South America's often overlooked English-speaking country lies far off the well-trodden tourist path. Guyana is the ideal destination for the discerning visitor seeking adventure. Within its vast interior, the Guiana Shield (one of the four pristine tropical rainforests left in the world) converges with the Amazon Basin, creating a unique geography composed of coastal waters, mangroves, marshes, savannas, mountains and tropical rainforests. Bordered by Venezuela, Brazil, Suriname and the Atlantic Ocean, the lively locals – a melting pot of East Indian and African descendants, peppered with Chinese, Europeans and Amerindians – create a culture decidedly more Caribbean than Latin.
PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION
Chapter 1 History, Politics and Economy History, Politics, Economy
Chapter 2 People and Culture People, Language, Religion, Culture, Cuisine, Festivals and celebrations, Sport
Chapter 3 Natural Environment Physical environment, Wildlife
Chapter 4 Planning and Preparation When to visit, Highlights, Suggested itineraries, Tour operators, Tourist information, Red tape, Embassies and consulates, Getting there and away, Health, Crime and safety, What to take, Money and banking, Getting around, Accommodation, Eating and drinking, Public holidays, Shopping, Arts and entertainment, Media and communications, Business hours, Travelling responsibility, Giving something back
PART TWO THE GUIDE
Chapter 5 Georgetown
Chapter 6 Around Georgetown
Chapter 7 Berbice
Chapter 8 Lower Essequibo, Cuyuni and Mazaruni Rivers
Chapter 9 Essequibo and the Northwest
Chapter 10 Central Rainforests
Chapter 11 The Rupununi
Appendix
Further Information
Index
Kirk Smock is a freelance writer who has lived in Guyana. He is currently lives in the USA.