#DiscoverGuyana: 10 must see attractions in Guyana

Highly regarded as an eco-tourist's heaven due to its biodiversity and untamed beauty, Guyana is a country that has much to offer. So if you are a bird watcher, a nature and history nerd, or just someone looking for a bit of fun, then exploring the land of many waters might be exactly what you need.  

Take a trip and explore some of our most popular sites, and let us know all about it. 
 
  
 
Stabroek Market  

Initially created as an open air market in 1972 where enslaved Africans would sell their produce, the Stabroek market today is an enclosed structure wherein sellers of all ethnicities go daily to ply their trade. Built in 1880 with iron and steel, it today remains one of the oldest buildings that is still in use in the city, and can truly be said to be the spot to get everything from food and vegetables, to wares and pets. The front of the market is a central transportation hub where one can get minibuses, taxis and ferries to take them to different locations around the country. A stroll through the market will give you a small insight into the rich history and culture of our Guyanese people.  
 
  
 
Sea-Walls  

Spanning two hundred and eighty miles, the Sea-Walls were first built in 1880 by Dutch settlers to keep Georgetown safe from storm surges in the Atlantic. This was very necessary as the waves can tower seven feet over Guyana. While its functional purpose has withstood the test of time, today the seawall has also developed an alternative use of being one of the preferred hangout spots of thousands of Guyanese. If you’re looking to experience the magic of the nightlife that can often occur, Sundays are the best days to go. However, any regular day is a great time to visit the tranquil space to experience all that it has to offer. Take a stroll with a friend, go play games by the sands, or just sit in contemplation. You’ll love it, we promise.  
 
  
 
Kanuku Mountains 

Containing more than six thousand kilometres of primary rainforests, has the Kanuku Mountains apart as being one of the wildest and most remote locations in Guyana. The Kanukus was named by the Wapishianas, which translates to “rich forest,” and we can see why. A protected area due to its possession of rare and endangered life forms, today it remains one of the last remaining intact Amazonian habitats, with sixty percent of all bird species found in Guyana, 600 species of fish, and over one hundred and fifty mammals. The Kanukus are also home to amazing rock formations that rise up to a whopping thirteen hundred metres high, with several waterfalls and a large number of caves. Divided into the North and South Rupununi, the Kanukus are a natural area teeming with four ecosystems: wetland, savannah, river and forest.  
 
  

Castellani House 

Long regarded as a hub for artists and their craft, Castellani House is a must visit spot for art afficiendos. There are often various exhibitions that are held every month in addition to its regular showings, so be sure to check out the scene to learn more about Guyana’s traditional and contemporary artists. Located right in the heart of Georgetown, you won’t have to go too far to immerse yourself in this rich artistic space. 

Iwokrama Rainforest  

Once the land of the Macushis, the Iwokrama Rainforest which is located in the geographical heart of Guyana, is made up of three hundred and seventy one thousand hectares of forests, which accounts to approximately 1.6 per cent of Guyana’s landmass and 2 per cent of its forests. The Iwokrama Protected region covers 3,710 square kilometres, which is almost a million acres. Quite impressive! Given its major contributions towards remaining a home for diverse wildlife, birds and plant species, it is known as the “Green Heart of Guyana.” If you’re looking to spot some of Guyana’s Giants, this is the perfect place to spot them. If you’re looking for a peaceful stay amidst nature, spend some time at the Iwokrama River Lodge, where you will be able to experience night trips to spot nocturnal creatures such as Black Caimans, and tree boas. Or, take a guided walk to learn more about the forest and conservation efforts within the area. If that all sounds a little too light for you and you’re in for a real challenge, take a hike up to Turtle Mountain for some amazing views that you’ll be able to enjoy after much panting. 

Rupununi Savannahs  

The Rupununi Savannahs are a sight to behold. Surrounding the Kanuku Mountains, which is a safe haven for wild animals, the Savannahs is a low populated rolling plain close to the Rupununi River. It has a high level of animal and plant diversity due to mixtures of fauna from the Amazon and Guiana Shield regions. With it bordering Brazil, some of its inhabitants speak Portuguese in addition to English, while many speak their Indigenous languages. If you’re looking to live out your cow-boy/girl dreams, then this is the perfect place for you, as ranches and Vaqueros (cowboys and cowgirls) are very common within the Savannahs. If you’re more curious about Indigenous Petroglyphs left by early Indigenous settlers, you will find many scattered around the Savannahs detailing records of their hunts and history. It can be quite an exciting and humbling experience. Today the Rupununi Savannahs are steadily turning into an ecotourist hub where visitors can experience former ranch properties such as Rock View, Karanambu and Dadanawa.  

LightHouse 

If you’re looking to gain a bird's eye view of the city, the Georgetown Lighthouse, first built by the Dutch in 1817, and rebuilt by the British in 1830, is the perfect spot. However, this amazing sight does not come without a bit of work. You will have to trek up its winding 138 stairs in order to reach the top, but believe us, it's worth it. 

Umana Yana 

Named by Wai Wai Indigenous peoples to describe the huge benabs they use as a meeting place, the Umana Yana is one of the largest cultural meeting hubs around Georgetown. Host to many festivals, meetings and cultural events, the Umana Yana remains an important heritage site that is well worth a visit.  

Guyana National Museum 

If you are hoping to learn more about Guyana’s history, and take a scientific view at some of its animal species, then be sure to take a visit to the Guyana National Museum. If you are new to the country and want to see what a Pork Knocker “Gold Miner,” looks like, then this is a great place to do so without having to travel too far. You can also be able to see replicas of animals such as the Megatherium Giant Sloth or Arapaima fish. First established in 1868 and moved to its current building in 1951, the National Museum has a rich collection of flora and fauna specimens, Indigenous crafts, geological and archaeological artefacts, all ready for you to learn from.  

Kaieteur Falls 

Known as one of South America's natural wonders, Kaieteur Falls is the largest single drop waterfall in the world. Kaieteur Falls and its surrounding protected area is full of diverse animal and plant life. The park is not often very full so if you’re worried about crowds, you can rest easy, and enjoy the majestic view of the seven hundred-forty foot drop. Almost five times higher than Niagara Falls, Kaieteur in full flow pushes nearly twenty three thousand cubic feet of water per second. Don’t go too close to the edge!