Dubbed South America’s ‘Final Frontier’, Guyana is one of the least visited corners of the planet. Virtually untouched by tourism, it’s the only South American country where English is the first language and cricket the national sport. Culturally it’s where Latin America meets the Caribbean, with an intriguing mix of Afro-Caribbean, Amerindian, European and Asian influences.
Guyana boasts enormous potential for eco-tourism, with vast areas covered by virgin rainforest, savannah and ancient tablelands over which spill the stunning Kaieteur Falls.
An itinerary usually begins in the vibrant port of Georgetown, with its wooden colonial architecture and broad, tree-lined avenues. Just two hours south is Shanklands, offering rewarding bird-watching.
Venture deeper into the interior and you’ll be rewarded with magnificent jungle scenery and wildlife viewing unrivalled in Latin America. Its rainforests are home to jaguar, giant otter, tapir and over 800 species of bird.
The country suits best those with a spirit for wilderness adventure: travel is by river, dirt road or by light plane. Many of its simple lodges are community-based and double up as research projects. Highlights of these include Iwokrama Field Station, surrounded by pristine rainforest, and Karanambo Ranch on the Rupununi savannah.
Guyana can be combined with the other Guianas – Suriname and Guyane (French Guiana) – a fascinating itinerary, or a wind down on the Caribbean islands of Trinidad & Tobago.