Beginner's Guide to Guyana

Popular Guyanese Legends

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All of the cultural traditions of the people of Guyana combine together for some very interesting legends and beliefs. Here are just a few:

• Dai Dai: A Dai Dai is an Amerindian forest spirit that protects the gold and diamonds found within Guyana.
• Baku: A Baku is a spirit that lives on bananas and milk and throws small stones at houses in and around the Georgetown area. A Baku is also believed to be responsible for moving items within the home.
• Tocouyaha: A Tocouyaha is an Amerindian river monster that supposedly will attack boats floating by. They believe that water bubbles will appear over the spots where the monster is hiding.
• Jumbie: Jumbie is a generic term used to refer to a ghost or spirit.

There are also Amerindian legends for Kaieteur Falls and other famous attractions in Guyana.

So much of Guyana is influenced by the Caribbean that it is a member of the Caribbean community called Caricom. Guyana considers itself apart of the West Indies and with so many similarities between Caribbean and Guyanese culture, it is easy to understand why.

Festivals and Holidays

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Christian, Hindu, and Muslim holidays are all celebrated in Guyana as apart of allowing religious freedom to all people. Although most of their holidays are familiar, the Guyanese people have their own traditions used in the celebrations.

Easter
Easter is a popular Christian holiday in Guyana, representing the resurrection of Jesus and like in western countries many businesses are closed on Good Friday and throughout the Easter weekend. In Guyana the “celebration” of the holiday begins on Sunday and Easter Monday when colorful kites can be seen flying all over the sky. The kite season usually begins near Easter and children spend time designing and creating their very own kites. It is important to have the best kite that flies the highest and whistles the loudest. Although is seems mean spirited to some, it is common to put razor blades on the kite strings so that it can “cut” the competitor’s strings. It sounds harsh, but locals say it is all done in the name of fun!

Christmas
Christmas is another important Christian holiday celebrated in Guyana. Typically, women prepare for the holiday by cleaning and making repairs throughout the house. They bake a special “Black Cake” that sounds much like fruit cake. Churches hold special services and people say it does not matter what faith you are, everyone celebrates. There is caroling and Christmas parties and children even travel to stores to see “Father Christmas”. One popular phrase that is commonly heard during this time is:
“Christmas comes once a year
And every man must have his share
Only poor Willy in the jail, drinking sour ginger beer”
If you are anything like me, you probably aren’t sure what that means, but they say it is typically played on radio stations during the season!

Mashramani
Mashramani is an Amerindian word meaning, “the celebration of a job well done,” used to “commemorate the Birth of a Republic”. It commonly falls on February 23, otherwise known as Guyana’s Republic Day. You can think of it as a combination of the American form of 4th of July and Mardi gras with the parades and festivities, minus the fireworks. The holiday is frequently referred to as “Mash” and is a hugely popular day in Guyana.

Other holidays celebrated in Guyana are the Hindu “Divali” and “Phagwah” and the Muslim holiday “Eid-ul-Azha”.

Guyana - Three Day Itinerary Overview

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If you are considering a trip to Guyana, here is a sample three day itinerary to help you schedule your visit as well as some general information and travel and safety tips to consider.

Getting to Guyana is not overly difficult, but will take some careful and thoughtful planning. Here are your options:

• By Airplane: Guyana is served by the Cheddi Jagan International Airport located just outside of Georgetown (you might also find it referred to as the Timehri International Airport). International flights are offered daily from Canada, and the United States through British West Indies Airways (BWIA) and Universal Airlines, and from Caribbean countries through Caribbean Star and BWIA. There are other airlines that service the interior of Guyana and surrounding areas, so be sure and find one that works best for your needs and one that you are comfortable with.
• By Automobile: If you are traveling to Guyana from another South American country, then you might be able to enter on land by bus or automobile. Guyana can be accessed by road from Suriname and Brazil. Buses run daily from the Surinamese border to Georgetown. The bus from the Brazilian border to Georgetown takes about ten hours and travels through the rainforest and savannah areas. Be aware that many foreign visitors to Guyana find the buses and road systems used very unsafe and dangerous so you might want to do some more extensive research on them if you are considering this option.

There are some requirements to keep in mind when entering the country. All visitors must have a valid passport to enter Guyana. Visas are also required from all visitors with some exceptions including Canada and the United States. For a complete list of countries, go to Guyana’s tourism website at www.guyana-tourism.com and look for the entry requirements link.

