Guyana

Understand

The name Guyana (from Arawak Wayana) means "Land of many waters." Guyana mostly consists of rolling highlands with a low coastal plain and savannah in the south. The highest point is Mount Roraima with 2,835 m, at the border tripoint with Brazil and Venezuela.

Climate Guyana's climate is tropical with the hot, humid conditions moderated by northeast trade winds. There are two distinct rainy seasons: May to mid-August and mid-November to mid-January. Flash floods are a constant threat during these rainy seasons.

History

It was a Dutch colony in the 17th century, but by 1815 Guyana had become a British possession. The abolition of slavery led to the purchase of some villages such as Victoria and Anns Grove, as well as black settlement of urban areas and the importation of indentured servants from India to work the sugar plantations. Today, the descendants of these indentured Indian labourers form a plurality of Guyana's population. Chinese were also imported to work on plantations but were found to be unsuitable. The colonial powers employed a system of "divide and rule" among the freed Africans and members of the other ethnic groups who were brought and encouraged to settle in the then-colony. The policy was employed even during slavery when indigenous Amerindians were used to hunt runaway slaves. The result was an ethno-cultural divide, significant elements of which have persisted to this day and have led to turbulent politics, the dissolution of attempts at national cultural development and the non-existence of anything resembling a "national identity". Guyana achieved independence from the UK in 1966. Until the early 1990s it was ruled mostly by socialist-oriented governments. In 1992, Cheddi Jagan was elected president, in what is considered the country's first free and fair election since independence. Upon his death five years later, he was succeeded by his wife, Janet, who resigned in 1999 due to poor health. Her successor, Bharrat Jagdeo, was re-electe

Getting there

Visas Foreign nationals of the following countries/territories can enter Guyana visa-free (Government website):

For up to 6 months: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago For up to 3 months: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Montserrat, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Korea, Norway, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States For up to 90 days: Botswana, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Hong Kong, Panama, Peru, Uruguay For up to 60 days: Eswatini, Malaysia For up to 30 days: Singapore, South Africa, South Korea When applying for a visa, you will need the application form, a passport valid for at least 6 months, 3 passport-size photographs and proof that you have the funds to cover your entire trip to Guyana. If your intent is to work or live in Guyana, you will need to obtain a letter of approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs, and include a copy of it in your submission. The only way to submit a visa application is through the mail. Submissions must be made to the nearest Guyanese Embassy. As of 2023, a tourist visa to visit Guyana costs US$50 for up to 30 days and US$70 for up to 90 days, while a single-entry business visa costs US$50 and a multiple-entry business visa valid for 1 year costs US$150. These visas can be obtained at the nearest Guyanese embassy or consulate. Once in Guyana you can extend your visa at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Georgetown.

By plane

Cheddi Jagan International Airport (GEO IATA) Originally the Timehri International Airport (Timehri means "Rock Painting") it was named in honour of the indigenous displaced peoples of Guyana. There are daily international flights into Cheddi Jagan International Airport about 40 km south of Georgetown. International fligh

Getting around

When people in Guyana refer to buses, they mean minibuses. Minibuses travel throughout Guyana and are the cheapest way to travel. Minibus fares range from G$60-1,000 depending on the length of the journey. Travel in this mode at night could be risky. Many parts of Guyana are separated by large rivers. These areas can be traversed by way of river taxi. Go to the port village and ask from where the speedboats launch. Ask other passengers what the fare is while travelling as boat operators tend to seek higher fees from tourists. Do not take "specials" without first negotiating the price. Taxis are a good way to get around in Georgetown. Fares should never be more than G$500 for travel within the city and most fares should be around G$400. All taxi number plates begin with 'H.' There are set prices for taxis for different destinations, e.g. from the airport to town costs G$5,000, from the airport to Moleson Creek is G$24,000. From Ogle to downtown is G$1,500. One can also rent cars or 4x4s; check the local telephone listings for car rentals. Consult more than one rental agency as prices can vary. You might also be able to negotiate the prices charged to some extent. Deposits are usually required. If renting a vehicle, be sure to inquire whether your driver's licence will be acceptable. Violations of traffic laws can result in much time wasted and possible trips to the local courts.

See

Kaieteur Falls. It is 5 times the height of Niagara Falls, c. 250 m tall. It can be accessed by a short plane flight from the capital offered by various tour companies as a day trip. Most companies only operate the day trip on Sundays and so booking ahead is advisable US$200-300. Orinduik Falls. A smaller waterfall than Kaieteur that is also included when visiting Kaieteur by plane. Iwokrama Rainforest Reserve Jonestown Compound. A historic site near Port Kaituma. It is wise to have a local accompany you as the area is heavily forested and is easy to get lost in.

Do

Mashramani. An Amerindian (indigenous) word meaning "celebration after hard work", this event takes place each 23rd of February as the country's republic anniversary celebration. It's a carnival-like event with float parades and costumed bands. Colourful float parades and costume bands wind their way through the city. While you look on, have a swig of local rum with coconut water or have some Banks beer, all the while swaying and wining to the beat of the soca and calypso. Starts at about 10AM. (updated Oct 2023) Eco-Tourism is a booming industry in Guyana. Rainforest Jungle Excursions: Take a guided overnight trip starting with a boat trip down the maze of mahogany rivers to get to your overnight site. Stay in a classic thatched roof hut, with a mosquito net at night. Hike the Jungle trails and enjoy the jungle foods. Stop and visit an authentic inland Amerindian rainforest village. You may pass by locals who are taking their child to school by boat. There are a number of these tours. 1 Arrowpoint Nature Re