the north, Guyana may well be part of South America geographically but its proximity to the Caribbean has influenced much of the life and culture of this tropical country.

Guyana has a population of just under 1m people and its main language is English, although the indigenous peoples of Guyana speak a Creole patois, amongst other Guyanese native languages. As the only South American country to speak English, this destination has been declared an emerging hotspot with several airlines now offering direct flights to Guyana. The capital city of Georgetown sits on the coastal border where much of the population resides and is a hotchpotch of cultures. From previous French, Dutch and English colonisation, in addition to being close to the Caribbean, evidence of the country’s diverse influences can be seen in the architecture, food, music and arts making Georgetown a must-see capital.

Covered in around 80% of rainforest, Guyana is one of the countries that hosts the Amazon Rainforest, most notably the area known as the Guiana Shield. These tropical rainforests are home to numerous known endemic animal and plant species, as well as many undiscovered species too. The interior of the country ranges from dense jungle to sprawling savannah, tropical wetlands and a network of watercourses that bisect the landscapes.

Due to its lesser-known status and its remote landscapes, Guyana has historically enjoyed very few visitors, and many of those who do venture here don’t leave the capital city on the coast. For more intrepid visitors, there are numerous mountains in Guyana, most notably a range of tepui mountains, as well as one of the largest waterfalls in the world, Kaieteur Falls. Travelling by boat along the vast riverways, visitors can access remote ecolodges and cabins in the jungle which make fantastic bases for trekking in Guyana. Spot some of the incredible indigenous wildlife here in Guyana from both land and water, find secret waterfalls and catch glimpses of the numerous tepui mountains in Guyana. These fascinating ‘islands of the sky’ rise from the rainforest below, towering over the landscape, many with waterfalls scattered with rainbows spilling from the summit plateaus above.

Despite its unique location, it is possible to enjoy fantastic trekking and paddling here and Kandoo Adventures offer a range of trips where you can explore this undiscovered country. Learn about local culture with the Arecuna people and discover their way of life as they guide you through the Guyana Highlands, take you swimming in hidden pools and hike to high tepui plateaus. Spot the local wildlife on your trek and see species of plants that you’ve never seen before. You’ll sleep in hammocks and sample local cuisine as you make your way through this exciting wilderness. Visiting Guyana will be a truly memorable experience, and we can’t wait to share it with you.