"Land of Wilderness and Adventurers"
Guyana Tourism
Not quite like any other country of the continent, Guyana is a destination for tourists who love wandering amid the nature and care nothing for the modern world. The sense of serenity and tranquillity is not just overwhelming but also something, one will cherish for lifetime.
Like a dose of refreshing retreat, Guyana is a country lost in wilderness and raw nature located on the northeast coast of South America. Almost close to the size of Britain, Guyana still preserves its nature in an untouched way yet full of life and magic. Away from the touch of modernity and tourist infrastructure, the country offers plethora of natural wonders including lush rainforests, sandy beaches, snaking rivers, cascading waterfalls, and wavering savannahs. It also features richness in wildlife, rustic capital of Georgetown adorned with stilted wooden houses and vibrancy of West Indian culture that is clearly visible on streets and food of the country. This thrilling destination is for strong hearts who are willing to give up their regular manÕs comfort and are prepared to take a plunge into an adventurous expedition. The reward is unforgettable and simply remarkable!
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Currency in Guyana
Guyanese Dollar is the official currency of the country available in the denomination of 20, 100, 500 and 1,000. US Dollars are widely accepted throughout the country. Credit cards such as American Express, MasterCard, Diners and Visa are accepted at most of the large hotels, restaurants, tour operators and cars hire companies. However, Guyana is largely a cash economy, so carrying cash is advisable.
Exchanging Money in Guyana
Banks in Guyana offers money exchange facility but it opens only in the morning and works in bureaucratic manner. Bureaux de change or Cambios offers official exchange notes without any extra charges to change your money. One can get not just money but also travellers cheque changed here as well. Cambios keep longer hours.
Daily Budget for Guyana
Guyana is located in the South America where cost of living is comparatively high than other countries of the continent. The country offers great experience to all kind of travellers, be its backpackers, mid-range and splurging types. Following is the per day budget in the countryÕs local currency for each type of traveller mentioned above excluding the accommodation cost (include food, water, local transport, entertainment, communication, tips, souvenirs and alcohol):
Budget travel: USD 65 approximately
Comfortable travel: USD 125 approximately
Luxury travel: USD 250 approximately
Religion of Guyana
Half the population in Guyana are Christians with about 33% Hindus and less than 10% are followers of Islam.
Guyana Customs
Guyana is a multicultural country with an ethnic fusion of Indian, European, Chinese and Afro Guyanese. One can witness the cultures and traditions of the above-mentioned races coexisting peacefully. People here are quite friendly and take hospitality seriously. Informal wear is common way of dressing; however, men should avoid wearing shorts.
Tipping is not really a culture of Guyana; however, in case of taxis rounding off the figure makes things easier. In some restaurants service charge of 10% are added and if not included, there is no compulsion of giving out the tip.
Language of Guyana
English is the official language of Guyana but a vast majority of population speaks Guyanese Creole, Hindi, Urdu and other Amerindian dialects.
History of Guyana
The original dwellers of Guyana were semi-nomadic American Indians. The country came into form as British Guyana with the merger of Essequibo, Demerara and Berbice settlements. The slavery was abolished from the country in 1834 and that is when the plantation owners also brought in cheap labour from India. There were other immigrants to the country that include Americans, Europeans (the Portuguese, English and Dutch) and the Chinese. However, in 1953 Guyana formed a new constitution with an elected government.
It became an independent member of the commonwealth in 1966 and renamed as Guyana. Guyana received the status of republic in 1970 along with an elected President. The year 1976 witnessed the new education system in the country with a promise of free education from the primary level to university. Following a the murder of United States Congressman Leo Ryan, there was a mass suicide on November 18, 1978 of the members of the People's Temple along with the death of 700 more people. The country released a new constitution in 1980 with Forbes Burnham elected as the first Executive President of the Republic.
Nightlife in Guyana
Nightlife in Guyana is limited to its capital Georgetown where tourists will find both young and old enjoying the night. The city is packed with pubs and clubs serving alcohol in abundance and music blaring all night. Other than that, there are Latin discos, karaoke bars and jazz clubs quite popular among locals. For those looking for true fusion of cultures in the country, try Ignite Bar where reggae is combined to the beats of Indian and Soca music. Cars parked on roads with loud music rocking the surrounding and people drinking away their alcohol are the common sight and an unforgettable experience.
Shopping in Guyana
Shopping, for the people of Guyana is their favourite pastime, particularly in the capital city of Georgetown. The city is known worldwide for some of the purest gold and diamonds in the world. Street markets here are the best place to start at, especially for gifts and souvenirs but make sure to practice your haggling skills. Sculptures, furniture, handmade slippers, key rings, paintings, leather goods, hats made from nibbee fibre and bead crafts are some of the things to check out and are available at all the Georgetown markets. However, price may vary from place to place. Stabroek market in Georgetown is known for local straw hats, clay goblets, baskets, jewellery, bows and arrows, hammocks pottery and salad bowls that are perfect for souvenirs.
Best Time to Visit Guyana
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FAQs on Guyana
What is the best time to visit Guyana?
Guyana experiences warm and tropical climatic conditions throughout the year with high rainfall for most part of the year. However, the best time to explore the country is from January to February and from August until September, which is the peak tourist season and end of the wet or rainy season. It is also the ideal time to explore the rainforests. Make sure to carry umbrella, raincoat and drink lots of water to avoid dehydration.
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What is the local food in Guyana?
Food of Guyana is as multicultural as its population with huge influence from Britain, the Netherlands, India and Africa. Chicken, pork, steak, and particularly shrimps are present on the menus of the most restaurants of the country. However, best Chinese food can be found in Georgetown. Rice, livestock and root plants that are locally produced in the Guyana forms the staple in the cuisine. Foo-foo, Metagee, Split pea soup, pepperpot, and Guyanese style rice are some of the popular dishes. Banks, papaw milkshake, mauby, pineapple wine, and peanut punch are the popular beverages.
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What are the things to do in Guyana?
The top things to do in Guyana are Kaieteur Falls, Demerara Distillers, Guyana National Museum, Canopy Walkway, Botanical Gardens in Guyana, St. George Cathedral. You can see all the places to visit in Guyana here
What are the places near Guyana?
The top places near to Guyana are Dominica which is 0 km from Guyana, London which is located 7490 km from Guyana, Dubai which is located 2296 km from Guyana, Amsterdam which is located 7217 km from Guyana, New york city which is located 13051 km from Guyana
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