While most visitors to Guyana focus on Georgetown and the rainforest interior, the eastern region of Berbice offers something entirely different: a slower pace, rich colonial history, and a cultural landscape shaped by centuries of Dutch, African, and East Indian heritage. New Amsterdam, the regional capital and the historic regional capital of Berbice, sits at the confluence of the Berbice and Canje Rivers — a strategic position that once made it the heart of the Dutch colony of Berbice.
Today, New Amsterdam and the wider Berbice region are rarely visited by international tourists, which makes them all the more rewarding to explore. From the ruins of Fort Nassau upstream on the Berbice River to the Corentyne coast stretching to the Suriname border, this guide covers everything you need to plan a visit to Guyana's historic east.
A Brief History of Berbice
Berbice has a history distinct from the rest of Guyana. While Demerara (Georgetown) was the main British colonial hub, Berbice was originally a separate Dutch colony founded in the early 1600s. The Dutch West India Company granted Abraham van Peere permission to settle in the region around 1627, and he established Fort Nassau approximately 88 kilometres upstream on the Berbice River.
The colony's defining moment came in 1763 with the Berbice Slave Revolt, one of the largest slave uprisings in the Americas. Led by Cuffy (now Guyana's national hero), enslaved Africans seized control of the colony for nearly a year. The revolt was eventually suppressed, but it remains central to Guyanese national identity. The 1763 Monument in Georgetown commemorates this event.
After the revolt, the colonial capital was moved downstream from Fort Nassau to the more defensible position at the junction of the Berbice and Canje Rivers — the site of present-day New Amsterdam. The town was named after Amsterdam in the Netherlands and laid out in a Dutch grid pattern that's still visible today. In 1831, Berbice was merged with Demerara-Essequibo to form British Guiana.
Getting to New Amsterdam
New Amsterdam is about 100 km east of Georgetown, connected by fully paved roads and the impressive Berbice Bridge.
| Transport | Duration | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minibus | 2-3 hours | $2,000-3,000 GYD ($10-15 USD) | Most common. Departs from Berbice bus park, Georgetown. |
| Private car | 1.5-2 hours | Fuel + $2,200 GYD bridge toll | Flexible, allows stops along the way. |
| Hire car/taxi | 1.5-2 hours | $15,000-20,000 GYD ($70-95 USD) | Convenient for groups. Negotiate price upfront. |
The Berbice Bridge
Opened in 2008, the Berbice Bridge is one of the longest floating bridges in the world at approximately 1.57 km. It replaced the old ferry service and cut travel time dramatically. The toll is about 2,200 GYD for cars. The bridge has a retractable section that opens periodically for river vessels — if you're unlucky, you might wait 15-20 minutes. For more on getting around Guyana, see our Transportation Guide.
Top Attractions in New Amsterdam
Mission Chapel Congregational Church
Built in 1841, this is one of the finest examples of colonial-era architecture in Guyana. The wooden church features distinctive Victorian Gothic elements and has been in continuous use for nearly 200 years. It's located on Main Street and is usually open for visitors during the day.
New Amsterdam Town Hall
A well-preserved colonial building that continues to serve as the administrative centre of East Berbice-Corentyne. The architecture reflects the Dutch-influenced layout of the town, with wide streets and a grid pattern that's easy to walk.
New Amsterdam Market
The bustling heart of the town. Vendors sell fresh produce, fish, spices, and household goods in a colourful, noisy market that's a world away from Georgetown's more tourist-oriented Stabroek Market. Come early in the morning for the best selection. This is where you'll find the freshest Berbice produce and interact with locals who are genuinely curious about visitors.
Colonial Architecture Walk
New Amsterdam has a remarkable concentration of wooden colonial buildings, many dating from the 19th century. The town's flat grid layout makes it perfect for walking. Notable structures include the old court buildings, churches, and merchant houses along Main Street and Strand. Many are in various states of preservation — some lovingly maintained, others slowly returning to nature.
New Amsterdam Public Hospital
One of the oldest hospitals in the Caribbean, established in 1878. While still a working hospital, the distinctive Victorian architecture is worth seeing from the outside. The building reflects the British colonial era's investment in public infrastructure.
