Getting Around
Within the country, you can choose between river, road, air travel, or a combination of all three, depending on time and budget.
Air
Eugene F. Correia International Airport is the hub for local flights. Small 4 to 12-seater Cessnas and 19-seater Beechcraft aircraft connect Georgetown to the deep interior of the country with over 162 active airstrips. You should pack light since you are only allowed 20 pounds (9.07 kilograms) per person on regularly scheduled flights. If you must travel with a heavier load, you can bring extra luggage at an additional charge that you should take care of before your flight since there is no guarantee that space is available. Or, you can charter a plane depending on the size of your group. Flying is more expensive but typically provides a superb bird’s eye view of expansive rainforests, mountain ranges and rivers.
Air Service Providers for Scheduled Flights
Air Services Limited, Roraima Airways, and Trans Guyana Airways have the most robust fleets and regularly scheduled flights nationwide. Multiple daily flights to popular destinations like Lethem and stopovers in Fairview Village, which is close to Iwokrama River Lodge. This is the best way to access the North and South Rupununi regions.
Regularly scheduled flights are also available to Kaieteur Falls for a day trip or longer, and some include stopovers at Orinduik Falls or Iwokrama.
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How to Charter a Flight
Several airlines offer charter planes to access different places in Guyana. These include Air Services Limited, Jags Aviation, Roraima Airways, S&R Flight Services and Trans Guyana Airways. Here is how you can book a personal charter:
Step 1 - Determine where you would like to visit, your dates for travel, and the weight of your passengers and luggage.
Step 2 - Contact the airline operators or your local operator through email or telephone to check availability, cost and their confirmation/payment process.
Step 3 - Choose your selected carrier and confirm all needed information. Remember to secure your tickets.
Step 4 - Go to the airport on the day of your trip and enjoy your journey.
Road
15-seater minivans and local taxis are the main forms of transportation between towns in the coastal region, with taxis being the more comfortable option. In the interior, most taxis are 4x4 trucks, giving you insight into the overland experience. It is possible to rent vehicles in Georgetown and elsewhere. Still, due to roads that are not in the best condition and driving conditions that are probably very different from what you are accustomed to, it is recommended that you leave the driving up to someone else.
One major road runs from the north to the south of the country, connecting Georgetown to the town of Lethem and the border into neighbouring Brazil. While the roads can get rough and tough, particularly during the green or wet season, you will be impressed by the scenery along the way and will have many opportunities to experience the countryside before your journey ends. Similarly, one main road connects Georgetown to Suriname and runs west to east of the country.
River
Rivers connect Guyana. This includes the islands and villages on the Essequibo Coast and in the lower Essequibo Region. They also connect many villages and eco-lodges in Guyana's North Rupununi Region. It is almost impossible to travel around Guyana without travelling by boat. From large transport ferries connecting Guyana, Suriname, and the Essequibo Coast to jet boats, speed boats and dugout canoes, boat rides are part of the experience. Besides being a convenient means of transportation around the country, river trips connect you with the locals and daily life, and they provide one of the best means for wildlife spotting and birding.