Broke Backpacking In Guyana: The Ultimate Guide

Ready for a backpacking journey off the beaten path? Join me while I go in pursuit of the most savage beauties that Guyana has to offer, a hidden South American gem on a broke budget. From the thick rainforests of the Guiana Shield to the mighty Kaieteur Falls, I will share my experiences in backpacking your way through this rugged and rewarding destination as a truly broke backpacker.
Guyana–a country right in the middle of the Guiana Shield–is packed with breathtaking natural wonders and a deeply engrossing culture, topped with warm hospitality. With its unique mix of Caribbean and South American influences, Guyana is an exciting destination for the intrepid traveler in search of adventure and authenticity.
In this blog, I’ll share my first-hand experiences, tips, and tricks in the exploration of Guyana on a broke budget-from affordable accommodation and transportation to immersing in the local culture and delicious street food. So, if you’re ready to take a dive with me into the wilds of Guyana, then let’s begin this Broke Backpacking adventure together.

How to get there:

From Brazil:

  • Take a bus from Boa Vista or Manaus to the Brazilian-Guyanese border at Lethem
  • Cross the border by foot and catch a minibus or taxi to Georgetown

From Venezuela:

  • Take a bus from Caracas or Ciudad Bolivar to the Venezuelan-Guyanese border at Santa Elena de Uairén
  • Cross the border by foot and catch a minibus or taxi to Georgetown

From Suriname:

  • Take a bus from Paramaribo to the Surinamese-Guyanese border at Albina
  • Catch a ferry or speedboat across the Corentyne River to Guyana
  • Take a minibus or taxi to Georgetown

From Trinidad and Tobago:

  • Take a ferry from Port of Spain to Georgetown (note: this option is less frequent and may require more planning)

When to go:

Dry Season (December to April)

  • Pros:
  • Easier hiking and outdoor activities
  • Less rainfall and more sunny days
  • Festive atmosphere during Christmas and New Year’s
  • Cons:
  • Peak tourist season, higher prices
  • More crowds and longer wait times

Wet Season (May to November)

  • Pros:
  • Lush landscapes and blooming flowers
  • Fewer tourists, lower prices
  • Unique experience of hiking in the rainforest during the wet season
  • Cons:
  • More challenging outdoor activities due to rain and mud
  • Some roads and trails may be inaccessible

Shoulder Season (September to November)

  • Pros:
  • Fewer crowds and lower prices
  • Comfortable temperatures and fewer rain showers
  • Exciting festivals like the Guyana Festival and Diwali
  • Cons:
  • Some attractions and activities might be closed or limited

Special Events and Festivals

  • Kaieteur Falls Festival (April): A celebration of music, food, and culture at one of Guyana’s most iconic natural wonders.
  • Guyana Festival (September): A showcase of Guyanese music, dance, and art in Georgetown.
  • Diwali (October/November): A vibrant celebration of light, color, and culture in Guyana’s Hindu communities.
  • Mashramani (February/March): A carnival-like celebration of Guyana’s cultural diversity, music, and food.
  • Amerindian Heritage Month (September): A celebration of Guyana’s indigenous culture, traditions, and history.
  • Guyana Food and Wine Festival (November): A culinary experience showcasing Guyana’s unique fusion cuisine and local wines.
  • Port Kaituma Regatta (August): A thrilling boat racing event in the scenic town of Port Kaituma.
  • Bartica Regatta (April): A fun-filled weekend of boat racing, music, and culture in the picturesque town of Bartica.

