Why Guyana is a must-visit for adventure travelers

Guyana is for both the adventurer and the environmentally conscious traveler. The small South American country remains rather untouched, a nature-rich place between Venezuela and Suriname. 85% of the country is covered in lush rainforest, and the government is fighting to keep it that way. Guyana maintains one of the world’s lowest global deforestation rates through conversation efforts and international partnerships with countries like Norway. Biodiversity also thrives here, and ecology is at the center stage. So, here are our top picks to help you experience Guyana’s natural beauty.

Kaieteur Falls: The world’s largest single-drop waterfall, four times taller than Niagara Falls, and Guyana’s most popular tourist attraction. Kaieteur Falls is Mother Nature’s power on display. Water plunges from the Potaro River at 23,400 cubic feet per second, surrounded by the remote Amazon Rainforest.

The falls are an easy day trip from Georgetown, Guyana’s capital. A quick 45-minute flight over breathtaking landscapes will take you to the Kaieteur Airstrip. From there, it’s only a 15-minute walk to the viewpoint. Or take the more adventurous route: a five-day overland hike through the rainforest to the falls, offered by companies like Dragon Tours. Spot wildlife, trek through the heart of Guyana’s wilderness and enjoy nature at its peak.

Orinduik Falls: This smaller site of cascading waterfalls is worth the hike through Kaieteur National Park. Spot native flora and fauna, then dip in the swimming hole at the falls' base, a perfect way to escape the rainforest’s thick humidity. Most tours will take visitors to both Kaieteur and Orinduik falls in a single day, but longer, more intensive expeditions are available.

Kaieteur National Park: The park covers 242 square miles of undisturbed forest and wilderness. In a world where nature is often considered last, it's almost unbelievable. Hike along its trails as Kaieteur Falls’ soft rumble echoes in the distance. You may encounter jaguars, giant otters or the Giant Owl Butterfly, South America's largest butterfly.

Stay in some of the most remote places in the world, just a few feet away from the untamed wild. These lodging experiences are eco-tourism at its finest. A way to experience Guyana’s valiant efforts to preserve its striking ecosystems and biodiversity.

Caiman House Eco Lodge: Three habitats. One unforgettable experience. In the heart of Yupukari Village, Caiman House’s SaFoRi adventure guides guests through the best of Guyana’s savannahs, forests and rivers. Stay in the four-bedroom lodge with handcrafted furniture from locally sourced materials.

Mapari Wilderness Camp: Hidden beneath the thick rainforest canopy of the Kanku Mountains, this camp resides next to a clear water creek overlooking a waterfall. With just 10 hammocks, Mapari is a remote and rarely visited place. As the early sun rises, float down the creek in silence only true isolation can bring. Later, take a nature hike, go bird watching or discover the Harpy Eagle and Goliath bird-eating spider in their natural habits. The guides are English-speaking locals from nearby indigenous communities. When night comes, witness the area’s nocturnal wildlife come alive under the moonlight.

Iwokrama River Lodge: Iwokrama is the gold standard of eco-tourism, a non-profit founded to promote the conservation and sustainable use of rainforests to combat climate change. Its eight cabins are perched right along the Essequibo River deep in the Iwokrama Rain Forest. Along with comfortable cabins, guests have access to a full-service kitchen, restaurant, shop and two bars. Become completely immersed in the surrounding tropical rainforest with wildlife spotting tours, canoe trips, hikes, birding, rainforest trails and more.

Karanambu Lodge: Here, the north savannah grassland blows in the breeze, and vast horse flats stretch to the Pakaraima Mountains. Once a cattle ranch in the 1920s, Karanambu is now a lodge and center dedicated to protecting the Rupununi savannah and wetlands. Spot some of Amazonia’s rare and endangered species lingering around these lands, like the giant river otter and anteater.

Blackwater Adventures: Licensed by the Guyana Tourism Authority and the only Health, Safety, Security and Environmental (HSSE) certified tourism company in Guyana. This family-owned company specializes in boat tours, fishing charters and custom-built experiences.

Wilderness Explorers: Experience the unexplored, untouched corners of Guyana. If you’re interested in seeking out true uninhabited nature, this tour company can help create your ideal trip, whether a day trip to remote towns or multi-day treks through the rainforest.

Adventure is effortless in Guyana, from treks through the rainforest to eco-lodging that lets one stay just feet away from untouched wilderness. Come experience true nature and wildlife thanks to the country’s continued conservation efforts.