Guyana

Guyana is a forest-filled South American country situated on the north-east corner of the continent. It's warm with wild opportunities provided by the region's incredible natural interior. Plan a private jet charter to Guyana if you're looking for a gorgeous Latin American experience.

With a name that translates to mean "land of many water", the country of Guyana is filled with watery adventures. You can visit multiple rushing waterfalls, the famous Shell Beach, rivers and rainforests, and even a man-made water park. Travelers who fly by jet charter to Guyana also enjoy seeing the 19-century architecture of Guyana's capital, Georgetown.

Must See: Most visitors to Guyana eventually end up at Kaieteur Falls. Located along the Potaro River in the middle of a jungle, these towering waterfalls pour 30,000 gallons of water per second over an 820-foot cliff, five times taller than Niagara Falls. Kaieteur Falls can be reached by short flights from Georgetown, offered by various tour companies (generally on Sundays). While you're visiting Kaieteur, you will also have the opportunity to visit the smaller, nearby Orinduik Falls.

If you want to spend time in a more urban setting, Georgetown is your destination. Named after King George III, Georgetown has a unique character formed by its British, Dutch, and French history. You'll see wooden colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards, and the 120-acre Botanical Gardens and Zoo. Also be sure to visit Starbroek Market. Here, you'll find a wide range of hand-crafted merchandise created from indigenous materials.

Lodging: Guyana isn't the most luxurious country, but Georgetown does have a variety of nice hotels at the 3- and 4-star level. One of the top Georgetown hotels is Kanuku Suites Hotel, which offers an onsite bar, a spa, concierge services, and free Wi-Fi.

Nature lovers who aren't concerned about staying close to the city should consider a jungle lodge or cabin in the country's interior region. The Shell Beach Camp is popular during turtle nesting season, which lasts from April to August. If you're especially adventurous, you can pay a small fee to hang up a hammock in a  "benab". For this, you'll definitely need some bug spray.

Ground Transportation: Guyana is not known for being the safest country, so it is important to take caution when traveling through the streets. Avoid hailing taxis from the roadside or taking a minibus during darker hours. Your safest transportation option is a taxi provided by the airport or other trusted companies. If you prefer to ride by rental car, consider hiring a driver who knows the roads and can help you stay safe. In addition to roads, there are many rivers in Guyana that you may need to cross. River taxis are the way to go.

Recommended Books: The Sly Company of People Who Care, Rahul Bhattacharya (1982). In his first novel, Bhattacharya presents the story of an anonymous narrator who wanders through the jungles of Guyana, along the streets of Georgetown, and finally reaches the borders of Venezuela and Brazil. The traveler is a former Indian journalist who has taken a year off to explore Guyana and find himself. Read the book before your jet charter to Guyana for a detailed description of the country's various regions.

Currency: The Guyanese dollar is the local currency.

Calling Code Guyana: 011 + 592 + phone number (all 7 digits)

Best Travel Dates and Packing Tips: Guyana has a warm, tropical climate with high levels of rainfall throughout the year. If you want to avoid the wettest seasons, plan your jet charter to Guyana from August through October or from February through March. Temperatures in Georgetown average around 81 degrees F year-round, and humidity typically ranges from 80 to 85 percent.

Guyana is a nature enthusiast's dream, so be sure to take a good pair of hiking shoes. Although the weather is generally warm, pack light long-sleeved shirts and pants to minimize mosquito bites. Sunscreen and insect repellant may also make your trip much more enjoyable!

Cities in Guyana