Best Itineraries:

3-Day Itinerary

  • Day 1: Georgetown
  • Explore the city’s colonial architecture, markets, and waterfront
  • Visit the Guyana Museum and St. George’s Cathedral
  • Walk along the Georgetown Seawall and enjoy the ocean views
  • Day 2: Kaieteur Falls
  • Take a budget-friendly flight or bus to Kaieteur Falls
  • Hike to the falls and enjoy the scenic views
  • Swim in the natural pools and explore the surrounding rainforest
  • Day 3: Georgetown
  • Visit the Botanical Gardens and the Zoo
  • Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant and try some Guyanese cuisine
  • Explore the nightlife and live music scene in Georgetown

1-Week Itinerary

  • Day 1-2: Georgetown
  • Explore the city and its surroundings
  • Visit the Guyana Museum, St. George’s Cathedral, and the Botanical Gardens
  • Take a day trip to the nearby village of Buxton and learn about its history
  • Day 3-4: Kaieteur Falls
  • Take a budget-friendly flight or bus to Kaieteur Falls
  • Hike to the falls and enjoy the scenic views
  • Swim in the natural pools and explore the surrounding rainforest
  • Day 5: Annai
  • Visit the Annai Distillery and learn about rum production
  • Explore the nearby villages and scenic views
  • Try some local cuisine and drinks
  • Day 6-7: Georgetown
  • Return to Georgetown and spend the last days exploring the city
  • Visit the markets, try local food, and enjoy the nightlife
  • Take a day trip to the nearby Orinduik Falls

2-Week Itinerary

  • Visit the Annai Distillery and learn about rum production
  • Day 1-3: Georgetown
  • Explore the city and its surroundings
  • Visit the Guyana Museum, St. George’s Cathedral, and the Botanical Gardens
  • Take day trips to nearby villages and scenic views
  • Day 4-6: Kaieteur Falls
  • Take a budget-friendly flight or bus to Kaieteur Falls
  • Hike to the falls and enjoy the scenic views
  • Swim in the natural pools and explore the surrounding rainforest
  • Day 7-8: Annai
  • Day 9-10: Bartica
  • Take a boat or bus to Bartica
  • Explore the scenic views, waterfalls, and nearby villages
  • Try some local cuisine and drinks
  • Day 11-12: Orinduik Falls
  • Take a bus or flight to Orinduik Falls
  • Hike to the falls and enjoy the scenic views
  • Swim in the natural pools and explore the surrounding rainforest
  • Day 13-14: Georgetown
  • Return to Georgetown and spend the last days exploring the city
  • Visit the markets, try local food, and enjoy the nightlife
  • Take a day trip to the nearby Baganara Island

1-Month Itinerary

  • Week 1: Georgetown and surrounding areas
  • Explore the city, visit the Guyana Museum, St. George’s Cathedral, and the Botanical Gardens
  • Take day trips to nearby villages and scenic views
  • Try some local cuisine and drinks
  • Week 2: Kaieteur Falls and Annai
  • Take a budget-friendly flight or bus to Kaieteur Falls
  • Hike to the falls and enjoy the scenic views
  • Visit the Annai Distillery and learn about rum production
  • Week 3: Bartica and the Essequibo River
  • Take a boat or bus to Bartica
  • Explore the scenic views, waterfalls, and nearby villages
  • Take a boat trip on the Essequibo River
  • Week 4: Orinduik Falls and the Rupununi Savannah
  • Take a bus or flight to Orinduik Falls
  • Hike to the falls and enjoy the scenic views
  • Explore the Rupununi Savannah and its unique wildlife
  • Visit the nearby Kanuku Mountains and try some rock climbing

Transportation:

Guyana, has a well-developed public transportation system that makes it easy to get around. In this section, we’ll explore the different types of public transportation available in Guyana, including buses, minivans, taxis, and ferries.

Buses

  • Guyana’s bus network covers most regions, with routes connecting major towns and cities.
  • Bus fares are affordable, with prices starting from GYD $100 (USD $0.50).
  • Bus services operate daily, with frequent departures during peak hours.

Minivans

  • Minivans, also known as “route vans,” operate on fixed routes, connecting towns and villages.
  • Fares are similar to bus fares, starting from GYD $100 (USD $0.50).
  • Minivans are a popular option for shorter distances and rural areas.

Taxis

  • Taxis are widely available in Guyana, with many operating in Georgetown and other major towns.
  • Fares are negotiable, but expect to pay around GYD $500-$1000 (USD $2.50-$5) for short distances.
  • Taxis are a good option for door-to-door travel or late-night transportation.

