Guyana

Granted, Guyana doesn’t seem to be as prominent and mighty as its fellow South American countries, but with its eclectic collection of meandering rivers, savannahs, dense and untouched rainforests, and beautiful beaches, it offers more than its share of satisfaction to those who do visit. 

A country that is small yet vast and wild yet tame, Guyana’s has a plethora of attractions, from the majestic Kaieteur Falls to understated yet very charming stilted wood homes in the capital city of Georgetown.

There is no dearth of natural attractions in Guyana, which allows tourists to pursue activities like trekking, fishing, and wildlife and bird watching. Some of the most “watched” animals here are the jaguar, giant anteaters, giant otters and, of course the arapaima, which is largest freshwater fish in the world.

If you are looking to spend some quiet time, and perhaps in some weird way, “go back” in time, Guyana is the place to be. While a lack of railways and high-scarcity of ATMs and connectivity may sound scary, it might actually help you get in touch with yourself and explore and be present to what lies around.

As a rare Caribbean country that is does not double an island, Guyana, with its Creoles, and multicultural ambience has much more in common with West Indies than it does with its South American sister nations. The Guyanese have a unique cuisine and culture, which shed a light on its past. The cuisine is influenced by European, Indian, and African traditions, owing to the larger interaction that took place during the colonial period. The country also has a considerable Amerindian population, which only adds to its multicultural flavor and makes the travelers experience all the more enjoyable.

All in all, if you’re among those who are looking for something a little off the beaten track, and willing to take the proverbial road not taken, you will find travelling in Guyana a very rewarding experience.

Some facts about Guyana:

• Guyana is one of the few countries in the world to have no railways.
• Guyana has some of the largest population of Chinese restaurants in all of Latin America, as the Guyanese very fond of the cuisine. Popular Chinese dishes include lo-mein and chow-mein.
• One of Guyana’s most favorite drink, the Mauby is made with tree bark.
• Guyana is only country in South America that is English-speaking.
• The Omai Gold Mine is one of South America’s largest open-pit gold mines.