Fort Nassau: The Ruins Upstream
The most historically significant site in all of Berbice lies not in New Amsterdam but approximately 88 km upstream on the Berbice River. Fort Nassau was the original capital of the colony of Berbice, established around 1627 by Dutch settlers.
The fort has a turbulent history: it was burned by the French during an attack in 1712, rebuilt, then burned again in 1763 by the Dutch governor Van Hoogenheim to prevent it from falling into the hands of the enslaved Africans during the Berbice Revolt. The site was permanently abandoned by 1796 when the colonial capital moved to New Amsterdam.
Today, the remains include the semi-circular brick stairs of the Court of Policy Hall, the stairs of the Armoury, ruins of a bridge, and the remnants of a Lutheran church. The site was declared a National Monument in 1999.
Visiting Fort Nassau
Getting to Fort Nassau requires a boat trip up the Berbice River, which can be arranged through local tour operators in New Amsterdam. The journey takes several hours each way and passes through lush riverside scenery. Pack water, snacks, sunscreen, and insect repellent. This is not a casual day trip — allow a full day and confirm arrangements in advance. For historical context, see our Guyana Historical Sites guide.
The Canje River and Birdwatching
The Canje River, which joins the Berbice River at New Amsterdam, is one of Guyana's best-kept secrets for birdwatching. The slow-moving, dark-water creek is lined with towering mora and wallaba trees and is home to an incredible diversity of bird species, including:
- Blood-coloured Woodpecker — One of Guyana's most sought-after species
- Canje Pheasant (Hoatzin) — Guyana's national bird, found in large numbers along the creek
- Scarlet Ibis — Especially visible at dawn and dusk
- Various kingfishers, herons, and hawks
Boat trips on the Canje can be arranged locally. The Canje Creek is particularly rewarding for birders — our Guyana Birdwatching Guide covers the best birding sites nationwide.
The Corentyne Coast
East of New Amsterdam, the road follows the Corentyne coast for approximately 100 km to the Suriname border. This is one of Guyana's most densely populated rural areas, with a string of villages and small towns that reflect the country's East Indian heritage. Sugar cane fields, rice paddies, and Hindu temples line the road.
Rose Hall Town
A small town about 10 km east of New Amsterdam, famous in Guyana as the home of cricket. The Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club has produced several West Indies cricket players. If you're a cricket fan, the cricket grounds here are worth a visit, especially during local matches. For more on cricket in Guyana, see our CPL Cricket guide.
Skeldon and Corriverton
At the eastern end of the Corentyne coast, the twin towns of Skeldon and Corriverton sit on the Corentyne River opposite Suriname. Corriverton is the departure point for the Moleson Creek ferry to Suriname — the only land border crossing between the two countries. The area has a vibrant market scene and some of the best Indian food in Guyana.
Number 63 Beach
Located at Corentyne, Number 63 Beach is one of the few accessible beaches in Berbice. While not a white-sand Caribbean beach, it's a popular local gathering spot, especially on weekends and holidays. The water is brown (Atlantic mud, not pollution) but the atmosphere is lively, with food stalls and music.
Where to Eat in New Amsterdam and Berbice
Berbice cuisine reflects the region's strong East Indian influence. You'll find some of the best roti, curry, and street food in the country here:
| Restaurant/Spot | Location | Known For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Amsterdam Market stalls | Central New Amsterdam | Fried fish, cook-up rice, fresh juice | $300-800 GYD |
| Berbice roadside dhals | Along Corentyne road | Dhal puri, curry chicken, aloo | $200-500 GYD |
| Chinese restaurants | Main Street, New Amsterdam | Fried rice, chow mein, mixed dishes | $1,000-2,500 GYD |
| Corriverton eateries | Corriverton town | Surinamese-influenced cuisine, roti | $500-1,500 GYD |
Berbice is known for its exceptional dhal puri — many Guyanese consider the Berbice versions superior to Georgetown's. For a broader look at Guyanese food, see our Guyanese Cuisine Guide.
Where to Stay
Accommodation options in Berbice are more limited than Georgetown, but there are decent options for every budget:
Budget ($25-50/night)
Basic guesthouses in New Amsterdam town centre. Clean rooms with fans or AC, shared or private bathrooms. The Astor Hotel and local guesthouses offer affordable stays.
