Overview
Guyana’s attractions range from houses built on stilts in the 19th-century capital, Georgetown, to the awe-inspiring Kaieteur Falls on the Potaro River – waterfalls five times the height of North America’s Niagara Falls. Guyana’s mix of jungle, beaches, savannah and rivers attracts adventure tourists who come to camp, hike, fish and if they are lucky enough to spot a jaguar. The first Europeans to land here in 1616 were the Dutch, who maintained their power until the late 18th century. During the Napoleonic Wars, the Dutch, British and French repeatedly seized control of Guyana. In the end, after defeating Napoleon in 1815, Britain prevailed and Guyana became British Guiana, a status it retained until independence in 1996. After the abolition of slavery, plantation owners imported workers from India, who remain the largest ethnic group in Guyana today. Most live in agricultural areas, especially around Demerara. Other immigrants came from the Americas, Europe (mainly from Portugal, Great Britain and the Netherlands) and from China. See other countries in South America on estatelearning.
Getting there
Arriving by plane
There are no non-stop flights to Guyana from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. In cooperation with American Airlines (AA), Lufthansa (LH) flies from Munich and Frankfurt/M., Austrian Airlines (OS) from Vienna and Swiss (LX) from Geneva via New York to Georgetown. Swiss (LX) offers flights from Zurich to Georgetown via Singapore in cooperation with both Singapore Airlines (SQ) and Jetstar Asia Airways (3K). Qatar Airways (QR) flies from Zurich via Doha to Georgetown. American Airlines (AA) connects non-stop Miami and New York with Georgetowon; Caribbean Airlines (BW) flies non-stop from New York.
Flight times
Frankfurt/M. – Georgetown: 18 hrs 50 mins; Vienna – Georgetown: 18 hrs 50 mins; Zurich – Georgetown: 14 hours 40 minutes
Departure fee
Approximately €17 (G$4,000). Transit travelers who stay in the country for no longer than 48 hours and children under the age of 7 are exempt from this.
Arrival by car
From Boa Vista (Brazil) a road leads to Lethem and via Kurupukari to Georgetown; 4WD vehicles are required for this route (journey time: at least 12 hours). Paramaribo (Suriname) is connected to Georgetown by a coastal road that includes a ferry route. Long-distance buses: There is currently no cross-border bus service. Buses run daily from Boa Vista (Brazil) to Bonfim, on the border with Guyana, which you cross on foot. In Guyana, continue by taxi to Lethem, where there are regular buses to Georgetown. Tolls: Among other things, the Demerara Harbor Bridge in Georgetown and the bridge at Linden are subject to tolls. Documents:
Arrival by train
There are no passenger trains in Guyana.
Arrival by ship
Numerous schooners, which do not always adhere to timetables, operate between the Caribbean islands and Guyana. details on site.
Ferry provider
There is a ferry service across the Courantyne River between Suriname and Guyana (one should only use the ferry – water taxis are illegal for tourists).
Transportation
Traveling by plane
Charter airlines such as Trans Guyana Airways and Air Guyana operate charter flights to a variety of locations around the country and to the islands. More information on site.
Traveling by car/bus
The road network has a length of approx. 8,000 km, of which approx. 500 km are paved. Since Guyana has many rivers, you have to rely on ferries just a few kilometers outside of Georgetown. Among other things, you take the ferry from Vreed en Hoop across the Río Demerara to Georgetown, and on the New Amsterdam to Crabwood Creek route you cross the Río Berbice. Toll: Various bridges are subject to tolls; these include the Demerara Harbor Bridge and the Bridge at Linden. Gas stations are sufficiently available.
Right-hand traffic/left-hand traffic
Left
Condition of the roads
A paved road runs along the coast from Charity via Georgetown to Springlands on the Suriname border. The roads to Linden and to the Brazilian border are also easy to drive on. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended for the other roads. Due to poor road conditions and stray animals, caution is advised; you should generally refrain from driving at night.
Car rental
Rental cars are available in Georgetown at the airport and in the city; even with a driver. Drivers must be at least 21 years old.
Taxi
Taxis are plentiful and highly recommended, especially at night. A standard tariff applies in the cities; surcharges apply for long-distance and night-time journeys. The fare should be agreed before departure. A 10% tip is customary.
Coach
Minibuses run regularly on fixed routes in and around the cities. Buses can be hailed on the street and will stop at any point to get off. Whole buses can also be rented cheaply.
Regulations
Speed limits: – in built-up areas: 50 km/h; – extra-urban: 80-100 km/h.
Roadside Assistance
The ADAC foreign emergency call offers ADAC members and holders of ADAC foreign health and accident insurance comprehensive assistance in the event of vehicle breakdowns, traffic accidents, loss of documents and money, and medical emergencies. The emergency number is available around the clock; in the event of damage to the vehicle: Tel. +49 (0)89 22 22 22, in the event of illness: +49 (0)89 76 76 76. In the event of breakdowns or accidents with the rental car, the car rental company should be contacted first.
Documentation
Driving a motor vehicle in Guyana is only permitted with a local driver’s license, which can be obtained upon presentation of the national and international driver’s license upon entry at customs at the border or at the airport.
Traveling in the city
Georgetown’s Stabroek Market is the bus station for minibuses. Buses run all day and are often overcrowded. The city can also be explored on foot.
Locally on the way by train
There are no passenger trains in Guyana.
Traveling by ship
There are over 1,000 km of navigable waterways; the most important are the Río Essequibo, the Río Potaro, the Río Demerara and the Río Berbice. State ships operate on the Río Essequibo and Río Berbice; however, connections are erratic as floods and rapids often impede shipping. Shore ferries call at several northern ports from Georgetown. Smaller boats operate between other towns.