Ferries

  • Ferries connect Guyana’s coastal communities and nearby islands.
  • Ferry fares vary depending on the route and distance, but expect to pay around GYD $100-$500 (USD $0.50-$2.50).
  • Ferries are a scenic way to travel and offer stunning views of the coastline.

Top things to do:

Georgetown:

  1. Visit the Guyana Museum (free admission)
  2. Explore the St. George’s Cathedral (free admission)
  3. Walk along the Georgetown Seawall (free)
  4. Visit the Botanical Gardens (GYD $100, USD $0.50)
  5. Check out the local markets (free)
  6. Visit the Guyana Parliament Building (free admission)
  7. Explore the Bourda Market (free)
  8. Visit the St. Andrew’s Kirk (free admission)
  9. Take a stroll along the Georgetown Waterfront (free)
  10. Visit the Umana Yana (GYD $100, USD $0.50)

Kaieteur Falls:

  1. Hike to the falls (GYD $500, USD $2.50)
  2. Swim in the natural pools (free)
  3. Explore the surrounding rainforest (free)
  4. Visit the Kaieteur Falls viewpoint (GYD $200, USD $1)
  5. Take a guided tour (GYD $1000, USD $5)
  6. Visit the Kaieteur Falls Village (free)
  7. Take a boat trip on the Potaro River (GYD $500, USD $2.50)

Annai:

  1. Visit the Annai Distillery (GYD $200, USD $1)
  2. Explore the nearby villages (free)
  3. Try some local cuisine (GYD $500, USD $2.50)
  4. Visit the Annai Museum (GYD $100, USD $0.50)
  5. Take a boat trip on the Annai River (GYD $500, USD $2.50)
  6. Visit the Annai Village (free)
  7. Explore the surrounding savannah (free)

Bartica:

  1. Take a boat trip on the Essequibo River (GYD $500, USD $2.50)
  2. Explore the scenic views and waterfalls (free)
  3. Visit the nearby villages (free)
  4. Try some local cuisine (GYD $500, USD $2.50)
  5. Visit the Bartica Museum (GYD $100, USD $0.50)
  6. Take a boat trip to the Bartica Waterfall (GYD $500, USD $2.50)

Orinduik Falls:

  1. Hike to the falls (GYD $500, USD $2.50)
  2. Swim in the natural pools (free)
  3. Explore the surrounding rainforest (free)
  4. Visit the Orinduik Falls viewpoint (GYD $200, USD $1)
  5. Take a guided tour (GYD $1000, USD $5)
  6. Visit the Orinduik Falls Village (free)
  7. Take a boat trip on the Ireng River (GYD $500, USD $2.50)

Rupununi Savannah:

  1. Explore the unique wildlife (free)
  2. Visit the nearby Kanuku Mountains (GYD $500, USD $2.50)
  3. Take a boat trip on the Rupununi River (GYD $500, USD $2.50)
  4. Visit the Rupununi Savannah Village (free)
  5. Explore the surrounding savannah (free)
  6. Take a guided tour (GYD $1000, USD $5)
  7. Visit the Rupununi Savannah viewpoint (GYD $200, USD $1)

Other areas:

  • Explore the surrounding rainforest (free)
  • Visit the Iwokrama River Lodge (GYD $500, USD $2.50)
  • Explore the Iwokrama Forest (free)
  • Take a boat trip on the Iwokrama River (GYD $500, USD $2.50)
  • Visit the Kurupukari Village (free)

Food:

