Guyana travel warning was the most common piece of information I found when researching for a recent trip to this little visited country in South America. Besides warnings, it was hard to get concrete travel advice. Even the popular travel website Traveldudes only had one travel tip for Guyana (this has now changed as I own the Guyana section). There have not been many travel bloggers who have visited and written about Guyana, except Brendan Van Son, and he has been everywhere.
Flying over the source of many a Guyana travel warning – Georgetown and the Demarara River
Guyana travel warning dominates the search for information
I started with the basic searches: “Guyana,” “Guyana travel,” “Guyana adventure,” and so on. Some of these searches brought interesting information from Wikipedia, Lonely Planet, and Trip Advisor, but most of them brought up some warning about the danger of Georgetown. I had no problem finding travel warnings for Georgetown.
Guyana travel warning – View of St. George’s Cathedral from North Road
Travel warning examples
From the U.S. State Department:
CRIME:
Serious crime, including murder and armed robbery, continues to be a major problem. The murder rate in Guyana is three times higher than the murder rate in the United States.
Armed robberies continue to occur intermittently, especially in major business and shopping districts. Hotel room strong-arm break-ins also occur; you should use caution when opening your hotel room doors and should safeguard any valuables left in hotel rooms. Criminals may act brazenly, and police officers themselves have been the victims of assaults and shootings. When traveling in a vehicle you should keep the doors locked and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Stabroek Market in downtown Georgetown is a major source for many a Guyana travel warning
British Foreign & Commonwealth Office
Crime
Crime levels are high and police capacity is low. There are regular armed and violent robberies against businesses and individuals. A risk of passers-by being caught up in such incidents exists – the Police tend to respond with firearms if shot at or threatened. There were 512 robberies under arms during the period January to October 2012 (a 15% increase from 2011). And in the same period 114 murders took place (in a country with a population of just over 750,000).
Many of the crimes in Guyana are common to countries with wide gaps in wealth and where the perception is that all foreigners are wealthy. Muggings have taken place in broad daylight. Burglary and theft from cars are commonplace. Take sensible precautions to protect yourself and your belongings. Try to avoid showing obvious signs of wealth.
More from the Foreign Commonwealth Office:
There have been robberies on the road to the international airport in Georgetown at night. Cars have been stopped at gun point, and false police roadblocks have been set up. You should avoid travelling on this road at night.
Guyana travel warning – be careful on this street
I started looking for travel advice and tips and found travel warnings instead. I then started to get off course and started searching “Guyana travel warnings,” “Guyana safety,” and “Guyana crime.” If I found stuff from more benign searches, you can bet I found some juicy stuff with these searches. All the while, my travel paranoia increased.
Lack of information and too much warning creates unwarranted paranoia
I usually am not one who succumbs to travel safety hysteria, but after searching for information and coming up short and finding many warnings, I began to worry a bit. The web made it seem like I was flying into a war zone.
Guyana travel warning – be mindful around people with machetes unless they have coconuts
I did fortunately offset this negative information with firsthand accounts from people who have been there and a Guyanese girl I met in Trinidad & Tobago. My friend from Guyana confirmed you needed to use common sense, but stated the issues were more to do with petty crime. I am used to this type of fear and ward it off with my fanny pack.
Guyana travel warning – The fanny pack keeping valuables safe in Guyana with another friendly Guyanese – Colin Edwards of Rock View Lodge
When I flew into Guyana I was a bit nervous and on my guard. I was sure the cab driver would take me off the beaten path and rob me. The driver looked a little sketchy (this was because I was a paranoid traveler). His phone rang, and in his thick Caribbean accent he said hello to his mom. This made me lighten up a bit as I figured someone who just talked to his mom would not rob me. Now I just had to worry about armed bandits pulling the car over.
The countryside between the airport and town reminded me of Trinidad, so I relaxed a bit because I had survived this close by country. We made it to the hotel without any incident. The cab driver shook my hand and gave me his personal number in case I needed his services again.
