Packing for Guyana requires thoughtful preparation. You'll likely experience three distinct environments — the urban capital of Georgetown, the pristine rainforests of Iwokrama and Kaieteur, and the open Rupununi savannah. Each has different requirements, and getting your packing list right can make the difference between a comfortable adventure and a challenging one.
This comprehensive packing guide covers everything from essential clothing and gear to health supplies and electronics. Whether you're heading into the interior for wildlife viewing or staying coastal, we've got you covered.
Understanding Guyana's Climate
Before packing, understand what weather to expect. Guyana has a tropical climate with high humidity year-round. Temperatures are relatively consistent, but rainfall varies significantly by season and region.
| Region | Temperature | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Georgetown (Coast) | 26-32°C (79-90°F) | Hot, humid, sea breeze, afternoon showers |
| Rainforest Interior | 22-30°C (72-86°F) | Humid, cooler under canopy, frequent rain |
| Rupununi Savannah | 20-35°C (68-95°F) | Hot days, cool nights, less humidity |
| Highland Areas | 18-26°C (64-79°F) | Cooler, misty, can be chilly at night |
Seasonal Tip
Dry seasons (February-April and September-November) are best for travel, but rain is possible year-round. The rainy seasons (May-July and November-January) bring heavier showers but also lush vegetation and active wildlife. Always pack rain gear regardless of when you visit.
Essential Clothing
The key to packing clothing for Guyana is lightweight, quick-dry fabrics in neutral colors. You'll want protection from sun, insects, and rain while staying comfortable in tropical heat.
Clothing Essentials
- Long-sleeved shirts (3-4) — Lightweight, breathable, neutral colors (khaki, olive, brown). Protects from sun and insects
- Long pants (2-3 pairs) — Quick-dry hiking pants or convertible pants. Essential for rainforest trails
- Shorts (2-3 pairs) — For Georgetown and casual lodge time
- T-shirts (3-4) — Cotton or moisture-wicking for hot days
- Light fleece or sweater — For cool savannah nights and air-conditioned transport
- Rain jacket — Waterproof and breathable, essential for rainforest
- Swimsuit — For river swimming and lodge pools
- Wide-brimmed hat — Sun protection is crucial
- Bandana or buff — Multi-purpose: sun protection, dust filter, sweat wipe
- Underwear and socks (plenty) — Quick-dry fabrics, extra socks for wet conditions
Pro Tip: Colors Matter
Avoid bright colors (especially white, red, and yellow) for wildlife viewing — they can startle animals and attract insects. Stick to earth tones. Also avoid strong perfumes, colognes, and scented products as they attract mosquitoes and bees.
Footwear
Proper footwear is critical in Guyana. Rainforest trails are muddy, river banks are slippery, and Georgetown streets can be rough.
Footwear Checklist
- Sturdy hiking boots — Waterproof with ankle support. Your primary footwear for trails. They WILL get muddy
- Water shoes or sport sandals — For river activities, canoe trips, and wet crossings
- Comfortable walking shoes — For Georgetown and casual days at lodges
- Flip-flops or sandals — For lodge evenings and showers
- Extra shoelaces — Humidity can rot laces quickly
Lodge Boots
Some interior lodges (like Karanambu and Atta) provide rubber boots for guests during rainy season. Check with your tour operator — you may not need to pack your own waterproof boots.
Health & Medications
Healthcare in the interior is limited, so come prepared. Consult your doctor 4-6 weeks before travel about vaccinations and antimalarials.
Health Essentials
- Antimalarial medication — Consult doctor; malaria exists in interior regions
- Insect repellent — DEET 30-50% or Picaridin-based. Essential
- Sunscreen — SPF 30+ broad spectrum, reef-safe preferred
- Prescription medications — Bring more than you need, in original containers
- Basic first aid kit — Bandages, antiseptic, blister treatment, pain relievers
- Anti-diarrhea medication — Imodium or similar
- Oral rehydration salts — For heat exhaustion or illness
- Antihistamines — For insect bite reactions
- Hand sanitizer — Essential for remote areas
- After-bite cream — Hydrocortisone for itchy bites
Recommended Vaccinations
Consult a travel clinic about: Yellow Fever (may be required), Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus, and Rabies (for extended interior travel). Yellow Fever vaccination is recommended and may be required if arriving from certain countries.
Electronics & Photography
Guyana offers incredible wildlife photography opportunities, but the humidity and remote conditions require preparation.
Electronics Checklist
- Camera with zoom lens — 100-400mm ideal for wildlife. Mirrorless or DSLR
- Binoculars — Essential for birding and wildlife. 8x42 recommended
- Headlamp/flashlight — Red-light mode for night walks without disturbing wildlife
- Power bank — High capacity; electricity is unreliable in interior
- Universal power adapter — Guyana uses US-style plugs (Type A/B)
- Waterproof bags/dry bags — Protect electronics from rain and river spray
- Silica gel packets — Combat humidity damage to camera gear
- Memory cards (plenty) — You'll take more photos than you expect
- Phone with offline maps — Download maps.me or Google offline maps
Connectivity Note
WiFi is very limited outside Georgetown. Most interior lodges have no internet or only satellite with minimal bandwidth. Consider this a digital detox opportunity. Download entertainment, maps, and any needed information before leaving Georgetown.
