One

One
of South America’s smallest countries, Guyana remains South
America’s best-kept secret. But as the continent’s only
English-speaking country complete with diverse coastal plains,
towering mountains, arid savannahs and expansive rainforests, it
deserves recognition among those seeking a culture-filled
retreat.

Despite being sandwiched between Venezuela, Brazil and Suriname,
the former British colony has more similarities to nearby Caribbean
islands (minus the beaches) than to its South American
counterparts. A toe-tapping music scene, colourful architecture and
vibrant culinary hotspots can be found around every corner in the
capital Georgetown. Further inland, the country’s moniker “The Land
of Many Waters” can be seen in cascading waterfalls and vast rivers
streaming through verdant landscapes – take a day trip to Kaieteur
Falls, the largest single-drop waterfall in the world.

Don’t miss…

… nature. More than 80 per cent of the country is covered in
rainforest, some of which is still unexplored. Guyana prides itself
on ecotourism and sustainability,
so book onto an tour to travel into the depths of the rainforest to
find sloths clinging onto tree trunks, swinging spider monkeys and
soaring birds of paradise. If you’re lucky, you might spot a wild
cat – the country is home to jaguars, ocelots, pumas, margays,
jaguarundi and oncillas.

Who to take with you

Someone who believes in ancient legends. Guyana is said to be
home to El Dorado, a mythical golden city in the depths of the
rainforest. Despite countless failed expeditions taken to uncover
the city (including one led by Sir Walter Raleigh), intrepid
adventurers still travel to the country attempting to find the
legendary riches.

When to go

Come in February
for Mashramani festival, Guyana’s anniversary of becoming a
republic, when parades float down streets, dancers strut through
the neighbourhood and steel drum bands play tunes ’til the sun goes
down.

Where to stay

Stay at Rewa Eco-Lodge, located
in the midst of a small Amerindian community by the Rewa and
Rupununi rivers, for the perfect base to explore the surrounding
nature and rainforests.

Most likely to bump into…

… a Pixar enthusiast. Guyana’s highest mountain, Mount Roraima,
was the inspiration and setting for part of the film UP. While the
mountain makes for a dangerous climb, you can fly a helicopter or
small plane around for views of the country and of Venezuela.

Alternatively, if you find yourself deep in the rainforest you
might stumble upon Guyana’s tribal communities. There are nine
indigenous tribes in the country, the Wai Wai, Macushi, Patamona,
Lokono, Kalina, Wapishana, Pemon, Akawaio and Warao.

Essentials to bring with you

This floaty Mansur Gavriel linen
jumpsuit will keep you cool wandering around as you wander
Georgetown.

How to get there

Fly into Georgetown airport via New
York, where the connecting flight takes just five hours.