Guyana, which is bordered by Suriname, Brazil, Venezuela and the Atlantic Ocean, is a real paradise for nature lovers. The country is situated exactly where the Guiana Shield meets the Amazon Basin offering breathtaking views of nature’s bounty. Nearly 80 percent area of this beautiful country is covered with verdant rainforest. Guyana’s amazing landscape also comprises of sprawling savannahs, majestic mountain ranges, rugged Atlantic beaches, wild coastal swamps and exotic mangroves. Amidst its unspoiled natural wilderness areas, the country offers remarkable wildlife of varied kinds. This predominantly and only English-speaking country in South America offers its quintessential visitors a rich biodiversity, unassuming eco-lodges, frontier villages, and above all, welcoming Amerindian communities. Let’s take a look into all that this country offers as a fabulous eco-tourism destination.
Exploring the rainforests
The Kaieteur Falls is Guyana’s crown jewel ensconced in the Pakaraima Mountains in central rainforest of the country. This beautiful falls is located within the popular biodiversity hotspot of Kaieteur National Park, which is perched on the top of one of the oldest slabs of rock in the world. The Kaieteur Falls is five-times the height of Niagara Falls. After seeing this fascinating falls, it is time for you to visit the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development, which is renowned as “The Green Heart of Guyana”. This million-acre preserve is in fact a living laboratory for ecotourism, scientific research and sustainable tropical forest management. The Iwokrama Forest is home to 420 fish species, 500 bird species, 200 mammal species, 1500 species of flora, and 150 species of amphibians and reptiles. The rainforest in Iwokrama can be explored via the mighty Essequibo River and forest trails. It is also one of the best places to see the elusive Harpy Eagle and Jaguar.
Enjoying unspoiled Atlantic coastline
Guyana’s northwestern region has plenty of wide savannahs, rolling hills, dense forests and spellbinding waterways. However, it is the Shell Beach which is a major attraction for the visitors. Exploring the 90-mile-long Atlantic coastline is a thrilling experience in itself. The Shell Beach is the best to visit from March through August. During this time the beach becomes a nesting ground for endangered sea turtles laying their eggs. Here you will come across at least four of the eight endangered marine turtles species in the world, such as Hawksbill, Green, Leatherback and Olive Ridley. A rustic beach camp, which is also the home base of a turtle conservation project, offers accommodation to the visitors.
Remarkable diversity of flora and fauna
The diverse flora and fauna in Guyana’s pristine ecosystems invariably attract the eco-tourists visiting the country. The country is home to 6500 plant species, 815 bird species, 880 amphibian and reptile species and more than 225 mammal species. These include many threatened or endangered species as well. Guyana has also emerged as a renowned neotropical birdwatching destination attracting a large number of birdwatchers from around the world. A wide range of bird species are found here including macaws, parrots, fluorescent Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock, and magnificent Happy Eagle. The country also has some of the world’s largest mammal species. These include Leatherback Turtle, Giant River Turtle, Green Anaconda, Arapaima (freshwater fish), Capybara (rodent), Black Caiman (alligator), Giant Armadillo, Giant River Otter, Giant Anteater, and Jaguar, among many others.
Whether you are planning to visit Guyana to see its amazing wildlife, bird species or trek an unexplored jungle mountain, the country is ready to delight you with its abundant natural wonders. Book flights to Guyana’s capital city Georgetown right away. There’s so much waiting to be explored in this beautiful country.
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