Why You Need to Visit Guyana in 2025
- Assanié Morrison
- Jan 20
- 5 min read
So, you’ve probably heard a little something about Guyana. Maybe you’ve seen the pictures of that jaw-dropping waterfall—Kaieteur Falls—or heard people talking about the food, but here’s the deal: there’s a whole lot more to this place than meets the eye. If you're still sitting on the fence about whether to visit Guyana, this post is for you. Consider this your official invite to get to know Guyana in a way you never have before. I’m about to give you the real lowdown on why this place is underrated and why you should stop sleepin’ on it. We're talking culture, food, nature, and some wild history that’ll make you rethink what you know about the Caribbean. So buckle up, because Guyana isn’t just another destination—it’s a whole vibe. Ready to dive in? Let’s
go.
Cultural Pot of Cookup
Just a way of saying that Guyana is a blend of different cultures and ethnicities. Despite this, Guyana is a Caribbean country. Now, we’re quite aware that we’re in South America, HOWEVER, culturally we’re Caribbean. Don’t get it twisted.
In terms of ethnicity, Guyana is a mixture of East Indian, African, European, Chinese Indigenous, and, of course, mixed. This blend of cultures shows up big time in our food. So here’s a taste of what you need to try when you’re in Guyana:
Curry & Roti – Indian speciality. The one meal you can eat every day, and it tastes completely different each time….they have like 4011 different type of curry.
Black Cake – African dessert. I can guarantee you, that you can step into any Guyanese household in December and find a pan or two… maybe 3 or 4 pans of Black Cake.
Pepperpot – Indigenous dish. Another December tradition. Pepperpot that can be eaten with bread, cassava bread, or… rice. Personally, I find that odd, but you do you, boo.
Fried Rice – Chinese speciality. Literally, you can find a Chinese (Chiney) restaurant in ANY village on the coast.
What to Do/See when you visit Guyana
Everyone knows about Kaieteur Falls, the world’s largest single-drop waterfall… gotta flex that you know. But what about the other lesser-known sights in Guyana?
I’ll break it down into 3 categories:
Art, Culture, and Craft
Eco-Tourism and Nature Adventures
Historical and Heritage Sites
1. Art, Culture, and Craft
If you’re looking to learn about Guyana’s natural history, archaeology, and cultural heritage, head down to the National Museum. It has a replica of a giant sloth, historical artifacts, and exhibits about Guyana’s diverse ecosystems.
If you’re leaning more toward the artsy side of things, then Castellani House is perfect for you. This iconic colonial-style building houses Guyana’s National Art Gallery and features a stunning collection of paintings, sculptures, and mixed-media art from local and international artists.
To meet local artisans and support their craft, Hibiscus Craft Plaza is the best place to go. Visitors can browse unique jewellery, paintings, wood carvings, ceramics, and textiles, often inspired by Guyanese culture and natural beauty.
2. Eco-Tourism and Nature Adventures
Enough of the boring stuff, time to get real—you want action, right? Guyana’s got 80% of its land covered in rainforest. You ready to dive in?
Book a Blackwater Tour with Dillon Ross and cruise through the dark, mystical Berbice rivers. Surrounded by trees so green it’ll make your head spin, you’ll be face-to-face with wildlife that only exists in the wildest corners of the earth.
Feeling brave? Try the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway—yup, you're swinging above the forest like Tarzan (except the monkey suit). See views that’ll make you wonder why you’re still on the ground. You might spot an eagle or a jaguar if you're lucky. But, no promises.
And don’t even think about leaving without checking out the Rupununi Savannahs. Wide open plains, endless skies, and critters everywhere—jaguars, capybaras, birds that'll make you do a double take. What’s not to love? Snakes but if you like them, we have those too.
3. Historical and Heritage Sites
If you’re the type of person who enjoys learning about a country’s background, here are my top recommendations for you to visit.
Starting with the Guyana Museum of African Heritage, which includes displays of artifacts, traditional tools, musical instruments, and stories of resilience and contributions by Africans in Guyana’s history. It offers deep insights into the legacy of African communities in shaping Guyanese culture.
For the Indigenous side of things: Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology, dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich heritage of Guyana’s Indigenous peoples. Exhibits feature ancient tools, pottery, and artifacts, alongside detailed accounts of traditional lifestyles, rituals, and practices.
Want more historical sites? Here are 3 for you:
St. George’s Cathedral, one of the tallest wooden buildings in the world.
Fort Zeelandia—learn about the country’s colonial past.
Fort Nassau, a historic trading post with a rich archaeological background.
Rich and Real History
Look, let’s be real: Guyana’s history isn’t just some boring thing you read in a textbook—it’s the kinda history that’ll have you looking at your own life and thinking, "Damn, these people were tough."
Take St. George’s Cathedral, for instance. Yeah, it’s tall—142 feet tall, to be exact—and it’s got that old-school colonial look. But it’s not just about the fancy wood and bricks; it’s about what it represents. This place is a symbol of survival, of culture that refuses to back down.
Then you have Fort Zeelandia—don’t be fooled by the “fort” part; this ain’t no history lesson that’ll put you to sleep. It’s got stories of resistance and grit. The colonial masters? Yeah, they had their time, but we weren’t just sittin’ around, letting them take the lead.
And the 1763 Monument (aka cuffy)? Don’t sleep on it. That’s where our ancestors said, “Enough is enough” and fought for what’s right. These aren’t just landmarks, man—they’re legends in brick and stone. So don’t just show up and take a picture. Get the real story. Walk the ground. History here isn’t for the faint of heart—it’s a lesson in strength.
Ready to Visit Guyana?
So, is Guyana making it to your 2025 travel list? It bettas be! We’ve got the culture, the food, the adventure, and the history—all wrapped up in one unforgettable place. You can explore the wild, dive deep into our past, or just soak up the vibrant vibe that makes this country truly one of a kind. Whether you’re coming for the falls or the food, trust me, you won’t regret it. Don’t wait too long, though—there’s a whole lot to see and do here, and you’re gonna want to be part of it. So, get on that plane already, because Guyana’s calling your name—and it’s about time you answer.
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