Travel Tips
Georgetown is the nicest of three Guyana capital cities. There are pretty colonial houses along the main street, Disneyland-like City Hall and St. George Cathedral to see. Promenade Gardens in the city center are small but full of flowers. Botanical gardesn are on the outskirts of the town, run-down but still worth to see. Entry is free.
City minibuses have their terminal in front of Starbroek Market. Local people cautioned me against muggers in the market area so I did not go in. There is alternative place to buy fruits and grocery: much safer open-air Bourda Market. Guyana is probably the cheapest place to buy rum-big bottle costs around 2.50 USD. Georgetown Tourist Office is now located at the corner of Camp and South Road.
There is 1500 GYD tax on departure from Georgetown airport.
Wojciech Dabrowski - Poland (April 98)
Moving About
Despite the warning in Lonely Planet, I decided to truck it overland to Georgetown. It costs about $25 in the cab or $15 in the back and is certainly an ordeal, but it took only 36 hours and not 3 days so the trail must have been improved. You stop for a few hours sleep in the open-I never had a better view of the stars. The driver said a jaguar had crossed in front of the truck at dawn a couple of trips before, but that was certainly an exception. It wasn't until I got within 30 miles of Georgetown that it became apparent that in Guyana they drive on the left.
Chris P. Evans - US (Feb 98)
Gems, Highlights and Attractions
Kaieteur Fall is main tourist attraction of Guyana. It is one of most impressive waterfalls in the world. Single drop, 250 meters high and 80 to 120 meters wide depending on season. Angel is four times higher but not as wide as Kaieteur. The fall is hidden in the jungle, far from human settlements and land access is very difficult.
Tour agencies in Georgetown like Shell Beach Adventures organize 4-days overland expeditions to the fall. Day one: truck to Meckdeci Camp. Day two: truck to Kangaruma. Day three: boat to Amatuk, then 3 hour hike and second boat to Tukiet. After that you have to climb 3 hours to the edge of the canyon. On the day four return by air to Georgetown. Typical price for that tour is 640 USD per person, although if you decide to take budget version it could be 480 USD. They provide transportation, food and hammock. Season starts in February. For lonely traveler there is an extra problem: you must wait for a party of 3 or more... I was alone and forced to fly to the fall by small plane from Georgetown Ogle airport (15 min from city center). They charge 160 USD for circle flight GEO-Kaieteur-Orinduik-GEO inclusive National Park fee.
Flight over the lush green, carpet-like jungle is very impressive. There is only a small thatched shelter at the Kaieteur airstrip. Flight takes 1 hour 10 minutes. Before landing there is a wonderful aerial view of the fall-keep your camera ready. Runway is paved. After 10 minutes walk you will reach small Government resthouse. There is kitchen and common room that can accommodate around 20 people. After another 10 minutes you will come to the canyon rim just at the fall. View is magnificent, but in early morning it was misty there so it is worth to wait an hour sor so for better pictures. Then you have three other viewpoints to visit.
After about two hours we continued our flight to specatcular Orinduik Falls on the Ireng River, which form the border with Brazil. The river crosses the savanna. Falls are much lower-only 10 to 20 meters high, but very picturesque. It is possible to swim in the natural pool below the fall. Take your mosquito repellent! Direct return flight to GEO takes 1.5 hour.
Wojciech Dabrowski - Poland (April 98)
For more news, views and the odd bit of gibberish, drop in on the soc.culture.latin-america and rec.travel.latin-america newsgroups.
For detailed up-to-date travel information check out Lonely Planet's Destination Guyana.
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GUYANA
