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The Guianas
The Guianas are certainly not the countries with the most hyperboles in South America. And sadly, the hyperboles that these three little countries of Guyana, Suriname and the French Guiana can claim are not usually positive: They are the most dangerous, claim the highest AIDS/HIV rates, have the least developed tourism infrastructure and are probably the least visited three countries in South America. That said, there are a few hyperboles the Guianas possess that may just make you test the waters. The very fact that the Guianas are so undeveloped for the tourist masses can be an attractive aspect to many wanting to see nature in its virgin form. Guyana is home to the highest single-drop waterfall in the world, the Kaieteur Falls. And the very fact Guianas are so different from their South American neighbors can be appealing; the culture is rich and has strong roots to western African cultures.
Travel in Guyana requires a truly adventurous spirit: the weather is hot and muggy year-round, 93% of the country’s roads are unpaved, and crime is a serious problem in the waterfront capital of Georgetown. However, for those willing to sacrifice a few comforts for spectacular natural attractions, Guyana is well-worth the effort. Some highlights include one of the world's highest waterfalls, lovely grassland cattle ranches, and fascinating riverboat tours.
Suriname, the smallest country in South America, is a perfect destination for adventurous, nature-loving travelers who don’t mind sacrificing a few comforts. National parks and reserves are especially good travel destinations.
The only non-independent portion of South America, French Guiana, or as it is locally known, Guyane, is also the only French-speaking nation in South America. This tiny country in the northeast corner of South America bordered by Atlantic Ocean to the east and north, Suriname to the west and Brazil to the south, consists mostly of unsettled wilderness. Despite the fact that French Guiana has 378 km (235 miles) of coastline, it has practically no beaches. The coastline is dominated by marshland and muddy spots of shore where river, ocean and land intersect.
All information on this page was researched and written by Dawn Wohlfarth.
Top Places in The Guianas
IguazĂş National Park
The main reason tourists come to the 67,620-hectare (167,093-ac) Parque Nacional IguazĂş is to see the impressive waterfalls. Approximately 908,499 liters (240,000 ga) of water surge over the more
...IguazĂş National Park, Argentina
Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail
Framed by spectacular Andean peaks and surrounded by verdant jungle, Machu Picchu is an eye-tantalizing tribute to man in harmony with nature. Located high above the clouds, the city\'s streets,
...Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail, Peru
Canoa
Altitude: 12 meters (40 feet)Population: 4,476Phone Code: 05Mompiche may have the surfer’s hearts and Atacames may have the bars, but Canoa is sure to romance almost anyone into a stupor with its
...Canoa, Ecuador
The Nasca Lines
An Ancient MysteryAges ago, a mysterious culture etched thousands of figures and shapes into the barren desert rock outside of the present-day town of Nasca, Peru. No one knows for certain why these
...Around Nasca, Nasca, Peru
Arequipa
Altitude: 2,350 meters / 10,595 feet, Population: 864,250, Phone Code: 054When he arrived at the site of present-day Arequipa with his army, Inca Mayta Cápac declared, “ari quipay” – yes, stay
...Arequipa, Peru
Las Grutas
On Argentina’s northern Patagonian coast is Las Grutas, a small, quiet village surrounded by immense natural beauty. Kilometers of soft-sand beaches line a calm, transparent sea of ever-changing
...Las Grutas, Argentina
ValparaĂso
Lovers of right angles beware: when you enter ValparaĂso, you’re entering a labyrinth that defies all structural reason. Streets twist whimsically as though with a mind of their own, leading the
...ValparaĂso , Chile
Santiago
Slap-bang in the middle of Chile, Santiago is a modern city with a European feel, and is the place where most visitors begin their trip. It’s not a particularly attractive city, since frequent
...Santiago, Chile
Lagunas de Mojanda
The area around Lagunas de Mojanda is one of the most popular spots for hiking in the Northern Andes. The lakes are located 17 kilometers (10.5 mi) from Otavalo and are set in high páramo grassland
...Lagunas de Mojanda, Otavalo, Ecuador
Punta Hermosa Beaches
The area around the coastal town of Punta Hermosa, 40 kilometers (24 miles) south of Lima, is lined with numerous world-class breaks. It is no coincidence that Peruvian champ SofĂa Milanovich owns a
...Lima, Peru
Things to do in The Guianas
Calle La Ronda
Parting from Calle Benalcázar, the downhill walk along Calle La Ronda is a short journey through a very significant representation of colonial life in Quito. The term ronda refers to a small
...Centro HistĂłrico, Quito, Ecuador
Museo de Arte Latino de Buenos Aires (MALBA)
Established in 1995 with the mission to collect, conserve, study and present the art of the region, MALBA has become one of Buenos Aires' most popular and important museums. This is a great
...Palermo, Buenos Aires, Argentina
The Inca Trail
Characterized by rugged ascents boasting magnificent views of Andean scenery and trails that wind their way through the cloud forest and past ancient archaeological sites, the Inca Trail is perhaps
...Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail, Peru
Evita Museum
Eva “Evita” Duarte Perón, one of the most important women in Argentina’s history and forever immortalized on stage and in film, has her own museum in Buenos Aires—Museo Evita. Built by the
...Palermo, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Cerro San Cristobal Funicular
On a clear day, the view from the top of Cerro San CristĂłbal is spectacular, providing the best view in the city of the stunning contrast between Santiago and its surrounding mountains. The hill is
...Santiago, Chile
Trekking in Torres del Paine
Featuring spectacular milky lakes and breathtaking mountaintop views, Torres del Paine National Park is Chile's and possibly South America's most famous park. Since it was declared an official
...Chile
TelefériQo
Quito’s best-known tourist attraction offers some of the most spectacular and most easily accessible views of the city. There are 18 gondolas that soar up the side of Quito\'s western mountain
...Northern Quito, Quito, Ecuador
Otavalo's Markets
The Otavaleños have been long renowned for their weaving skills, and over the last few decades have become the most successful indigenous group on the continent, thanks to the popularity of their
...Otavalo, Ecuador
Perito Moreno Glacier
The Perito Moreno Glacier is located in Los Glaciares National Park in the southwestern part of Santa Cruz province, Argentina. When it snows high in the Patagonian Andes, the snow and ice does not
...El Calafate, Argentina
Museo Oro del PerĂş / Gold Museum
The Museo Oro del Perú, considered one of Lima’s premier attractions, houses the private collection of Miguel Mujica Gallo, who spent years amassing it, often by purchasing relics from grave ...Lima, Peru
Museo Nacional de ArqueologĂa / National Archaeology Museum
The Museo Nacional de ArqueologĂa, AntropologĂa e Historia del PerĂş is a must-see for history buffs. Like the Museo de la NaciĂłn, it provides an overview of the history of the region, mostly ...Pueblo Libre, Lima, Peru
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