5 Unique Experiences in Guyana that You Can’t Find Anywhere Else

A visit to Guyana is packed with adventure, nature and culture – all in equal and astounding measures. While the debate rages on about which country is the best when it comes to experiencing the Amazon and its wildlife, there are a few things that make Guyana stand out above the rest. Here are some of the unique experiences in the country that should convince you to pack your bags for Guyana today!

Abseiling in Mount Roraima

Climbing down a vertical rock with only a rope to hold on to, is definitely not for the faint at heart. And when the climb down, is from a few thousand feet, it requires not only courage but also technique and strength. You can get a taste of this once in a lifetime adventurei at the iconic Mount Roraima in the western mountainous region of the country. Here, abseiling is organised by professional adventure outfitters for amateurs and professional climbers, under the strict supervision of trained instructors. This is a must try adventure activity for the adrenaline junkie and those who want to return from their adventure holiday in Guyana with serious bragging rights.

Caiman tagging at night

You may have seen many crocodiles and alligators on TV screens and in zoos around the world but spotting caimans in rivers and creeks of Guyana, has a special appeal for wildlife enthusiasts. Caimans are found in the marshes, lakes and rivers of the country. Shy around humans, caimans are best spotted at night when their eyes can be seen shining in the dark. Trained naturalists from the various eco-lodges ensure that a night boat safari into the caiman inhabited waters is an exciting addition to your trip. Join the guides as they capture wild caiman in the river to do a health check and measure the growth of the caiman. This experience is one for the books! Though completely safe, it is an exhilarating adventure and one only the lucky few get to experience. You can be one of that few!

Kaieteur Falls from a plane

The idea of visiting another waterfall may not sound exciting if you are a seasoned traveller but the awe-inspiring Kaieteur Falls is bound to change your mind. The 741 foot waterfall plunges into a gorge, with dense rainforest all around. The magnificent curtain of water is one of the largest waterfalls of the world, even beating the more popular Niagara in sheer volume of water. What is unique about Kaieteur is that you can get here by a small Cessna plane (4 to 12 seater) and get an exclusive view from above. Most pilots make two flybys, so that everyone can get a good look and click memorable photographs of this thundering sheet of water. Don’t worry though, you get more close and personal with the falls when the plane stops for tour to several stellar viewpoints.

Guyana’s Unique Indigenous Villages

If the simple but enriching life appeals to you, there is nothing more inspiring than spending a couple of days in the ndigenous villages deep in the rainforest of Guyana. Dig into crusty cassava with curry, cook-up rice and pepper pot at meal times. Then take your hammock and hang it in a breezy benab for an undisturbed sleep or experience on of several community-owned eco-lodges. While some villages are slowly modernising, most still retain their traditional way of life. Go birding and wildlife spotting, experience fishing with the locals, or lend a hand in the fields to learn about traditional farming practices. No matter how you decide to spend your time with Indigenous people, the unhurried and close-to-nature life is rewarding and invigorating.

Ranch life

One of the most remote ranches of the world, Dadanawa, lies in South Rupununi. It was the largest ranch in the world during the middle of the last century and still has over 5,000 heads of cattle. While Dadanawa might have put Guyana on the world map, the ranching lifestyle was never new to this region. The business has flourished since the early 1800s and continues to thrive even today across the grassland of the savannahs. For a closer look at ranch life, book your stay in an active ranch and witness the daily life of vaqueros. Over the years, casual rodeo championships made way for large events, with vaqueros participating from across the country and from the neighbouring ones too. Today the Rupununi Rodeo headlines the best of bronco sport and overshadows the smaller but as exciting Saddle Creek Rodeo. A visit here, especially during the 2-day festival around Easter, is an eye-opening journey into a way of life, that is all but forgotten everywhere else!

Travel Better in Guyana: Guyana is working hard to conserve its vibrant wildlife and ecosystems and protect its culture and heritage. We realize that it is often difficult to understand how you can support these aims and make a difference when you travel. That’s why we’ve set out to help you by creating Visitor Guidelines For Sustainable Travel (add an anchor link to the tips on the http://dev-test.website/travel-tips/ page). All passionate globetrotters, curious culture seekers, and bold adventurers are encouraged to do all you can to leave a positive impact on the people and places you visit in Guyana