Guyana travel warning – be careful around people with machetes unless they are cutting your meat
People from Guyana proved travel warnings too extreme
This scenario is basically how the rest of the trip played out for me. The more contact I had with people from Guyana, the more I relaxed. I did not have one negative interaction with anyone from Guyana during my week there. Each time I had a pleasant conversation or meeting, I began to feel more confident and sure of my personal safety.
Guyana travel warning – Be careful around City Hall in downtown Georgetown
The street people were even polite. I had a guy ask me on the street to buy him a milkshake. This unfortunately was when I first arrived and was a little leery of the Georgetown population. I greatly regret not buying that dude his milkshake.
The cab drivers were all incredibly nice. Even the drivers that I refused rides from were pleasant. At the Georgetown Botanical Gardens a group of cab drivers were at the entrance. They hounded me for a ride, and I said I was going to walk. One of the drivers smiled, and he said “way to go mon, walking is good for you.”
Guyana travel warning – Sweet Amerindian girl Lesslyn feeding me fresh roasted cashews in the Rupunini
I look forward to returning to Guyana now that I know how friendly the people are. I remember my guide in the Rupunini who told me she was going to miss me when I go. Then there was Paula and Michele at the Hotel Ariantze that treated me like family.
Guyana travel warning – Caribbean friendliness will win you over
Last Guyanese contact symptomatic of the whole trip
My last contact with a person from Guyana was my cab driver on the way back to the airport. It was late at night, but by now I was not frightened of Guyana. For 25 minutes the cab driver told me how his long time girlfriend left him and poured his soul out to me. When he dropped me off he gave me $2.00 U.S. dollars to make sure I had enough for the exit tax.
I gave him the equivalent in Guyanese dollars, but if he had not had given me the $2.00 I might still be in Guyana. You know, that might not have been such a bad thing now that I know how great kind the people are.
Travel warnings are important because they give critical information, but when searching the web about a country a balance between taking in the need to be cautious and paranoia needs to be found. Every big city around the world has crime. You need to educate yourself on how to avoid it, but don’t let the fear get in the way between you and enjoying the good people who may only want a milkshake.
Read more
I survived and thoroughly enjoyed Guyana – Read some of my adventures –
Just a man, a benab, and a hammock in Guyana
The whole world will pass you buy at the Guyana Oasis
The Iwokrama Rainforest is a birding wonderland
Anacondoa envy in the Iwokrama Rainforest
Georgetown, Guyana photo essay
Adventure on!
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It’s amazing how dispar the information is! But obviously now that you have been there, you know how lovely it is! Never heard of Guyana before you, Ted! Enjoying the reads!
@mrsoaroundworld recently posted..A perfect weekend in Milan
Thanks Mrs. O,
I am no stranger to travel warnings, but bandits holding up cars coming and going from the airport? That is crazy. I am sure that happened to someone or it would not be on the net, but it is time that they update those warnings as it clearly is not as dangerous as they say.
I will admit, we have our crime rates, but most of the time, if you keep yourself alert, and use a bit of common sense, you are going to be perfectly fine. Guyana has a lot to offer in terms of cultural diversity and nature and lots of sunshine.
Every place has its crime rate, especially where big cities are concerned. Guyana definitely has a lot to offer. I cannot wait to return.
Crime rates are actually not much different than major us cities such as ny, chicago, philadelphia, etc.
Good point!
U.S travel warning: The United States is one of the richest and most technologically advanced countries in the world but also has the most guns per capita coupled with a very dis-informed population. This results in a high number of violent crimes as guns are everywhere. As with any city, cities in the U.S experience robberies, petty crime, assaults etc. Be very careful. Many Americans are paranoid and suspicious of foreigners especially those who look different in any way.
LOL
Your name is mrsoaroundtheworld and you had never heard of Guyana beforeTed? Sheesh!
Agreed that Ted’s articles are great, and to all of you travellers.. in the words of public enemy “don’t believe the hype.”
Thanks dnice!