Mid-Range ($50-80/night)
Church View Guest House and similar properties offer air-conditioned rooms, private bathrooms, and sometimes breakfast. Best options are in New Amsterdam and Corriverton.
Corriverton ($40-70/night)
If heading to the Suriname border, Corriverton has newer guesthouses with modern amenities. Convenient for early morning ferry departures to Suriname.
Day Trips from New Amsterdam
- Fort Nassau boat trip — Full-day excursion upstream on the Berbice River to the 1627 ruins. Arrange locally; allow 6-8 hours.
- Canje Creek birdwatching — Half-day boat trip on the Canje River. Best at dawn for bird activity.
- Rose Hall Town cricket — 10 minutes east. Visit the cricket grounds and sports club.
- Number 63 Beach — Popular Corentyne beach for a relaxed afternoon with food stalls and local atmosphere.
- Corriverton and Suriname border — 1.5-hour drive east. Cross to Suriname for the day or explore the border town markets.
When to Visit
Berbice follows the same weather patterns as the rest of coastal Guyana. The dry seasons — February to April and September to November — are the most comfortable for exploring. The rainy season (May-August) can make river trips more challenging and rural roads muddy, though New Amsterdam itself is accessible year-round.
For cultural events, Easter is a wonderful time to visit — kite-flying is a Berbice tradition, and the entire coast comes alive. Phagwah (Holi) in March is widely celebrated in the predominantly Hindu Corentyne communities, with spectacular colour festivals. For a full calendar of events, see our Guyana Public Holidays 2026 guide. The Best Time to Visit Guyana article covers weather patterns in detail.
Explore More of Guyana
New Amsterdam and Berbice are just one part of Guyana's diverse landscape. Discover more regions and plan your trip.
Discover RegionsPractical Tips
- Cash is king — ATMs are available in New Amsterdam but unreliable. Bring enough Guyanese dollars from Georgetown. Credit cards are rarely accepted outside of New Amsterdam.
- Cell service — Digicel and ONE Communications (formerly GTT) have coverage in New Amsterdam and along the coast, but expect dead zones inland. Buy a local SIM in Georgetown first — see our SIM Card & Internet guide.
- Safety — New Amsterdam is generally safe for visitors. Exercise normal precautions. The town is small and walkable during the day.
- Mosquitoes — Bring repellent, especially near the rivers. The Canje Creek area can be particularly buggy at dawn and dusk.
- Photography — The colonial architecture and river scenery make Berbice excellent for photography. Morning light along the rivers is spectacular.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from Georgetown to New Amsterdam?
The most common route is by minibus from Georgetown's Berbice bus park. The journey takes approximately 2-3 hours via the Berbice Bridge and costs around 2,000-3,000 GYD ($10-15 USD). You can also drive — the road is fully paved.
Is the Berbice Bridge toll expensive?
The toll is approximately 2,200 GYD ($10.50 USD) for a car and 3,600 GYD ($17 USD) for larger vehicles. Pedestrians and cyclists cross for free. The bridge has a retractable section that opens for river vessels, which can cause short delays.
What is Fort Nassau and can I visit it?
Fort Nassau was the original capital of the Dutch colony of Berbice, built around 1627 approximately 88 km upstream on the Berbice River. Declared a National Monument in 1999, it can be visited by boat trip from New Amsterdam. The ruins include brick stairs, church remnants, and grave plots.
Where can I stay in New Amsterdam?
Options include the Astor Hotel and Church View Guest House in central New Amsterdam, ranging from $5,000-15,000 GYD ($25-70 USD) per night. Corriverton near the Suriname border has newer guesthouses. Options are more limited than Georgetown.
What is the best time to visit Berbice?
The dry seasons (February-April and September-November) are best. Easter and Phagwah (Holi) are especially festive times with colourful celebrations throughout the region.
Can I cross to Suriname from Berbice?
Yes. The Moleson Creek ferry at Corriverton connects Guyana to Suriname across the Corentyne River. Ferries run daily and the crossing takes 1-2 hours. You need a valid passport and may require a Suriname visa depending on nationality.
Last updated: April 2026. Need help planning your Guyana trip? Browse our trip planning resources or contact us.