GUYANA

    Guyana, a country on the northeastern coast of South America, may be the last frontier in the Caribbean region. This wild land, with its wealth of jungles, mountains and Savannah's, invites the truly adventurous tourist to explore. Lakes, rivers, creeks and waterfalls add to its appeal. Unlike most Caribbean nations, Guyana boasts no white and sand beaches. Its main attractions the natural beauty found in the interior. To enjoy a visit to Guyana, you have to really want to immerse yourself in nature.

    Guyana is in the unique position of being both within the Caribbean sub region and on the South American continent. Its name is Amerindian in origin and means "land of many waters", an appropriate choice since the land is crisscrossed by so many rivers and creeks.

    As a colony, Guyana was controlled first by the Dutch and then by the British. Its multiracial population is one od the most interesting in the world. There are African, Amerindian, Chinese, East Indian, Northern European and Portuguese peoples. The original inhabitants, of course wee the Amerindians. During the 18th and early 19th centuries, slave from West Africa were brought over to work the sugar and cotton plantations.  Later immigrants from Europe, China and India arrived.

    The capital of Guyana, Georgetown, is a typical South American city, however, if you venture beyond its borders, you'll enter a world where nature rules. Georgetown serves as the departure point for inland excursion.

    To gain access to the hinterlands of Guyana, most vacation travelers would need several days to reach their destination. The only exeption is Linden, the country's second largest town and bauxite center, which is connected to Georgetown by a 70 mile paved road.

    One excursion that should not be missed is a trip to Kaiteur Falls. In the hearth of Guyana, the Potaro River snakes its way to the edge of the Pakaraima plateau, where its waters plunge 741feet down, smashing into huge boulders at the foot of a cliff below the water then drops again some 81feet over these great rocks. Foam and mist rise up dramatically, and when the sun's ray hit, breath taking rainbows are created. Kaiteur is in the rank of the great waterfalls around the world like Niagara Falls and Victoria Falls. In fact, it is five times as high as Niagara.

    A primeval rain forest dominates the land around Kaieteur. It has been declared a national park. As you walk its trails, listen for the howler monkey's eerie songs or the cries of the small golden frogs. Keep and eye out for giant lizards, snakes and perhaps even the footprints of a bush tiger. You'll notice an abundance of ferns and vines, orchids, wild pineapples and incredibly large bromeliads along the rare species you won't be able to identify.

    Guyana has a total of 276 waterfalls. Orinduik Falls is anther cataract often visited by vacationers. The ireng river, which forms the border between Guyana and Brazil, thunders over steps and terraces of solid jasper. In the distance sit the Pakaraima Mountains A gentle waterfall, Orinduik Falls tempts visitors to swim in its waters.

    An elaborate system of rivers and creeks meanders through Guyana. The Essequibo River is the country's largest waterway; it runs for 370 miles and has 365 islands located in its path. Travellers can join an excursion and travel its muddy reddish waters to Fort Island, where the ruins of a 17th century Dutch fort have been partially restored. One of the better known islands in the Essequibo is Kaow Island. Here you'll find a rustic lodge built on silts. Activities include jungle walks and swimming the river.

    In southwestern Guyana, the terrain becomes dry grassland with sparse trees and wooden hills. Called the Rupunini Savannahs, the region is dotted with Amerindian villages and cattle ranches dating from the 19th century. As your traverse this rugged terrain, you'll see ant hills as high as 10 feet Some of the ranches accommodate overnight guests, and you can go horseback riding around the countryside.
 

Shopping

    While in Georgetown, you'll want to visit the craft shops that feature Amerindian works. Look for potery, sculpture, paintings, baskets and hammocks. In Strabroek Market, you'll find a myriad of goods from household items to jewellery. The capital also has its share of department stores.

Dining and Nightlife

    With the ethnic mix that constitutes the population, it is not surprising that there is a variety of local food specialties. Among the choices are Indian, African, English, Portuguese, Chinese and Creole dishes. Georgetown has a nice selection of restaurants. In the interior, the lodges serve wonderful meals. Plantain chips are the perfect snack to accommodate a rum cocktail. Serving of wild game from the forests, jumbo shrimp and fresh fruits and vegetables are among the offering on the dinner table.
Guyana produces a wide range of tropical fruits; you'll want to sample mangoes, papayas, oranges, bananas and others. As it throughout the Caribbean, rum is a popular drink here. The Guyanese produce it locals.

    In the hinterlands, early to bed and early to rise is the creed. Evenings are meant for relaxing after an exhilaration day. Back in Georgetown, there are several bars and discos where you can go to mingle with people and dance.

    Guyana is a vactionland for discerning visitors who are seeking new experiences, particularly ones that revolve around nature and a fusion of different cultures.