Thanks for seeing the beautiful Guyana. Unfortunately when you live here and experience the truth you will speak differently All the business people are being robbed and killed because they have ambition strength courage and wisdom and our heritage will never be destroyed because those values will live on within our families because we are someone even if we are killed
When you are nothing you can steal millions but without a brain you will not know how to use the money and give us 1 dollar we will multiply into millions
This will always be a third world backward country because evil will always be evil
I witnessed 5 crimes within these two weeks and 5 people were shot
Go to I news to get the killings every single day
Hello No Fear,
This post is of course from a traveler perspective who spent 8 days in Guyana, so it is far from definition. The experience a traveler has is vastly different from someone who lives in a country. Thank you for thanking me for visiting. I am sorry to hear of all the troubles. I live in Chicago, and we have too much crime here as well 🙁
Another example of how travel warnings aren’t always what they seem. Sometimes, there are places that need these warnings. Other times, they just scare people away. Great to see that the Guyana people were so welcoming and friendly.
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I hope this post brings a sense of balance for the next person who searches the web looking for info on Guyana.
This was so great to read! I’m at the same moment of surfing the web, looking for information on safety in Guyana. We fly there on Sunday, and this is most reassuring.
Georgetown can be a little sketchy, but it is safe as long as you use common sense and take cabs at night. The rest of the country is no problems at all. Have a wonderful trip. I cannot wait to return.
Thank you so much for sharing…as someone of guyanese heritage I am due to visit shortly but have had a lot of fear…I appreciate you sharing a more balanced view point!
Hi Jasmine,
Enjoy your visit. I am sure you will have a wonderful time.
I’m glad you had a safe time! It can be really hard to balance safety precautions and limiting yourself from meaningful interactions with people who just want to help or get to know you.
Casey-A Cruising Couple recently posted..The Gili Islands: A guide to the magical stepping stones of Lombok
Exactly,
I look forward to returning some day with more confidence and readiness to mingle with the Guyanese people.
How safe is Colombia was always the first question I got asked when I told people where I was going. I didn’t bother looking for warnings as I’m sure they are there – but what I found is exactly what you found – warm. lovely , friendly people who more often than not will go out of their way to help you.
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I did not really intend to look for warnings, but they were the most easily found piece of information on Guyana. Whenever you get off the main thoroughfares, warm people are often what you find.
So essentially, you are now the authority on the Internet on this fabulous country. Not bad for a fanny pack wearing guy from the Midwest. Well played, my friend.
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That was one of the reasons for going to Guyana. And a good reason to return soon.
So, just so we are clear, not everyone works with giant knives in Guyana? Great stuff Ted…It’s always the people that make the difference, and rarely do they embody whatever the political establishment warns us about…
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No, these were the only two I saw. It just so happened to be on the same day. The knives were used in the most peaceful tourist friendly way. One cut a coconut for me and another cut the best beef ribs I have ever had for me. The meat was coming off the bone almost on its own. He could have cut it with a butter knife.
glad to hear machetes weren’t commonplace. always good to do a little research prior to any trip, especially if you’re traveling alone! i imagine the mystery of the fanny pack had something to do with you safe travels.
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People don’t mess with fanny packs. It is a known fact.
I am generally a safe traveler: that does not mean I don’t go places with warnings, but that I do my research and prepare myself accordindgly. Though I don’t sport a fanny backpack (!), I do use other precautions – and I do those pretty much anywhere I go anyway, warnings or not!
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Always good to be prepared just like a boy scout.
Really interesting to hear about your experiences in Guyana, Ted. I’ve been in Ecuador for the past month and am starting to think up a vague route through South America, but obviously keep hearing scare stories about particular countries that I simply “have” to stay away from. I’m glad there’s a reassurance from people like you that the media hype surrounding some of the more ‘dwngereous’ places is actually just that – hype.
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Thanks Flora,
I hope you get a chance to make it to Guyana. It is a place most people skip on their RTW or even South America trip. It is unlike any place I have ever been and I am sure unique to other countries in South America.
