Visitor Essentials

Skip the restaurants and hit the "cookshops" — home-style meals for $500-800 GYD. Look for places packed with locals at lunchtime. Bourda Market area has some of the best.

El Dorado 15-year wins awards, but locals drink the 5-year or XM. For the real experience, try "high wine" — potent overproof rum that's an acquired taste.

Tourist shops mark up prices 3x. For authentic Amerindian crafts at fair prices, visit the Umana Yana (thatched building near Stabroek) or ask locals about craft fairs.

Instead of taxis, use the ride-share WhatsApp groups that locals use. Ask your hotel or a friendly local to add you — prices are 30-50% cheaper than street taxis.

Schedule outdoor activities for early morning (before 9 AM) or late afternoon (after 4 PM). Midday is for air-conditioned malls, museums, or a siesta like the locals.

For the best city photos, climb to the top floor of Giftland Mall parking garage at sunset. For nature shots, the Demerara Harbour Bridge at dawn is stunning.

Cheddi Jagan International Airport (GEO) receives flights from Miami, New York (JFK), Toronto, and Caribbean hubs. Caribbean Airlines, JetBlue, and American Airlines operate routes. Flight time from Miami is about 4.5 hours.

Tourist areas are generally safe. Use common sense: registered taxis at night, keep valuables secure, stay aware of surroundings. The interior is very safe — crime is almost non-existent in indigenous communities.

Minimum 5-7 days to see Georgetown + Kaieteur Falls + one interior destination. 10-14 days for a comprehensive trip including Rupununi. Kaieteur day trips are possible from Georgetown.

Limited to none. Most eco-lodges have no WiFi — that's part of the appeal! Georgetown has good 4G coverage. Buy a local SIM (Digicel or GTT) at the airport if needed.