In 2015, ExxonMobil made one of the most significant oil discoveries of the century off Guyana's coast. Since then, this small South American nation of just 800,000 people has experienced nothing short of an economic revolution. By 2026, Guyana has become the world's fastest-growing economy, and the transformation is reshaping everything, including tourism.
For travelers, this oil-driven development presents a unique opportunity: visit one of the world's last great wilderness frontiers just as it becomes more accessible, but before the crowds arrive. Here's how the oil boom is changing what it means to visit Guyana.
The New Georgetown: Hotels Rising
Perhaps the most visible change for visitors is Georgetown's transformed hotel landscape. Where once finding quality accommodation was a challenge, the capital now boasts international brands and boutique options that would satisfy any traveler.
Marriott Georgetown
Guyana's first international chain hotel, the Marriott set the standard when it opened. Full-service property with pool, multiple restaurants, and business facilities. Rates from $250/night.
AC Hotel by Marriott
Modern, design-forward property catering to both business and leisure travelers. Rooftop bar with city views has become a Georgetown hotspot. Rates from $180/night.
Pegasus Hotel (Renovated)
The historic Pegasus has undergone significant upgrades, competing with international brands while retaining its local character. Expanded facilities and modernized rooms. Rates from $150/night.
New Developments
Several additional properties are under construction or in planning, including potential Hilton and Radisson entries. Georgetown's hotel room count has more than tripled since 2019.
Booking Tip
Despite increased capacity, Georgetown hotels fill quickly, especially midweek when business travelers dominate. Book well in advance. Weekends often have better availability and rates for leisure travelers.
Improved Air Connectivity
Getting to Guyana has never been easier. The oil industry's demand for efficient connections has expanded flight options significantly.
Current Routes (2026)
- American Airlines: Miami - Georgetown (daily)
- JetBlue: New York JFK - Georgetown (multiple weekly)
- Caribbean Airlines: Multiple Caribbean hubs, New York, Toronto
- Copa Airlines: Panama City hub connections to all of Latin America
- LIAT: Regional Caribbean connections
- Surinam Airways: Paramaribo connections
Airport Upgrades
Cheddi Jagan International Airport (GEO) has received significant upgrades to handle increased traffic:
- Expanded terminal facilities
- New immigration and customs processing
- Improved duty-free shopping
- Enhanced ground transportation options
- Plans for new runway and additional terminal
Flight Prices
Increased competition has helped moderate airfares. Round-trip flights from Miami now regularly available from $400-600 USD. New York routes from $500-800 USD. Watch for sales during shoulder seasons.
Road Infrastructure Revolution
Guyana's notoriously challenging roads are finally receiving attention. Oil revenues are funding major infrastructure projects that will transform travel within the country.
Key Projects
- Georgetown-Lethem Road: The critical connection to Brazil and the Rupununi is being upgraded from unpaved track to all-weather highway. Portions already completed.
- East Bank Highway: Expansion to handle increased traffic to the airport and southern regions
- New Demerara Bridge: The new crossing will ease Georgetown's legendary traffic congestion
- Regional Airstrips: Upgrades to interior airstrips improve access to eco-lodges
What This Means for Tourists
The Georgetown-Lethem journey that once took 12-16 bone-jarring hours is becoming a 6-8 hour scenic drive. This opens the Rupununi to more visitors who previously had to fly. Combined interior trips mixing driving and flying are now more practical.
The Interior: Protected from Change
While Georgetown transforms, Guyana's interior, the primary draw for eco-tourists, remains remarkably unchanged. The government has committed to protecting the country's pristine rainforests, and eco-lodges continue to operate as they have for decades.
This presents a unique window for travelers: enjoy improved access and infrastructure while the destination itself retains its wild character.
Eco-Lodge Stability
- Iwokrama: Continues conservation-focused operations
- Karanambu: Family-run lodge maintains intimate atmosphere
- Surama: Community-owned model unchanged
- Rewa: Village-based tourism continues
Interior lodge prices have increased moderately (10-20% over three years), but remain competitive with similar experiences in Brazil or Costa Rica.
Challenges and Considerations
The oil boom brings trade-offs visitors should understand:
Price Increases
Georgetown has become more expensive. Restaurant prices, transportation, and services have all increased. Budget travelers will feel this most in the capital. Interior trips, however, remain all-inclusive and more predictably priced.
Crowded Capital
Georgetown is busier than ever. Traffic can be challenging, restaurants full, and the pace faster. Many visitors now minimize time in the capital, heading quickly to the interior.
Booking Pressure
Increased interest means popular eco-lodges book further in advance. Plan 3-6 months ahead for peak season (September-November).
Visit Guyana Now
Experience the best of both worlds: improved infrastructure with wilderness still intact. This window won't last forever.
Explore ExperiencesThe 2026 Outlook
For travelers considering Guyana, 2026 represents an optimal moment:
- Access: Easier than ever with more flights and better roads
- Accommodation: Quality options finally available in Georgetown
- Wilderness: Interior remains pristine and uncrowded
- Investment: Oil revenues funding continued improvements
- Timing: Before mainstream tourism discovery
Guyana remains one of Earth's great undiscovered destinations. The oil boom, paradoxically, may be the force that finally allows more travelers to experience it, while (so far) funding the conservation that keeps it special.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Guyana's oil boom affecting tourism?
Guyana's oil revenues are funding major infrastructure improvements including new hotels, road upgrades, airport expansion, and increased flight connections. The influx of business travelers has also expanded hotel capacity, which benefits leisure tourists. However, prices have increased in Georgetown, though eco-lodges in the interior remain competitively priced.
What new hotels are opening in Guyana?
Several international brands have entered the Guyana market including Marriott (already open), AC Hotel, and several boutique properties. The hotel room count in Georgetown has more than doubled since 2019. New properties range from business-focused hotels to boutique options catering to eco-tourists.
Are there more flights to Guyana in 2026?
Yes, flight connectivity has improved significantly. American Airlines, Caribbean Airlines, JetBlue, Copa, and LIAT serve Georgetown. New routes from additional US cities and increased frequency on existing routes make Guyana more accessible than ever. The Cheddi Jagan International Airport has been upgraded to handle increased traffic.
Last updated: January 2026. Infrastructure developments are ongoing; check current status when planning. For help planning your trip, browse our experiences or contact us.