Great post! When I headed to Egypt this past summer, EVERYONE thought I was crazy. All I heard was, “you better come back,” “are you sure you should be going?” “is it safe enough?” Eventually, I started to get nervous, and second guess myself. But, I felt beyond safe in Egypt and it was great to tell others about my experience when I arrived home. Any place can be unsafe, including home.
Very true Erin,
I always tell people that I feel safer traveling than I do anywhere in the U.S. With all the wackos we have here shooting up movie theaters and schools. When it is your time, it is your time. I will not take risks to make my time come quicker, but I feel traveling to countries like Guyana or Egypt do not make the probability of my demise any higher.
Hi Ted,
glad to see you had a good time in Guyana. Since it is my home country I was happy. It is a beautiful country that is quite often over looked infact many people don’t even even know of a country called Guyana. Feeding the manatees have always been fun, you should’ve tried it .
Just one correction I wanted to make the Picture you have saying it is the parliament building is actually City Hall.
Thank you and hope you have an even better time if you come again.
Thank you for visiting, the kind words, and the correction. It amazes me the number of people who don’t know where Guyana is or have even heard of the country at all.
Thanks for sharing your story about Guyana. I think I already mentioned before that my father spent 4 years there during his teen years. I’ve been curious about Guyana especially with the stories they relayed to me. Hope I’d be able to visit the country soon. Someday 🙂
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The strange thing about Guyana is it seems like a country that has not changed in a hundred years. The only change seems to be decay.
I work in a beautiful protected area in Guyana called Iwokrama (www.iwokrama.org). These advisories are way exaggerated (very irritating) and I know our rate is not 3 times more than the USA. I place I felt most unsafe in was London, UK where I was followed twice. I was half an hour away from a massacre in Washington week before last. Do i say oh – I am not going to Washington again because of all the mentally ill people walking around in the USA with easy access to guns…… Come on, we have to be aware and sensible any where we go.
Hi Raquel,
I spent a day at Atta Rainforest Lodge and hiked the canopy walkway. Iwokrama is an amazing place, and I hope to return. I agree these warnings are hogwash. Good to be informed, but sometimes you have to take them with a grain of salt.
Hi We are semi retired from Canada, thinking of spending the winter in b Guiana. any advice you could offer would be greatly appreciated. What do you do there ?? Thanks WM
Hi Wayne,
I only spent a week in Guyana, and I spent most of that time in the interior checking out the rainforests. I am sure it would be an interesting winter living there, but I am far from a Guyana expert as far as living there. If you like birds and rainforests, there is always something to do and see. I am not sure what your interests are, and I am not sure how vibrant the social scene is in Georgetown. I would recommend you visit first to see how you like it.
Hi Ted,
I love your website! I’m just starting out myself. Trying to find my way in the world of travel blogging. I would love to connect with you. I love this article because it is candid and honest. I lived in Guyana for 6 years and hope to go back next year!
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I am glad you enjoyed it Mera. Since you lived in Guyana for awhile, your opinion means a lot. I look forward to reading your Guyana entries when you return.
Hey Ted,
Do you feel it is safe to give the immigration officer’s at the airport the location of where you would be staying? There have been quite a few incident’s over the past few weeks of returning guyanese being met with bandits at their destination. News reports indicate there is a good chance it is internal staff at the airport who are informing the attackers.
I will be travelling to Guyana for my first time in December…
Hi Shane,
I was trying to find reports about this on the internet. I only found one instance on Kaieteur News, but I did not look too far back. In the article I found it said “They relieved the Latchmans of four cellular phones, a gold chain, and two wallets containing cash and documents.” My advice is not to travel with a gold chain. I imagine the people who are working with these bandits are looking for people who look rich. Dress casually and without jewelry. If you feel concerned, you could always give the staff a different hotel address than the one you are staying at.
Have a great trip. Use common sense, and I believe you will have a great trip.