Day 1

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If you only have one to three days to spend in Guyana, you might find that you can spend all of that time in the city of Georgetown. There are many attractions outside of Georgetown in the interior regions, but your time might be better spent making sure you catch all the many things to do and see in town.

Cheddi Jagan International Airport
If you arrive by plane into the Cheddi Jagan International Airport then it is recommended that you start your trip off by viewing some of the Timehri artwork found on the outer wall of the V.I.P lounge in the airport. The mural found there was done in the Timehri motif by the late Aubrey Williams, a famous Guyanese artist. The word Timehri means “rock painting” and is used to describe the actual rock paintings found throughout Guyana that scientists believe date back to the 14th century. Popular legend explains the ancient Timehri paintings as works done by “Amalivacar,” an Amerindian god. Regardless of which theory you believe, the mural is an interesting way to get in touch with the Guyanese culture as you enter the country.

City Tour of Georgetown
The scenery in Georgetown is most recognized by the system of checkerboard like streets that are intertwined with canals and “kokers” that protect the city, which lies 13 feet below high tide level, from flooding. Some nearby attractions you will want to see on day one include the following, all located in the main area of town on the western side:

• St. George’s Cathedral: The present church was built in the 1890s and designed by Sir Arthur Bloomfield. It is one of the world’s tallest wooden structures standing over 132 feet high. The history of the cathedral is written down on tablets found throughout the interior. For more information visit www.stgeorges.org.gy.
• The State House: The State House is where the president of Guyana resides. It was built in 1852 and is a perfect example of the unique architecture that can be found in Georgetown. The property, which is surrounded by beautiful gardens, has been host to many visiting dignitaries throughout history.
• Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology: A great museum to experience during your journey in Guyana which describes the Amerindian history and lifestyle with relics and artifacts.
• Museum of Guyana: The Museum of Guyana is a great choice for those interested in Guyanese artwork and sculptures.

Most likely you will have had a very tiring day one and by now your will be ready to settle down for the evening, especially since it is not considered safe to be walking around the city after dark. If you must travel after dark it is recommended that you use a taxi, travel with others, and stay only in areas that you are familiar with. Get a good nights rest because you are going to need it for day two!

Day Two

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Day two takes you to some of the finest attractions Georgetown has to offer, the Guyana Zoo, the Botanical Gardens, and the Umana Yana.

Guyana Zoo
The Guyana Zoo is a good way to get acquainted with some of the natural wildlife that Guyana has to offer. It is possible to see some of these animals in your travels throughout Guyana, but sometimes their natural habitat makes it difficult to get a good look. Here is a great opportunity to encounter them one on one. The zoo has been around for some time, officially opening to the public January 1st of 1952. They house some 30 species of mammals, 40 species of birds, 15 species of reptiles and 20 species of fish. These animals include jaguars, pumas, monkeys, manatees, toucans, harpy eagles, anacondas, turtles, and the emerald tree boa. Gates open daily at 7:30 and there is a small entry fee. For more information you can visit www.guyanazoo.org.gy.

The Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Gardens are a stunning way to view some of Guyana’s finest tropical flowers, including the national flower, the Victoria Regia Lily, which was named for Queen Victoria. The garden includes the most extensive tropical flora in the Caribbean and is beautifully accented with kissing bridges, ponds, and canals. It is said that no trip to Georgetown would be complete without visiting the Botanical Gardens.

The Umana Yana
Now that you have seen some of the country’s wildlife and tropical plant life, it is time to head to the Umana Yana and experience more of Guyana’s history and culture. The Umana Yana is a 55 foot high “palm thatched” structure built in 1972 by the Wai Wai Amerindians for the Non-Aligned Foreign Ministers Conference. It is a much admired and honored part of Georgetown. On the grounds you can also visit the Liberation Monument, a memorial built to honor those who endure the constant “struggle for freedom”.

If you have some left over time before nightfall on day two then you can visit the famous Georgetown Lighthouse (built 1830) and Fort William Frederick all located in the northern area of town near the Atlantic coast.

Day 3

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During day 3 you will take in some last minute attractions found in Georgetown like the Stabroek Market, the Parliament Building, and St. Andrew’s Kirk.

Stabroek Market
Plenty of time is left open on day three so you can spend as much time as you would like at Stabroek Market. The market was first established in 1792, but the structure that stands today completed construction in 1881. You probably will have noticed the market by this time in your trip as its large clock tower dominates the city “skyline”. Stabroek market is constructed entirely of cast iron and is one of the largest all metal markets in the world. You can buy almost anything there from jewelry to vegetables. Unfortunately, the market has earned a reputation of having muggers, so it is recommended that you travel in groups and don’t wear flashy jewelry and designer clothing.