Guyana is an amalgamation of cuisines. Indigenous, African, European, and Asian heritage have influenced traditional and modern cuisine in Guyana. Rice, peas, and cassava are the basic constituents of any traditionally Guyanese meal, often being complemented with a multitude of meats and vegetables.
One of the favorite dishes in Guyana is the pepper pot soup, prepared with a lot of different types of meat and many kinds of peppers. It is special on particular occasions and forms part of the traditional Guyanese dish. Another favorite is cook-up rice-a one-pot dish made from rice, peas, and a variety of spices. It can often be served with meat or vegetable accompaniments and very frequently is used as the main course in daily meals.
In addition to traditional meals, there is also the modern restaurant and cafe concept in Guyana, serving different meals ranging from fine dining to casual eats. Georgetown is a foodie city where one gets several options that can fit every taste and budget. From traditional Guyanese to international cuisines, Guyana has it all.
As far as food goes, street foods also form a significant proportion of the food aspect in Guyana, from fried fish down to roasted corn on the cob being sold by the vendors. Other great places to try local specialties are at the markets, where homemade bread and pastries abound. And for those with a sweet tooth, Guyana is famous for delicious rum punch and sugar cakes.
Other reflections of its indigeneity include its food-cassava pone, a type of flatbread made from cassava flour, and warimiri, or fermented cassava drink. These are mainly prepared for special occasions and are very important in Guyanese culture.
The pepper pot soup and cook-up rice also show that Guyana’s food reflects its African heritage. On the other hand, Guyanese food reflects European traditions in such foodstuffs as pastry and bread. And Guyana even reflects Asian cultural heritages with such things as chow mein and fried rice.
Guyanese food is an overall brilliant and scrumptious representation of the nation’s cultural diversity, from traditional Guyanese food to modern Guyanese cuisine. Whether you fancy something zesty and savored or sweet and indulging, Guyana has a bit of everything to satisfy your every urge. So come and taste the difference in Guyana-your taste buds will thank you!
Aside from the delicious dishes, Guyana is also famous for its unique fruits: durians, jackfruits, and mangoes. Fresh fruits are normally eaten, but smoothies and desserts are also quite popular. For those who would enjoy a fine drink, Guyana is the home of several delectable beverages: mauby, a type of fermented drink made from the bark of the mauby tree, and ginger beer.
The Guyanese cuisine has also identified with the social and cultural behaviors that are indulged in by the people within the society. In the culture of Guyanese, food is an important feature within their setting, where mealtimes are believed to be a way of socializing and bonding with family and friends. With its diverse array of influences in food and rich cultural heritage, Guyana’s food scene is truly reflective of its warm, welcoming people.
Why not come and sample for yourself the taste of Guyana? With its unique blend of traditional and modern cuisine, delicious exotic fruits, and refreshing beverages, Guyana is a foodie’s paradise. From spicy and savoury to sweet and indulgent, whatever your mood or taste buds desire, Guyana has it. And with warm and friendly people, you’re sure to feel right at home.

Culture:

The cultural identity of Guyana is an amalgamation of influences that have emerged from the combination of its history, geography, and people. The indigenes, such as the tribes of the Wai-Wai and the Macushi, continue to underline Guyanese music, dance, and art, where European colonizers introduced Christianity, new languages, and cultures. The transatlantic slave trade and successive indentured servitude of peoples from Asia and Europe further diversified this cultural landscape.
Today, Guyanese culture is a vibrant tapestry of tradition with heavy emphasis on community, respect for elders, and attachment to the land. That fact is reflected in the various musical styles from calypso to chutney, where rhythms and melodies meld influences from Africa, Europe, and Asia. Music making widely features the national instrument-the steel drum-and festivals like Mashramani and Diwali dramatize the multiple cultural heritage.
The Guyanese cuisine also reflects the cultural diversity of this country, and most of its dishes are enjoyed throughout, starting from pepper pot soup to cook-up rice and roti. The flavors merge African, European, and Asian tastes into one delicious cuisine. Its exotic fruits include durians and jackfruits, which are integral parts of Guyanese cuisine, but the national drink is mauby, fermented from the bark of the mauby tree.
Respect for elders in their communities is one of the strong features of Guyanese culture, as they carry the baton for the traditional passing on of stories, cultural values, and the like to the young. The communal-like nature of the population is reflected in various festivals and other activities celebrated throughout the year, often characterized by music, dance, and various forms of food.
Further, the rich cultural diversity of Guyana is depicted in the field of language: most Guyanese talk a unique blend of English, Creole, and indigenous languages. The literature of the country equally reflects this trend since many writers research issues concerning identity, culture, and social justice.
The history of the country also played a grand role in the formation of Guyanese culture, as the heritage of colonialism and slavery is still very present in most of the spheres of Guyanese life. At the same time, much has been done to save the cultural heritage of Guyana: there is a great number of museums, cultural centers, and historic places that illustrate the rich history and culture of Guyana.
Natural beauty has deeply influenced the culture of this land. Extensive rainforests, tall waterfalls, and great savannahs have given inspiration to so many artists, writers, and musicians. The indigenous community shows a great bond with the land where their traditional knowledge and practices form an essential part of Guyana’s culture.
Overall, Guyana is a rich and vibrant culture born from Guyana’s history, its geography, and its people. With the strong communal emphasis, respect for elders, and attachment to the land, the culture of Guyana no doubt stands out as one of the Caribbean’s treasures. Through music, art, literature, or culinary expression, Guyanese culture is a constant source of inspiration and joy, while continuing to be very resilient and creatively buoyant.

