Everything you need to know.

The Guianas are three countries along the northern Atlantic coast of South America: Suriname (also known as former Dutch Guiana), Guyana (former British Guiana) and French Guiana (overseas department of France). Despite being neighbors, each has a distinct identity shaped by different colonial histories, Dutch, British and French respectively. Layered over that are deep Indigenous roots, African diaspora communities and Asian influences that make the region culturally unlike anywhere else on the continent. Geographically, the Guianas are dominated by tropical rainforest (part of the Amazon basin), winding rivers and largely untouched wilderness.

Suriname is the world's greenest country, with 94% of its land covered in tropical rainforest. It's also one of South America's most culturally diverse countries. In Paramaribo, the capital, you'll find a mosque and synagogue side by side, Dutch colonial houses facing Creole food stalls and people switching between Dutch, Sranan Tongo, Hindi and Javanese as they go about their day. Venture inland and you'll trade city life for dense rainforest, riverboats, Maroon villages and wildlife-rich nature reserves.

Guyana is the region's most adventure-oriented destination. English is the official language, which makes it accessible to most travelers. The main draw is Kaieteur Falls, a 226-meter single-drop waterfall in the middle of the rainforest, reached by scenic flight over roadless jungle. Beyond that, there's pristine wilderness with jaguars, giant river otters, sprawling savannahs and Indigenous communities. Georgetown, the capital, adds colonial architecture and Caribbean energy.

French Guiana is a European territory in the Amazon, an unusual combination that makes it unlike anything else in South America. The Îles du Salut (including Devil's Island) hold the remains of one of history's harshest penal colonies. The Guiana Space Centre in Kourou is Europe's primary spaceport, launching Ariane rockets from the edge of the rainforest. Beyond the history and space technology, French Guiana offers dense jungle, remote villages and a cuisine that blends French technique with Creole and Brazilian flavors.

The region has a tropical climate with four seasons. The two dry seasons are generally the most comfortable for travel: the short dry season from February to mid-April and the long dry season from mid-August to mid-December. During these periods, trails are clearer and outdoor excursions are easier. September and October are the driest and warmest months. That said, the rainforest is always humid and short showers can occur year-round. Tours operate in all seasons.

It's still doable. The landscapes turn even greener, river levels rise (good for boat travel) and there are fewer visitors. Rain in the tropics is typically short and intense rather than all-day, so most activities continue as normal. If you're comfortable with occasional downpours, the wet season offers its own rewards.

Yes, and it's one of the most common questions we get. All three countries are politically stable and their position on the northern coast keeps them clear of hurricanes. The usual travel sense applies: don't flash valuables, use registered taxis and keep an eye on your belongings in busy areas. By country: Suriname is very relaxed, Paramaribo is a walkable, easygoing capital and the country was declared malaria-free by the World Health Organization in 2025. Guyana is safe for travelers too, though Georgetown warrants normal city caution especially after dark, while the interior lodges and rivers are calm and remote. French Guiana runs on French infrastructure and feels much like a European town on a South American coast. On our tours you're accompanied by local guides and drivers throughout, which takes most of the guesswork out of moving around.

Here's a friendly guide, since the names trip up almost everyone. Suriname is soo-rih-NAHM, Guyana is guy-AH-nuh and French Guiana is French gee-AH-nuh. For the places you'll visit: Paramaribo is pa-ra-MA-ri-bo, Cayenne is kai-EN, Kourou is koo-ROO and Jodensavanne is YOH-den-sa-VAH-nuh. Locals in Suriname pronounce things with a Dutch lilt, so you'll hear small variations, and nobody will mind if you don't get it perfect.