The Parliament Building
Built in 1833 and stilled used today as a meeting place for the Parliament, this structure is another example of Guyana’s unique architectural designs. The Parliament Building was built in a neo-classical style and was visited by Queen Elizabeth in 1994.

St. Andrew’s Kirk
St. Andrew’s Kirk was built in 1829 (some sources say 1818) and is known for being the oldest continuously used building for religious purposes in Guyana.

If you are interested in any shopping, Regent Street is known as Georgetown’s premier shopping district and Sheriff Street is popular for its nightlife, hotspots, and restaurants; to locals, it is referred to as the “street that never sleeps”.

Enjoy your stay in Georgetown, visit all the major attractions, and most importantly, do your research to ensure you have a safe stay.

Days 1 and 2

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Are you interested in outdoor adventure, exotic wildlife, Caribbean culture, and an overall new type of vacation experience? Then you are on the right track to finding all that in Guyana. Here is a sample five day itinerary to help you organize your trip as well as some safety guidelines and tips you need to be aware of to make this vacation one you will never forget.

The first two days in Guyana are all about “The Garden City of the Caribbean,” Georgetown. Most likely you will fly into Cheddi Jagan International Airport or travel into the country near this busy city. You will need a full two days in order to take in all the attractions that Georgetown has to offer. Here are some of the things you won’t want to miss in and around the city.

• St. George’s Cathedral: One of the tallest wooden structures in the world.
• Stabroek Market: Known as the “Bizarre Bazaar,” it is one of the largest all metal markets and an integral part of the Georgetown experience.
• Umana Yana: This “palm-thatched” structure was built by the Wai Wai Amerindians, one of Guyana’s nine indigenous tribes.
• Museums: Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology and the Museum of Guyana are two good choices to learn about the country’s history and culture and see Guyanese artwork.
• Architectural Structures: Good examples of Georgetown’s unique architectural buildings include The State House, Parliament Building, the Victoria Law Courts, and the Town Hall.
• Guyana Zoo: At the Guyana Zoo you can see such exotic animals found in the area like pumas, jaguars, manatees, toucans, and anacondas.
• Botanical Gardens: The Botanical Gardens are a beautifully landscaped garden full of flora native to Guyana as well as the Victoria Regia Lily, the national flower.
• St. Andrew’s Kirk: St. Andrew’s Kirk is the oldest surviving structure in Guyana used for religious purposes.
• The Georgetown Lighthouse: Built in 1830, the red and white stripped lighthouse stands 103 feet tall and replaced the original structure that was built by the Dutch in 1817.
• Bourda: Formerly known as the Georgetown Cricket Club, the Bourda was established in 1884 and is surrounded by a moat. It has a seating capacity of 25,000 and is the perfect venue to catch a game of Guyana’s national sport, Cricket.
• Providence Stadium: On the outskirts of Georgetown lies the Providence district which is recently known for being the home of Providence Stadium, the largest stadium in Guyana, built for the 2007 ICC World Cup (Cricket). It will be much more than just a stadium though with the addition of hotels, resorts, and a theme park. The complex is conveniently located ten minutes from the center of Georgetown.

Georgetown is full of so many things to do it will not be difficult to use up two days strolling throughout the city.

Day 3

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Timberhead Rainforest Resort

Get ready to travel further into Guyana with a day trip to the Timberhead Rainforest Resort. A reputable tour company such as Wilderness Explorers will be able to take you along the Kamuni River to the resort. The resort gives you the opportunity to see both the rainforest and savannah making it a truly memorable experience. You will enjoy activities such as jungle walks (available with guides or you can go it alone), canoeing, bird watching, swimming in the black water creek, fishing, and a host of other adventures. You can even travel a short distance to the Santa Mission, an Amerindian village where you can experience their culture first hand and buy authentic handiworks. Some famous visitors of the Timberhead Rainforest Resort include Queen Elizabeth and former United States President Jimmy Carter. Day trips through Wilderness Explorers cost around 80 U.S. dollars per person for groups of four, or $70 per person for groups of eleven or more. This includes transportation, lunch, activities, and guides. Overnight accommodations are available for those interested for around $150 per person. For more information on Timberhead and Wilderness Explorers visit their website: www.wilderness-explorers.com.