Accommodations:

The Guyanas are a small country in South America that has become one of those particular destinations for only the poorest of backpackers who want a weird and wonderful hostel experience. While most travelers go into mid-range and luxury options, the cheapest in Guyana offer a better level of adventure and immersion into local culture.
With the booking of cheaper hostels, tourists can be catapulted into a world of bright colors and eclectic decor, let alone unusual facilities. Most of these hotels are family-owned, and owners will be proud to share their love for Guyana and its culture with tourists.
Perhaps the most striking element to Guyana’s hostels is how they can literally melt into the environment. In Georgetown, the capital, they often sandwich between colonial-era buildings and frenetic markets, enveloping you in an experience that is equal parts chaotic and exhilarating.
Poor backpacker, you are supposed to share dorm rooms with other globe-trotting adventurers from every part of the globe-you will be exposed to a melting pot of stories, laughter, and camaraderie. Most of the time, it’s a vibrant atmosphere: evenings with impromptu jam sessions, cooking classes, and spontaneous excursions into the night.
But let this be a fair warning: these hostels are not for the faint of heart. Shared bathrooms, rickety beds, and occasional power outage are all part of the deal. Still, it is just this degree of unpredictability that creates the most unique and crazy experiences.
As is common in Guyanese hostels, the line of distinction between guest and local often blurs, with owners inviting travelers to take part in family gatherings, traditional meals, and even cultural ceremonies. You turn a corner and find yourself whisked away into an impromptu dance party or picked up to play a game of dominoes with your hostel staff.
For the real adventurer, some hostels even offer the chance to stay in truly remote, off-the-grid locations, enveloped by the lush rainforests and towering waterfalls that Guyana is so famous for. Such hostels are accessible only by boat or on foot and thus add an extra layer of excitement to the journey.
Beyond the value of the locations and the wealth of amenities, Guyana’s hostels boast very rich feelings of commitment toward sustainability and community development. In fact, a number of them employ environmentally friendly practices, such as solar power and composting toilets, in addition to close collaborations with local organizations on conservation efforts and cultural exchange.
Ultimately, Guyanese hostels are an experience fashioned out of pure adventure, immersion, and inspiration. Broke backpackers who embrace the unknown and book the cheapest options will definitely have the time of their lives in this great country. Why not take a leap and see what the journey gives?