Not the white-sand, turquoise-water kind, and it's worth knowing before you come. The Atlantic coast here is shaped by silt carried up from the Amazon and Orinoco, so the sea runs brown and the shoreline is mangrove and mudflat rather than resort beach. What the coast offers instead is wildlife: this is where sea turtles come ashore to nest, and coastal wetlands like Bigi Pan teem with birds. The water experiences that define a trip here are rivers and jungle creeks, not sunbathing. If you're picturing a Caribbean beach holiday, this isn't that. If you want turtles nesting under the stars and pink belly dolphins in a river mouth, it's hard to beat.

It's one of the quiet highlights of the region, and it mirrors the cultural mix. In Suriname you'll eat across cultures in a single day: Javanese warungs serving bami and saoto soup, Hindustani roti and curry, Creole dishes like pom and Chinese cooking, all shaped by the Dutch colonial past. Guyana leans Caribbean, with pepperpot as the national dish alongside curry, roti and cook-up rice. French Guiana blends French technique with Creole and Brazilian flavors, so you'll find fresh seafood and Creole stews next to real French bakeries. We build local food into the itineraries and can point you to the places worth seeking out.

Requirements depend on your nationality. Suriname offers an online tourist entry fee (e-visa) for most nationalities. Guyana is visa-free for many passports. French Guiana is an overseas department of France with its own entry rules. A Schengen visa does not grant entry: non-EU travelers must apply specifically for a French overseas department visa, even if they already hold a valid Schengen visa for mainland France. We provide detailed visa guidance based on your nationality during booking and can assist with applications for Suriname and Guyana.

Suriname's online tourist entry fee has replaced the traditional visa for most nationalities. It's faster, cheaper and easier. Unless you're staying long-term, this covers everything you need. If your itinerary includes re-entering Suriname, we'll arrange the appropriate multiple-entry clearance.

A few essentials cover all three countries. First, a passport valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. Second, proof of yellow fever vaccination, which is mandatory for entry to all three and must be carried at every border crossing. Then entry permission, which varies by country and nationality: Suriname uses an online tourist entry fee (e-visa) for most travelers, Guyana is visa-free for many passports and French Guiana requires a French overseas department visa for non-EU citizens. We give you exact guidance based on your nationality when you book and can handle the Suriname and Guyana applications for you.

No. French Guiana is an overseas department of France, but it sits outside the Schengen Area, so a Schengen visa does not grant entry. EU citizens travel there freely. Everyone else needs a visa issued specifically for the French overseas departments, even if they already hold a valid Schengen visa for mainland France. It catches a lot of travelers out, so we confirm the right document for your nationality during booking.

It varies by itinerary. Some days involve walking tours through historic towns, hikes to jungle waterfalls or boat rides on rivers. Other days are lighter, city exploration, wildlife observation or cultural visits. Most itineraries can be adjusted to suit a slower pace. We've welcomed travelers of all ages and abilities. Let us know your mobility level or any concerns in advance and we'll design a route that works for you.

Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for all three countries, carry proof at all border crossings. We also recommend being up to date on DTP and Hepatitis A. Suriname was certified malaria-free by the World Health Organization in June 2025, the first country in the Amazon region to achieve this. For French Guiana and Guyana, most of our tour routes don't require malaria prophylaxis, but we'll advise based on your specific itinerary. Consult your doctor or a travel health clinic before departure.

Tap water in Paramaribo, Georgetown and Cayenne meets health standards. In remote areas and jungle lodges, we recommend filtered or bottled water. Many lodges provide filtered water for refilling. Bring a reusable bottle.

Lightweight clothing that dries quickly, sturdy walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses and insect repellent (DEET-based, also available locally). A light rain jacket or poncho is essential in any season. For wildlife enthusiasts, binoculars and a camera with zoom make a big difference. We have a detailed packing list on our What to Pack page, we'll also send it to you when your booking is confirmed.

We offer guided multi-country packages that typically run for 7, 9 or 14 days, covering Suriname, Guyana and French Guiana. We also have an 8-day Suriname-only immersion, specialty tours (herping, wildlife photography, fishing, birding) and day tours across all three countries. Each itinerary balances key highlights with deeper experiences, waterfalls, cultural villages, wildlife encounters and urban discovery. If none of our existing packages fit, we'll build one around your interests.