Iwokrama Canopy Walkway

Another option for day three is the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway. The walkway is made up of a series of suspension bridges that give you a great view of the rainforest and Maipa mountain range. While on the walkway you can view flora and vegetation important to Guyana and animals such as the jaguar. Again, you can set up a day or overnight trip through Wilderness Explorers. Once there, fees to enter the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway are around $18 per person. Overnight fees range from $70-90 and include hammock accommodations and three meals. For more information on the walkway, you can visit their website at www.iwokramacanopywalkway.com.

Day 4

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With an excursion trip already out of the way, its time to visit some attractions closer to Georgetown, the Demerara Harbour Bridge and Shell Beach.

Demerara Harbour Bridge
Construction on the Demerara Harbour Bridge was completed in June of 1978, and at that time, it was the longest bridge of its kind in the world; now it ranks fifth. The bridge is constructed of 61 spans supported by pontoons and it measures in at over 6,000 feet or a quarter mile long. It is 24 feet across and is able to carry two lanes of traffic. During the opening ceremony for the bridge then Prime Minister Forbes Burnham and Deputy Prime Minister Ptolemy Reid walked from opposite sides and met in the middle, representing a joining of East and West. It cost around $37,800,000 to construct the famous bridge.

Shell Beach
Shell Beach, one of Guyana’s few beaches, is home to four of the world’s eight species of marine turtles. These giant turtles come to the beach annually to nest and have been featured in documentaries by National Geographic. The beach is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and mangrove forest making it an ideal location for many of Guyana’s exotic species of wildlife and birdlife. Tours of the beach are offered by companies such as Shell Beach Adventures (www.sbadventures.com), which offer three and eight day trips if you so desire.

Day 5

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You have saved the best for last. Day five takes you to arguably the most famous attraction in Guyana, the Kaieteur Falls.

Kaieteur Falls
Kaieteur Falls was first discovered in 1870 and is one of the tallest waterfalls in the world, five times the height of Niagara Falls. Wilderness Explorers offers a one day excursion trip to see Kaieteur Falls and the Orinduik Falls, one of the most beautiful sites in Guyana. The Orinduik Falls create a step like appearance as the water rolls over stones of solid jasper, creating natural Jacuzzis below. The company says this is the most popular day trip they offer and it takes about 8 hours in all with two hour stops at each waterfall. The current rate for the tour is $230 per person and includes flights to and from the falls from Ogle Airstrip, snacks, lunch, guides, and national park registration fees. For more detailed information, visit their website at www.wilderness-explorers.com. (From the front page, click on “Guyana”, then “Short Excursions” and scroll down the page for Kaieteur Falls).

Other Tips and Information

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There are several different touring companies that are recommended by the Guyana Tourism website (www.guyana-tourism.com). Wilderness Explorers, Shell Beach Adventures, as well as, Rainforest Tours, Outdoor Expeditions, and Evergreen Adventures are all listed and most are located in or right outside of Georgetown. Here are some general information and safety tips you will want to keep in mind when traveling in Guyana:

• “Cambios” are licensed currency exchange shops. Be sure and keep you receipt so you can change your Guyanese money in before leaving.
• Just to be on the safe side, drink purified water that can be purchased in shops, markets, vendors, and gas stations around town.
• Minibuses and taxis are good and cheap ways to travel through Guyana and around Georgetown. Taxi fares should not cost you more than 3 U.S. dollars.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Walk with a group, do not flash money or jewelry, stay in well traveled areas, and do not trust just anyone off the street. Contact your hotel for more safety tips and emergency numbers.
• Immunizations might be necessary if you are traveling into the interior parts of the country.
• Do your research. Remember, this is a foreign country that is fairly new to tourism so be sure and do plenty of research about the hotels and companies you intend on doing business with.

There is so much to do and see in Guyana. Enjoy your trip to this wonderful Caribbean inspired South American country and make memories to last a lifetime.

Guyana People and Culture

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Guyana Attractions and Activities

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Guyana Major Cities and Regions

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Guyana Overview and History

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Beginner's Guide to Guyana

Popular Guyanese Legends

Festivals and Holidays

Guyana - Three Day Itinerary Overview

Day 1

Day Two

Day 3

Days 1 and 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Other Tips and Information

Guyana People and Culture

Guyana People and Culture Overview

People

Education

Literature and Arts

Guyana Attractions and Activities

Guyana Attractions and Activities Overview

Kaieteur Falls

Umana Yana

Stabroek Market

Guyana Major Cities and Regions

Guyana Major Cities and Regions Overview

Geographic Regions

Political/Administrative Regions

Georgetown

Guyana Overview and History

Guyana Overview and History

Guyana's History

Politics

Guyana's Economy