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Guyana is one of South America’s most overlooked gems, blending Amazonian rainforest, Caribbean culture, and untamed landscapes. If you’re wondering how to make the most of your time here, there’s a surprising mix of things to do in Guyana. From witnessing the powerful drop of Kaieteur Falls to walking through 18th-century ruins at Fort Zeelandia, the range of things to do in Guyana is rooted in real history and nature. You can hike through rainforest trails, spot endangered turtles at Shell Beach, and even explore century-old wooden cathedrals in Georgetown.
Top 10 Things To Do In Guyana
Waterfalls, rivers, forests, and colonial sites- these are the things to do in Guyana if you’re exploring different parts of the country.
1. Visit The Kaieteur Falls
Photo: Dan Sloan / Wikimedia Commons
A trip to Kaieteur Falls gives you more than a scenic view—it places you face to face with the world’s tallest single-drop waterfall by volume. Dropping 226 metres from the ancient Potaro Plateau, this remote site lies deep inside Kaieteur National Park, only accessible by charter flight from Georgetown. Once you land on the dirt airstrip, a short hike through dense jungle takes you to multiple viewpoints, each revealing a different angle of the roaring cascade. If you arrive in the dry season, the surrounding landscape is carpeted in golden bromeliads, some of which host rare golden frogs.
Location: Kaieteur National Park, Potaro-Siparuni Region
Timings: 8 AM – 4 PM (closed on Sundays)
Average Cost: ₲31000 – 52000 / ₹350 – 590
Nearby Attractions: Orinduik Falls, Amatuk Falls, Tukeit Rest Stop
2. Experience The Iwokrama Canopy Walkway
Photo: Naoki Suzuki / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The Iwokrama Canopy Walkway lets you explore Guyana’s rainforest from above. Start your canopy walk by stepping onto a secure suspension bridge that rises nearly 30 metres above the forest floor. The walkway stretches over 150 metres, linking multiple platforms nestled among giant trees. You’ll walk across steel-cabled bridges supported by sturdy platforms, each built to observe wildlife without disturbing the forest. Early mornings are the best time to spot red howler monkeys, toucans, and even the elusive Guianan cock-of-the-rock. This is one of the most unique things to do in Guyana if you’re interested in biodiversity and want to see a working conservation model up close.
Location: Iwokrama Forest, near Kurupukari
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Average Cost: ₲6500 – 11000 / ₹80 – 125 (entry and guide)
Nearby Attractions: Turtle Mountain Trail, Atta Rainforest Lodge, Essequibo River
3. Explore The Rupununi Savannah
Photo: Bert B / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
If you’re looking to cover raw landscapes and meet local communities, a Rupununi Savannah Safari is one of the most rewarding things to see in Guyana. The region stretches across the south of the country, bordered by the Kanuku Mountains and divided by the Rupununi River. You can cover the region in rugged 4×4 vehicles, following dirt trails that cut through open grasslands and wetlands. The route passes small Amerindian settlements, where stops are arranged to share local customs and meals. Most safaris include overnight stays at working ranches such as Dadanawa or Karanambu.
Location: Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo Region
Average Cost: ₲83000 – 165000 / ₹950 – 1900
Nearby Attractions: Karanambu Lodge, Dadanawa Ranch, Kanuku Mountains
4. Visit The St. George’s Cathedral
Photo: Dan Lundberg / Wikimedia Commons
A stop at St. George’s Cathedral gives you a close look at one of the tallest wooden churches in the world, standing over 43 metres high. This Gothic-style structure, built entirely from greenheart and other local timber, has stood in Georgetown since 1894. Its stained glass windows, high vaulted ceilings, and decorative ironwork speak to both British colonial influence and local craftsmanship. The interior feels airy and bright, with sunlight streaming through narrow arch windows during the day. You can walk around freely, though services are occasionally in progress. Several plaques inside the cathedral document the lives of past bishops, community leaders, and key events in Guyana’s Anglican history.
Location: Georgetown, Church Street
Nearby Attractions: Promenade Gardens, Walter Roth Museum, Parliament Building
5. Walk At The Shell Beach Wildlife
Photo: Marco Farouk Basir / Wikimedia Commons
Shell Beach runs for over 120 kilometres along Guyana’s northwest coast and serves as a nesting ground for four species of sea turtles: Green, Hawksbill, Leatherback, and Olive Ridley. During the nesting season from March to August, you can join guided patrols led by trained conservationists, often based at remote monitoring camps. Night patrols begin after sunset, when turtles emerge from the sea to lay eggs along the shore. You can walk beside conservation staff along quiet stretches of sand, using red lights to avoid disturbing the animals. If you want to support hands-on wildlife protection, this is one of the most meaningful things to do in Guyana.