Nightlife:

Guyana is a treasure trove within South America, for those people who are inclined towards experiencing pulsating and thrilling nightlife. When the sun started to set amidst its rainforests and towering waterfalls, evening used to bring music, laughter, and dancing on to the streets of Georgetown and other towns.
The nightlife in Guyana is truly Caribbean, with a little bit of South America thrown into the mix, and hues of African and European influence. The air vibrates to the rhythm of calypso, reggae, and soca, while the delicious scents of street food dance around your nostrils.
You will find everything from locals to tourists around you as you go through the bustling streets, all in the hope of seeking better times. It is at its liveliest and infectious with the swarm of impromptu dance parties scattered across street corners and bars.
But nightlife in Guyana means much more than dancing and music; it means community and connection, too. In a culture where social gatherings are part of the fabric within the culture, nightlife means a time to come together and share stories among friends-old and new.
The energy builds throughout the night with impromptu jam sessions, comedy performances, and even the occasional fashion show. And when the first sun rises, the party doesn’t stop-it continues at after-parties and breakfast gatherings into the dawn hours.
Nightlife is a sport in Guyana, and to visitors, it offers an unforgettable experience-one that will last forever in memory. Dancing the night away in the crowded clubs or sipping cocktails on a rooftop bar, the warmth and friendly hospitality of the Guyanese people will always make you feel right at home.
Nightlife in Guyana is filled with diversity, made up of an immense number of bars, clubs, and lounges, each with its own unique character and appeal. From stylish, modern cocktail bars to hip, dancing clubs, one can find just about everything to suit his taste and style.
And then there is the music – oh, the music! Guyana fosters a spirited music scene, comprising many genres and styles to keep you entertaining well into the hours of the wee morning. From the infectious rhythms of calypso and soca to the soothing sounds of reggae and R&B, music here will keep you up until morning.
But then, Guyana’s nightlife is not all about music; it’s also about its people. Guyanese are warm and welcoming, ever ready to share their culture and hospitality with visitors. Party animal or just out for a quiet night, you’ll get a warm and friendly welcome in Guyana’s nightlife scene.
Why not come and try it for yourself? Let the rhythms and flavors of Guyana’s nightlife sweep you off your feet and right into the heart of this incredible country. With a unique combination of Caribbean and South American flavors, infectious music, and warm, welcoming people, Guyana’s nightlife is simply incomparable.

Backpacking Guyana costs:

Daily Budget:

  • Accommodation: $5-10 USD per night for a hostel dorm bed
  • Food: $3-5 USD per meal for street food or local eateries
  • Transportation: $2-5 USD per day for minivans or taxis
  • Attractions: $5-10 USD per day for entrance fees
  • Total: $15-30 USD per day

Weekly Budget:

  • Accommodation: $35-70 USD per week for a hostel dorm bed
  • Food: $21-35 USD per week for street food or local eateries
  • Transportation: $14-35 USD per week for minivans or taxis
  • Attractions: $35-70 USD per week for entrance fees
  • Total: $105-210 USD per week

Conclusion:

It’s hard to be anything other than grateful as I conclude my Broke Backpacking adventure in Guyana. The moment I arrived, I knew it was going to be a special place, and I was not disappointed. The warm and friendly Guyanese people, a vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty-all the reasons this trip has been one to remember.
Despite all the limitations imposed by budget traveling, I took advantage of steeping myself in the culture, excellent street food, and some astonishing natural beauties of Guyana. Be it the falls towering up to the rainforest that spreads endlessly, every day was a new adventure leaving me awestruck. From the top of Mount Roraima to the eerie landscape of Kanuku Mountains, not to mention the vastly incomparable Kaieteur Falls-whoa.
But Guyana’s greatest asset, though, was its people. It is their warm welcome, hospitality, and consideration that afforded me a feeling of home, literally thousands of miles away. I got invites to people’s houses, I got fed with them, and was even invited to a traditional Amerindian ceremony.
If you are that poor backpacker who seeks a place that is not just your typical tourism stuff, then Guyana is the place to be. Money needn’t be an issue; a little creativity and flexibility can go a long way toward having a fantastic time within this amazing country. Stay in hostels, eat street food, and take public transportation.
So let me invite you to come and see Guyana for yourself. Let the warm smiles, vibrant culture, and awesome natural beauty steal your heart as it did mine. You never will regret it! Guyana, I’ll miss you, but I know I’ll be back soon.