Guyana is home to some of the most spectacular and untouched waterfalls on Earth. From the mighty Kaieteur Falls — the world's largest single-drop waterfall by volume — to the swimmable terraces of Orinduik, these natural wonders offer experiences you simply cannot find anywhere else. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about visiting Guyana's magnificent waterfalls.
Unlike over-commercialized falls elsewhere, Guyana's waterfalls remain gloriously wild. No guardrails, no crowds, no gift shops blocking your view — just raw, thundering nature in all its glory.
Kaieteur Falls: The King of Waterfalls
Kaieteur Falls is Guyana's crown jewel and arguably the most impressive waterfall in the world. Dropping 226 meters (741 feet) in a single, uninterrupted plunge, it's nearly five times the height of Niagara Falls and carries four times more water than Victoria Falls during peak flow.
Kaieteur Falls Facts
Height: 226 meters (741 feet) single drop
Width: 113 meters (370 feet)
Location: Potaro River, Kaieteur National Park
Best viewing: Morning for rainbows, afternoon for golden light
What makes Kaieteur truly special is the combination of height and volume. Standing at the edge — yes, you can walk right up to the edge with no barriers — you feel the earth tremble as 23,400 cubic meters of water thunder into the gorge every second during rainy season.
Wildlife Highlight
Kaieteur is home to the Golden Rocket Frog, found nowhere else on Earth. These tiny amphibians live exclusively in the giant bromeliad plants that cling to the mist-shrouded cliffs around the falls. You'll also spot Kaieteur Swifts that nest behind the curtain of water.
How to Visit Kaieteur Falls
By Air (Most Popular): Day trips depart from Georgetown's Ogle Airport aboard small Cessna aircraft. The 75-minute flight over pristine rainforest is spectacular in itself, offering aerial views of countless rivers and untouched wilderness.
Kaieteur Day Trip
Most visitors take the day trip that includes the scenic flight, 2-3 hours at the falls exploring multiple viewpoints, and a picnic lunch. Some tours combine Kaieteur with Orinduik Falls for a full-day adventure.
$350-450 USD per person
Overland Expedition: For adventurous souls, 5-7 day overland treks through the rainforest offer a completely different experience. You'll camp in the jungle, cross rivers, and earn your view of the falls through sweat and determination. Contact specialized tour operators for these expeditions.
Orinduik Falls: Nature's Swimming Pool
Where Kaieteur overwhelms with power, Orinduik Falls enchants with beauty. Located on the Ireng River at the Brazil border, these falls cascade over stunning jasper and semi-precious stone formations, creating natural pools perfect for swimming.
The terraced structure means you can sit in natural jacuzzis while warm water cascades over your shoulders — an experience that feels almost too perfect to be real. The reddish-pink jasper rocks add an otherworldly beauty to the scene.
Swimming at Orinduik
Yes, you can swim here! The multiple tiers create pools of varying depths suitable for relaxing or swimming. The water is warm and clear. Bring water shoes for better grip on the smooth rocks and swimwear for the full experience.
How to Visit Orinduik Falls
Orinduik is typically visited as part of a combined day trip with Kaieteur Falls. After experiencing the thundering power of Kaieteur, you'll fly to Orinduik for a completely different experience — swimming, relaxing, and enjoying a picnic lunch on the rocks.
Kaieteur + Orinduik Combo
The most popular tour combines both falls in one unforgettable day. Experience the raw power of Kaieteur, then fly to Orinduik for swimming and lunch. An incredible contrast of experiences.
$500-600 USD per person
King George VI Falls
Hidden deep in the Pakaraima Mountains, King George VI Falls (also called Chinak Merú) drops an impressive 488 meters in a series of cascades. Far less visited than Kaieteur, this remote waterfall offers a true wilderness experience.
Accessing King George VI Falls requires a multi-day expedition involving overland travel and hiking. The journey itself is an adventure through some of Guyana's most pristine landscapes, with opportunities to spot wildlife and visit indigenous communities along the way.
Kumerau Falls
Kumerau Falls is a hidden gem in the Kanuku Mountains region. This beautiful cascade is often visited as part of Rupununi tours, offering a refreshing swimming spot after dusty savannah explorations. The surrounding rainforest teems with wildlife, and the falls create a perfect natural pool.
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Months | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Rainy Season | May-August | Maximum water flow, most dramatic views, occasional flight delays |
| Dry Season | Sept-April | Clearer skies, reliable flights, reduced but still impressive flow |
| Shoulder | May & Nov | Good balance of water flow and weather reliability |
Pro Tip
Both seasons offer excellent experiences. Rainy season delivers maximum power and dramatic mist clouds, while dry season provides better photography conditions and more reliable flight schedules. You cannot go wrong either way — Kaieteur is spectacular year-round.
What to Bring
- Rain jacket: Mist from Kaieteur will soak you at certain viewpoints
- Waterproof bag: Protect your camera and electronics
- Swimwear: Essential for Orinduik Falls
- Water shoes: For swimming at Orinduik
- Sunscreen: The sun is intense, especially at Orinduik
- Camera: With waterproof protection
- Binoculars: For spotting swifts and wildlife
- Light layers: Temperature varies with altitude and mist
Experience Guyana's Waterfalls
Stand at the edge of the world's most powerful single-drop waterfall. Book your Kaieteur adventure today.
View Waterfall ToursHow to Book
Waterfall tours can be booked through several reputable Guyanese tour operators. Day trips to Kaieteur run regularly (typically Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday), while the combined Kaieteur-Orinduik tours run less frequently. We recommend booking at least 2-3 days in advance, earlier during peak season (July-August, December-January).
Most tours include hotel pickup in Georgetown, all flights, guides, park fees, and lunch. Check our Tour Operators page for recommended companies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Kaieteur Falls?
Kaieteur Falls drops 226 meters (741 feet) in a single, uninterrupted plunge. Including the cascades above, the total drop is 251 meters. This makes it approximately five times the height of Niagara Falls.
How do you get to Kaieteur Falls?
Most visitors fly from Georgetown's Ogle Airport — a scenic 75-minute flight over pristine rainforest. Day trips cost $350-450 USD per person and include guides, park fees, and lunch. Multi-day overland expeditions are also available for adventurous travelers.
What is the best time to visit Guyana's waterfalls?
May to August (rainy season) offers the most powerful water flow and dramatic views, though flights may occasionally be delayed by weather. September to April (dry season) provides clearer skies and more reliable schedules. Both seasons deliver excellent experiences.
Can you swim at Orinduik Falls?
Yes! Orinduik Falls is famous for its natural pools and terraces where visitors can safely swim. The jasper rock formations create perfect natural jacuzzis with warm, cascading water. Bring swimwear and water shoes for the best experience.
Last updated: January 2026. Planning a waterfall adventure? Browse our tours and experiences or contact us for personalized recommendations.