Location: Northwest Coast, Barima-Waini Region
Average Cost: ₲31000 – 52000 / ₹350 – 590
Nearby Attractions: Waini River, Almond Beach, Moruca River
6. Explore The Georgetown Markets
Photo: Dan Sloan / Wikimedia Commons
Stabroek Market is where Georgetown moves at full pace. Inside the cast-iron building, food stalls overflow with plantains, cassava bread, bora beans, pineapples, and wiri wiri peppers. In the fish section, snapper, butterfish, and gilbaka are arranged on open trays, cleaned and sold by the kilo. The scent of smoked meat and cassareep mixes with the noise of vendors calling out prices and buyers negotiating bulk rates. Sections are clearly divided with seafood and meat in one area, spices and produce in another, and clothing and household goods elsewhere. If you want things to do in Guyana that show how people eat and earn, this is the place to be.
Location: Stabroek and Bourda Markets, Georgetown
Average Cost: ₲2000 – 4000 / ₹25 – 50
Nearby Attractions: Stabroek Clock Tower, Independence Square, City Hall
7. Ride The Essequibo River
Photo: Vicky Vale / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
A boat trip on the Essequibo River offers a day of exploring Guyana’s historic and scenic gems. Departing from Parika, speedboats glide past forested banks and riverside villages. Key stops include Fort Island’s Dutch-era Fort Zeelandia and Court of Policy, as well as Baracara Falls, perfect for a dip or walk. Some routes visit Amerindian villages selling handmade crafts and cassava bread. Guides highlight colonial chimneys, dense mangroves, and native wildlife like scarlet ibis and herons, making this a rich blend of history, nature, and culture.
Location: Departures from Parika or Bartica
Average Cost: ₲5000 – 15000 / ₹60 – 200
Nearby Attractions: Fort Island, Bartica Beach, Baracara Falls
8. Visit Fort Zeelandia And The Court Of Policy
Photo: Dan Lundberg / Wikimedia Commons
Fort Zeelandia is one of Guyana’s most important colonial landmarks. Built by the Dutch in the 1740s on Fort Island, the red-brick fort features thick walls that once defended the Dutch capital of Essequibo. Visitors can explore the original layout, including remnants of barracks, gun mounts, and storage areas. A short walk away is the Court of Policy, a preserved wooden structure where colonial laws and trade decisions were made. Informational displays bring the era to life, making this site a must-visit for anyone interested in Guyana’s early political history and colonial past.
Location: Fort Island, Essequibo River
Average Cost: ₲1000 – 2000 / ₹10 – 25
Nearby Attractions: Dutch Reformed Church, Fort Kyk-Over-Al (by boat), Fort Island Village
9. Hike To Orinduik Falls
Photo: Marco Farouk Basir / Wikimedia Commons
Orinduik Falls, near the Brazil border, rewards travelers with a wide, terraced cascade set among red rock pools on the Ireng River. Water flows over natural stone steps, forming shallow basins ideal for swimming. Reached by chartered flight and a short walk across open savannah, the falls offer a remote, undeveloped escape. Visitors can climb the rocks and relax in natural pools, surrounded by cool air and untouched landscapes. Located in the Pakaraima Mountains, Orinduik is a scenic and less-traveled destination—perfect for those seeking adventure and one of the most serene waterfalls in Guyana.
Location: Pakaraima Mountains, near the Brazil border
Average Cost: ₲62000 – 83000 / ₹700 – 950
Nearby Attractions: Ireng River, Kaieteur Falls (multi-stop tours), Lethem town
10. Tour The Botanical Gardens And Zoo
Photo: Ramona Flwrs / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The Botanical Gardens in Georgetown offer a peaceful retreat filled with native and ornamental plants, including palms, aquatic species, and flowering trees like bougainvillaea and frangipani. Gravel paths wind past lotus-covered ponds and shaded benches, attracting butterflies and birds. At the rear, a small zoo houses rescued native animals such as jaguars, ocelots, and harpy eagles, with ongoing improvements to enclosures. Wild parrots and egrets also roam freely among the tall trees. For a taste of Guyana’s biodiversity within city limits, the gardens provide a quiet, accessible escape for nature lovers and urban explorers alike.
Location: Vlissengen Road, Georgetown
Average Cost: ₲400 – 1000 / ₹10 – 20 (zoo)
Nearby Attractions: Castellani House, National Cultural Centre, Guyana Defence Force Monument
The list of things to do in Guyana blends nature, history, and everyday life in places deeply connected to their environment. From walking rainforest canopy bridges to exploring Dutch forts and vibrant local markets, the country offers authentic, unfiltered experiences. With direct access to wildlife, rivers, and culture—without heavy tourism—Guyana is ideal for grounded travelers. Whether it’s Shell Beach or Fort Island, plan your journey with TripXL for a real adventure.
Cover Photo: Lesly Derksen / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