Yes. Our packages are starting points, not fixed products. You can add extra days in the rainforest, include a birdwatching detour, swap a city day for more nature or extend into Trinidad or Venezuela. Tell us what you're looking for and we'll adapt the itinerary to your pace and priorities.

Yes. Private tours are available for solo travelers, couples or small groups. You'll have your own guide throughout, your own vehicle and a schedule built around your interests. No fixed departure times, no sharing with other travelers. If you want a dedicated guide for the entire journey rather than different guides at each location, we arrange that too, it makes a real difference in the quality of the experience.

Most of our packages and tours can be booked directly online through our secure checkout, handled by our booking partner WeTravel. If you prefer to start with a conversation or want a custom itinerary, fill out the inquiry form on our website or email us directly at info@traveltheguianas.com. Once we know what you're looking for, we'll come back with options, pricing and recommendations. If you're unsure where to start, send us a message with your travel dates and interests, we'll take it from there.

For private tours, yes. For fixed-date group departures, a minimum number of participants may be required. We'll keep you informed of the status and confirm once the departure is guaranteed. Some activities tied to third parties (like the Kaieteur Falls flight or Space Centre visit) are confirmed closer to the date. We're always transparent about what's confirmed and what's pending.

We'll still process your booking and keep you updated. In some cases, you may join different small groups at various stages of the itinerary. If you prefer to travel privately, that can always be arranged.

Besides the Kaieteur Falls flight, some activities like the Guiana Space Centre visit or certain remote excursions depend on external schedules and minimum booking thresholds. We'll always inform you ahead of time and provide alternatives. These situations are rare.

Yes. Let us know as early as possible and we can update the booking with the new traveler's details, as long as documents, flights and entry permits haven't already been issued in your name. There may be small administrative fees depending on timing.

You can pay by credit card (we send a payable link), bank transfer (USA and Suriname), PayPal or Zelle. A small portion (10 to 15%) can be paid in cash upon arrival by prior arrangement. We provide a clear payment schedule with deposit amount and final balance deadline when you book.

Yes. Cash is useful for small purchases, tipping and areas where cards aren't accepted. US dollars and euros are widely accepted in Suriname and Guyana. In French Guiana, euros are the standard. Bring newer USD bills (2013 or later), older ones are often refused. Break large bills before heading into the interior.

USD and euros work in many places, but not everywhere. In remote areas and local markets, having some local currency is useful. In French Guiana, most businesses only accept euros. Credit cards work in larger hotels and restaurants but not always in rural towns. Come prepared with a mix: credit card, USD/EUR cash and the ability to exchange locally. We can assist with exchanging upon request.

Our cancellation policy is designed to be fair while protecting the local partners and accommodations we work with. Terms vary depending on the tour type and how close to departure you cancel. In general: early cancellations may qualify for a partial refund, fees increase closer to departure and deposits may be applied as credit for a future tour. Full details are provided at booking.

Yes. Make sure your coverage begins as soon as you make your first payment so your deposit is protected. Travel insurance can cover cancellations, medical emergencies, delays and baggage issues, important when traveling in remote regions.

Yes. Common extensions include extra days in Suriname's interior (Brownsberg, Bigi Pan, Upper Suriname River), pre-tour time in Georgetown, or post-tour additions to Trinidad & Tobago or Venezuela. We can also combine day tours into a custom multi-day itinerary. Contact us to discuss options.

Yes, even for late-night arrivals. A driver will be waiting at the airport with a sign with your name, ready to take you to your hotel.

Depending on your route, you'll travel by air, road and boat. Overland journeys use comfortable minivans, especially on longer stretches between cities and border crossings. River crossings between countries are done by pirogue (covered motorboat) or ferry. Destinations like Kaieteur Falls are reached by scenic flight over the rainforest. We handle all transport logistics.