Thank you so much Ted for your feedback and reply!
No problem. I look forward to hearing about your trip. I hope you have a great safe time. I am sure you will be fine.
Hey Ted, My trip was really awesome! Guyana is a very beautiful country, and I did not feel a threat to my safety the whole time I was there!(24 days) 3 generations of my family are from Guyana so I felt naturally connected to the Country! Thanks again for your tips and your great information! 🙂
Shane, I am so glad you had such a great trip. I am longing to get back to Guyana myself. I would love to hear more about the trip. If there is anything you feel like sharing feel free to email me directly at volhiker70@yahoo.com
Cheers!
Hello,
My name is Lakiesha I am a certified independent travel agent, my company is currently planning an all inclusive trip to Georgetown Guyana for July 1st to July 8th, 2014. This trip will include flight, hotel, meals, tour guide, events, and attractions. If you are interested in joining us for this everlasting memory please contact me directly at keysmarketing@gmail.com or http://hstrial-lakiesha82.homestead.com/
Sounds like a great trip Lakiesha and glad to hear you are bringing people to Guyana. It is an amazing and interesting place and people from our country need to see and experience. Although I enjoy a good tour now and then, I prefer solo travel to all inclusives. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.
Hi Ted, thank you so much for this! My parents are from Guyana and haven’t been back in many years. For most of my 30 years I haven’t had any interest in visiting because of all the bad stories I heard. As I got older I developed a yearning to see where my family is from and it has been discouraging reading the travel warnings. I really appreciate you taking the time to quell our fears and get us to see that Georgetown is almost like any other city. We need to be smart anywhere we travel. I hope to visit with my family in a few years time and take my boyfriend too. Thank you!
Hi Leets,
I am glad to hear you have developed an interest in visiting Guyana. Very true that we need to use common sense where ever we travel and even at home. I am sure you will have an amazing time and reconnecting with your roots when you do go.
Seriously, thank you for writing this. I’ll be traveling to Georgetown in September for work and have worked myself into a mild panic having found nothing but travel warnings on google. This is the only balanced account I have encountered and it has gone a long way in easing my concerns.
Hello Jake,
Yes, I read those same warnings when I went and got myself in the same panic. I lived through it, so I am sure you will too. You want to practice safe travel and common sense like you would anywhere whether home or away, and you definitely want to travel by taxis at night in Georgetown, but I think you will enjoy the city and country.
i must say, this is very refreshing to read.
thankyou for visiting my homeland. do visit again.
Hi Krissy,
I plan on a return trip really soon. Thank you, I am glad you found it refreshing.
Hi Ted
One little correction, the view of St George’s Cathedral is not from Church Street but from North Road.
Thanks Carl,
Correction made!
Thank you for taking the time to see for yourself despite your fears. This is what fair is. I’m Guyanese and I love my country but I also know that the dangers are real. But indeed, like your friend advised you just have to be smart and wary of your surroundings. I had someone who I was interested in who lived overseas. I had met him while on vacation and invited him to visit me in Guyana. Instead of having some faith in me and my invitation he sent me a link with one of those same travel warnings. I was humiliated, offended and angry that he judged my country based on these things and didn’t at least trust that the fact that I lived well here with little complaints meant nothing. I hope that more people are as open minded as you. Thank you again
Hi Jasmaine,
Sorry to hear about this experience. Even if the place was really dangerous, I would even be more apt to visit if some pretty Guyanese girl invited me 🙂 If you know someone who lives in the country that you trust, they will not steer you wrong. Sad that he believed a travel warning over his trust in you.
I live in Chicago, and it can be a dangerous place too if you get in the wrong neighborhood. Whevever you are you need to be aware of your surroundings in order to stay safe, but this does not mean you should cross off all places unless they are super safe. If you live that way you probably will spend most of your time in your backyard.