Rainforest-Specific Gear
If you're visiting Iwokrama, Kaieteur, or other rainforest destinations, pack these additional items.
Rainforest Essentials
- Waterproof daypack — Or dry bag to protect contents during rain
- Mosquito net — If camping or lodges don't provide
- Gaiters — Optional but helpful for muddy trails and snake protection
- Poncho or rain jacket — Lightweight, packable
- Zip-lock bags — Various sizes for waterproofing essentials
- Quick-dry towel — Microfiber travel towel dries fast
- Notebook & pencil — For bird/wildlife lists (pens can fail in humidity)
Savannah-Specific Additions
The Rupununi savannah has different conditions than the rainforest — hotter days, cooler nights, and more sun exposure.
Savannah Extras
- Sun hat with chin strap — For windy open-vehicle game drives
- Sunglasses with strap — Polarized for river glare
- Warmer layer — Nights can drop to 18°C; fleece recommended
- Dust protection — Buff or bandana for dry-season roads
- Extra sunscreen — More exposed than rainforest
Georgetown & City Packing
If you're spending time in Georgetown, add these items for urban comfort.
Georgetown Essentials
- Light, casual clothing — Shorts and t-shirts acceptable
- Comfortable walking shoes — Sidewalks can be uneven
- Small daypack — For carrying essentials while exploring
- Umbrella — Afternoon showers are common
- Light rain jacket — Alternative to umbrella
- Copies of documents — Passport, insurance, in separate location
Documents & Money
Essential Documents
- Passport — Valid for 6+ months beyond travel dates
- Visa — Check requirements for your nationality
- Yellow Fever certificate — If required/recommended
- Travel insurance documents — Including emergency evacuation coverage
- Flight confirmations — Printed copies for domestic flights
- Tour confirmations — Printed copies of all bookings
- US Dollars cash — Widely accepted; bring small bills
- Credit/debit cards — Visa widely accepted in Georgetown; limited use in interior
- Photocopies of all documents — Keep separate from originals
Money Tip
Bring US Dollars in cash — they're accepted everywhere and often preferred. Guyanese Dollars are also fine. ATMs exist in Georgetown but are unreliable. Credit cards work at major hotels and restaurants in Georgetown but not in the interior. Bring enough cash for your entire trip outside the capital.
What NOT to Pack
Some items are unnecessary or problematic in Guyana.
- Expensive jewelry — Leave valuables at home
- Bright white clothing — Gets dirty instantly, attracts insects
- Too many clothes — Lodges can do laundry; pack light
- Hair dryer/straightener — Humidity wins; plus power is unreliable
- Excessive electronics — Limited charging opportunities
- Hard-sided luggage — Soft bags fit small planes better
- Strong perfumes/colognes — Attract insects
Ready to Plan Your Trip?
Now that you know what to pack, start planning your Guyana adventure.
Plan Your TripLuggage Recommendations
Luggage choice matters for Guyana travel, especially if taking internal flights.
- Soft-sided duffel bag — Fits better in small bush planes than hard suitcases
- Daypack — 20-30L for daily excursions
- Dry bag — 10-20L for river trips and waterproofing
- Weight limit — Internal flights often limit to 9-12kg; pack light
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I pack for a trip to Guyana?
Essential items include lightweight, quick-dry clothing in neutral colors, waterproof rain jacket, sturdy hiking boots, insect repellent with DEET, sunscreen, binoculars for wildlife viewing, headlamp, and prescription medications. Pack layers as temperatures vary between coast and interior.
What is the weather like in Guyana?
Guyana has a tropical climate with two rainy seasons (May-July and November-January) and two dry seasons. Coastal Georgetown averages 26-32°C year-round. The interior rainforest is slightly cooler but more humid. The Rupununi savannah can be hot during the day but cool at night.
Do I need special clothing for the rainforest?
Yes, pack long-sleeved shirts and long pants in lightweight, breathable fabrics to protect from insects and vegetation. Neutral colors (khaki, olive, brown) are best for wildlife viewing. Avoid bright colors and strong fragrances. Quick-dry fabrics are essential as you will get wet.
What kind of shoes do I need for Guyana?
Bring sturdy, closed-toe hiking boots with good ankle support for rainforest trails. Waterproof boots are ideal. Also pack sandals or water shoes for river activities, and comfortable walking shoes for Georgetown. Some lodges provide rubber boots.
Is malaria a concern in Guyana?
Malaria is present in interior regions including the Rupununi and rainforest areas. Consult your doctor about antimalarial medication before travel. Pack DEET-based insect repellent (30-50%), and long sleeves and pants for evening wear.
What electronics should I bring to Guyana?
Bring a camera with zoom lens for wildlife, headlamp or flashlight for night walks, portable power bank as electricity is unreliable in the interior, and universal adapter (Guyana uses US-style plugs). Keep electronics in waterproof bags. WiFi is limited outside Georgetown.
Last updated: January 2026. For more practical travel information, see our Transportation Guide and Budget Travel Guide.