If you’re planning to drive in Guyana, you’ll face the same challenges as in many other South American countries. Aggressive driving, poor road conditions and poor street lighting are all problems throughout Guyana. Fortunately violent crime and car jacking are not a common occurrence, although it’s still best to exercise plenty of caution.

If you’re going to drive in Guyana, here’s a few key tips to follow to help keep you safe:

• Don’t drive at night – Outside of the capital, Georgetown there’s very little street lighting. Avoid driving at night as issues around crime and poor roads are exacerbated in the dark.

• Drive slowly and cautiously – Guyana’s roads are a mixed bunch and many roads are severely potholed. Coupled with sometimes aggressive and impatient drivers, this can be a recipe for disaster.  Try to exercise defensive driving and keep your eyes on the road at all time.

• Know where you’re going – As wonderful as it can be to just go with the flow, it’s important to know where you’re going. Otherwise you can unwittingly end up on a road that’s only fit for a 4WD or in an area that isn’t safe.

So in summary, there’s no reason not to drive in Guyana, but you should always exercise caution. If you’ve never driven in a foreign country before, this isn’t really the place to start. This is especially true if you’ve never driven on the left hand side of the road before. Both Guyana and Suriname are outliers in South America, as they drive on the left while the rest of the continent drives on the right. 

Guyana is a country with a rich natural and cultural heritage. It offers a variety of different attractions for travellers. The following are some of the best things to see and do in Guyana:

Kaieteur Falls: One of the world’s most powerful waterfalls, Kaieteur Falls is a must-visit natural wonder. It’s four times higher than Niagara Falls and is located in Kaieteur National Park, which is only accessible by plane or on foot.

Iwokrama Rainforest: You can explore the pristine rainforests of Iwokrama, a protected area known for its biodiversity. You can take guided hikes, birdwatching tours and even spot wildlife like jaguars, tapirs, and howler monkeys.

Rupununi Savannah: The Rupununi Savannah is a vast grassland region in southern Guyana. It’s perfect for wildlife viewing, especially birdwatching. You can also visit indigenous communities and learn about their unique way of life.

Historic Georgetown: The capital city of Georgetown boasts plenty of colonial era architecture and historic buildings. These include St. George’s Cathedral, one of the world’s tallest wooden buildings. You should stroll through the city to appreciate its unique blend of British and Caribbean influences.

Orinduik and Waratuk Waterfalls: These waterfalls, located near the border with Brazil, offer a serene and picturesque setting for hiking and climbing as well as the more sedate activities like relaxing and swimming.

Turtle Mountain: Go on a hike to Turtle Mountain in the North Rupununi to enjoy panoramic views of the rainforest canopy and potentially spot wildlife along the way.

Amerindian Villages: Visit indigenous communities such as the Annai or Rewa to learn about their traditions, crafts and way of life. Some communities also offer various ecotourism experiences.

Essequibo River: Take a boat trip on the Essequibo River, the largest river in Guyana, to explore its remote islands, wildlife, and scenic beauty.

Shell Beach: This beach, located on the northern coast, is a nesting site for four species of sea turtles. Visitors can witness turtle nesting and hatching during the nesting season.

Georgetown Seawall: Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Georgetown Seawall, a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Guyana Zoo: Located in the capital, the Guyana Zoo is home to a unique variety of indigenous and exotic animals and provides an educational experience for visitors.