Haha why thank you. Needless to say, my interest dwindled fast. I think its what we third world people refer to as First World Syndrome. Forgive me, but too many fall victim to the “crime and danger” fear because of the state of the country when really it’s not unique to any part of the world. Needless to say, I’m sure Guyana will welcome you with open arms on your next visit. 🙂
Come to the south rupununi ted 🙂
Hope to return soon KMD!
Hi Ted
I am planning a year out traveling through South America with my husband in May. We are taking a cargo ship from France to French Guiana and then plan to visit Guyana and Suriname. My plannig got side tracked when the did the exact same thing as you wth the google searches! Thank you so much for writing this. It really is one of the only good piece on the country. Just about to read Wild Coast by John Gimlette a book about travels through this area of SA. We will take taxis at night but hey I’d do that in some parts of London!
Hi Helen,
So fantastic that you are starting your SA journey in Guyana, French Guina, and Suriname. So many RTWers or people that come to SA skip this region entirely, which befuddles me because it is such a cool undiscovered area. Will you be writing a blog about the trip?
Hi Ted
Apologies for the very late reply! I think I might write a blog as there is still so little information out there about this area of the world. I can see why people are nervous about going somewhere off the beaten track, but if you take all the proper precautions you really can minimise the risk. It’s getting closer now and I have to admit I am a mixture of excitement and nerves!
Hmmm, what scares me more is mosquitoes. What is the risk of yellow fever, etc.? Do you need any shots before going? And how hot is the country? I am not a huge fan of really hot places (like over 30 C). San Andres, Colombia really killed me with the heat despite being super beautiful. Otherwise, sounds like a blast.
Hi Carl,
Guyana is on the same latitude as Guyana, and Guyana is actually flatter, so I imagine it is a little hotter depending on what elevation you are at in Colombia. I did not take any shots or pills there, but malarial pills are recommended in certain parts of the country.
Great post my friend. A colleague at work is originally from Guyana and recently traveled back there for a funeral. Had to give it a look up after everything he told me about the place. Would you ever buy property there?
Hi Scott,
Thank you for the comment. I would not buy property there, but I would not buy property anywhere, so I am not a good resource for that question. If you are looking to buy, I am sure it would be a good place to do it if you were thinking of relocating there or perhaps renting to vacationers.
Looks amazing, wanted to go for years I also want to visit Paramaribo in Suriname and Cayenne in Guyana, Aruba Curacao and Bonaire in the antilles look fabulous also, all very little known but fascinating places nonetheless
There are so many awesome places to see Kai. I would also like to visit Suriname and French Guinea as well.
you know u can visit Suriname by driving through the East of Guyana and taking a ferry across the Corentyne River then drive some more. Its a lovely trip, consider it.
Cayenne is in French Guiana Kai.
I’m very happy that you enjoyed your stay in Guyana, I’m from Guyana and reading all those travel warnings I’m like woooooow these people are exaggerating . Crime is everywhere and if you ask me Guyana is a very safe place to be, u have nothing to worry about. Of course you’ll be on your guard but its pretty safe there. Do visit again. Would nice to hear u blog about the food you’ve had there.
I definitely would love to return soon. I enjoyed the food I had there. I love the mix of Indian and Caribbean very similar to the delicious food in Trinidad & Tobago. I remember I had a tasty pumpkin roti and some kind of curry fish that was just outstanding. I need to return and do more research. Thanks for the comment.
I am glad you agree with my safety assessment of Guyana. I would not want to walk around Georgetown at night alone, but other than than, I had no fear exploring throughout the country by myself. It is not wise to walk through many big cities at night alone, so Gtown is no different.
Dear all,
I was born in British Guiana before it’s Independence in 1966 to just Guyana.
I had a great childhood there. Moved to London in 1976. Also lived in New York & Florida & well travelled.
I visited Cuba which many people say is unsafe but that was not true.
People from Guyana, Suriname, Brazil Cuba etc are all warm people. We all like visitors.
These is crime in London, Paris, Rome, New York, Los Angeles so use common sense wherever you travel.
Smile & the the world smiles back.