Surinam Airways and Gum Air both operate flights between Paramaribo and Georgetown. The flight takes approximately 45 minutes. If you'd prefer to fly with a specific airline or need alternative routing, let us know and we'll check options.

Yes. If you're flying in from Trinidad, Barbados, Miami or elsewhere, just share your flight details early in the planning process. We'll coordinate airport transfers, hotel check-ins and the rest of the itinerary around your schedule.

Contact us as soon as possible. We'll reorganize transfers, reschedule activities if needed and make sure nothing falls through. We're used to working with flight disruptions across the region.

Both depend on third-party operators and conditions outside our control, weather for Kaieteur, operational restrictions for the Space Centre. If a cancellation occurs, we'll try to reschedule during your tour. If that's not possible, we'll offer an alternative activity or a partial refund.

Yes. On the day you visit Kaieteur Falls, you fly with only your daypack or camera bag. Your main luggage stays securely stored at your hotel or with our local partner.

Yes. On internal flights (like to Kaieteur Falls), you bring only a small daypack. Your main luggage stays at your hotel or with our trusted local partners. We confirm storage arrangements with you beforehand.

The Albina to Saint-Laurent ferry operates during daylight hours, roughly 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM depending on the day. There are no night crossings. Your itinerary is always scheduled to fit within the border window.

Tours are conducted in English and Dutch as standard. Guides who speak Spanish, French or Chinese are available on request, let us know your preference when booking.

English by default, since it works as a common language for travelers from different countries. If you're traveling privately or as a group that prefers Dutch, French or another language, we'll match you with a guide who can lead the experience in your preferred language.

Yes. Solo travelers join shared departures (maximum 12 per tour) and often enjoy the mix of independence and social connection. Families appreciate our nature-focused itineraries that work well for all ages. We adjust activities to fit your group dynamic, whether you're traveling with kids, older adults or a mix.

Our prices are based on double occupancy. Solo travelers pay a single supplement for their own room. We'll tell you the exact cost upfront during booking.

Yes. If you are a tour organizer, travel agent, club leader, affinity group host or corporate organizer packaging a Guianas trip for your own clientele, your own place on the trip is complimentary when you bring eight or more paying travelers. The complimentary place is yours as the organizer, the rest of the group pays standard per-person rates. We build the routing, language and pace around your preferences and serve as the single point of contact through the itinerary. Groups under eight can still book private departures at standard private rates.

Not necessarily. On shared departures, group composition may shift as travelers join or leave at different stages. You might share a boat ride with one group and explore a city with another. If you prefer consistency or want to avoid groups entirely, private touring is available.

We work with carefully vetted 3-star hotels (or best available) that meet our standards for cleanliness, safety and comfort. Expect a mix of city hotels, eco-lodges and boutique stays depending on location. All include private bathrooms and breakfast. Upgrades to 4- or 5-star properties are available during booking where options exist.

In Paramaribo, Georgetown and Cayenne, most hotels offer reliable Wi-Fi. In remote lodges and jungle camps, connectivity may be limited or nonexistent. We inform travelers about what to expect at each stop. If you need to stay connected, we can recommend local SIM cards or portable Wi-Fi options.

Suriname and French Guiana are both GMT-3. Guyana is GMT-4 (one hour behind Suriname). No daylight saving time applies in any of the three countries.

Most days include structured excursions in the morning or early afternoon, followed by free time to relax or explore independently. On travel-heavy days (border crossings, flights), there's less downtime, but we always build in breathing room. You won't feel rushed.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. A general guideline: USD 40–50 per group per day for your guide and USD 30–40 per group per day for your driver. For larger groups (15+), USD 3–4 per person per day for the guide and USD 2–3 for the driver. It's entirely up to you and based on your experience.

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, halal and other dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice at booking. We'll coordinate with hotels, lodges and restaurants along your route. In remote areas, options may be more limited, but we'll make sure you're covered.