Discovering Guyana: Our First Impressions in South America’s English-Speaking Gem

Hey guys, today we’re exploring Guyana!

If you’ve been following our journey, you know our goal: to visit every country in the world as a family. Guyana has always been on our list, but honestly, we didn’t know what to expect. It’s the only country in South America where English is the official language and, as we quickly learned, it’s unlike anywhere else we’ve been!

Flying In: A Nighttime Dash and Travel Surprises

Our adventure actually began in Barbados with a last-minute trip booking after a long travel day. Exhausted and buzzing with excitement, we hopped a late-night flight and landed in Georgetown, the capital of Guyana, ready for a whole new continent’s adventure.

From the moment we landed, everything felt different. The airport was busy but laid back, and almost instantly we noticed how unique this place is.

Georgetown: Cultures Collide and First Impressions

Georgetown hits you with energy and color from the start. It’s a city bursting with Caribbean, African, Indian, and South American influences, all clashing and blending at once. Wandering the streets, we were greeted with curious stares, friendly faces, and vibrant markets full of fresh produce and local products.

We heard English everywhere, but the mix of cultures made us feel a bit like we were in several countries at once!

Accommodation Adventures: The Airbnb Security Saga

Travel isn’t just about the sights it’s about the little stories you end up telling forever. In Guyana, we had our wildest accommodation experience yet! Our Airbnb had tighter security than anywhere we’ve ever stayed, with a guard always on duty making us feel both very safe and slightly on edge.

Add in a late-night check-in, some confusion over bookings, and the challenge of finding a new place at midnight… well, let’s just say, real family travel is never dull.

Exploring Georgetown: Markets, Churches, and City Life

We spent our days exploring the heart of Georgetown:

• Colorful markets bursting with everything from tropical fruit to unique snacks
• Historic churches like St. George's Cathedral
• Local parks and playgrounds, where community life thrives
• Street life buzzing with cars, vendors, and families on the go

We also noticed a strong sense of multicultural celebration: people here respect everyone’s traditions from Christmas to Holi and beyond.

Travel Hurdles: Vaccines, Visas, and Border Hopping

Next up on our adventure? Getting to Suriname! For most travelers, this means a mix of paperwork, yellow fever vaccinations, shuttle rides, and border ferry crossings. Waiting in lines, gathering documents, and learning quirky local travel rules are all part of this unique overland journey.

If you’re planning your own trip, make sure you’re prepared for visa requirements and health checks and get ready for a travel story or two.