Ted, your blog is great. Thanks
Zak
Thank you Zak,
Very true what you say. I am glad you have had the opportunity to travel to Cuba. That is definitely on my list. I look forward to returning to Guyana soon and also see Brazil, Suriname, and Cuba as well.
HAPPY NEW YEAR TED! im just read your article and im happy that your experience in Guyana was one of a kind. and that you have found our people as well kind. you are welcome to return to this beautiful land.
Happy New Year Crystal,
Thank you for reading and saying hello and also thank you for the kind invitation to return. I will definitely be back in Guyana – perhaps even later this year.
okay sounds really cool. if you see Mr. Colin again ask him about a girl name crystal from the printing company 🙂 HAVE FUN!
Hi Ted,
I found and read this blog through a shared facebook link. I’m so happy that you stuck to your plans and decided to visit our country, and i really hope you visit again soon.
Additionally, i’m writing this reply to give you a bit of information for any future visits, and to share with any friends who might also want to visit. This year(2016) is our Golden Jubilee (50th Independence Anniversary) and someone has created a much needed and well put together website that would be of great interest and value to anyone desirous of visiting.
The website is http://www.awee50.com.
I hope you find it useful.
Hello Siana,
It appears this post is making the rounds on Facebook. I definitely would love to return. Thanks for the information. I will check out the website.
You’re welcome Ted.
Happy travelling!
I am a Guyanese and I have lived among many people across the world. I have lived in the UK for over three decades and still do. I have seen the beauty of Canada, the USA, Pakistan, New Zealand, Australia, Singapore,Papua New Guinea etc I lived in Ireland, but none of these countries can be compared with Guyana in terms of that blend of sheer topographical splendor and the unconditional warmth of the people. Guyana is unique. I have traveled throughout Africa and I tell you that Guyana has some of the most beautiful women of African descent on this planet
Guyana is not Barbados or Trinidad and i don’t know what more people expect from a country which is only 50 years old.
Hello Kamisese,
You are making me want to return ASAP.
Traveling Ted, I too have traveled to Guyana SA, and your warning of falling in love with the people is so accurate. I was able to go two different times over the years and hope to go again one day. I too spent 8 days in the interior, slept under mosquito nets in tents, or in small church buildings that had been erected by missionaries. Used outhouses when there was one available, took baths from a 5 gallon bucket of rain water when available, played with the beautiful children in the villages, worked along side the women. There is no place on earth like it. Of course I haven’t traveled to all places on earth but it is the one place my heart longs to go to once again. I have lost sweet beautiful friends since my last trip due to TB. I sometimes wonder if others I met are still alive. Dour they still live the same as they did when I was there last.. I just pray I can return again one day.
Hello Delaine,
I am glad this blog post evoked such beautiful and wonderful memories. It sounds like you and me both need to get back to Guyana real soon. Thanks for reading and sharing your adventures. Sorry to hear about your lost friends.
Hi there – loved the article and wholeheartedly agree with its sentiment.
I have lived in and travelled extensively in Guyana for work and I have never once felt unsafe, even when drinking in a rough shacks in the jungle with ganja smoking, shotgun & cutlass (machete) armed gold & diamond prospectors.
Crime in guyana is almost exclusively restricted to businesses dealing in tempting ready cash (or gold) or is drug related. As anywhere in the world, be careful when leaving the bank and don’t make yourself a target by flashy displays of austentatious wealth.
Hello shmemely,
Thank you for reading and commenting. I am glad you enjoyed the article and agree. Sounds awesome to be drinking in rough shacks in the jungle. I need to return and join you in that adventure.
I am going to Guyana tomorrow. My wife was born in Guyana and left in 1974. She has been back only once 16 years ago. She is more scared than I am. I am so excited about discovering Guyana and her beautiful people. I will post an update when I return one week from today. Wish me luck.
Hello Christopher,
I am so excited for you and your wife to discover or re-discover Guyana. You will have an amazing trip. I look forward to hearing about it. Where do you live now?