CubaPLUS Magazine

Let’s Discover Guyana…

Phagwah. Photos: Guyana Tourism Authority, Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Zachary Johnson.
Let’s Discover Guyana…

Located on the northern shoulder of South America, Guyana is a place where untouched rainforests meet a mosaic of cultures. Rivers wind through vast savannahs, and century-old traditions thrive alongside new and evolving experiences. This rich blend of nature and culture is capturing the attention of travellers worldwide.

Let’s Discover Guyana…Between January and July 2025, Guyana welcomed 242,655 international visitors, an 18% increase over the same period in 2024, signalling a growing curiosity about this remarkable country. More and more travellers are arriving to engage, learn, and be part of its unfolding story.

Central to Guyana’s identity are its Indigenous communities. Comprising nine distinct nations, they safeguard the country’s forests, rivers, and traditional knowledge, shaping the heart of its tourism offerings. In regions such as the Rupununi, community-led eco-lodges and guided tours allow travellers to experience life rooted in the land, where sustainable practices and ancestral wisdom guide daily living.

Let’s Discover Guyana…Guyana’s approach has earned international recognition. At ITB Berlin 2025, the country received the PATWA International Award for “Destination of the Year – Natural Attractions,” affirming its commitment to protecting and celebrating its natural heritage. Several Indigenous-led lodges have also achieved Green Destinations Certification, highlighting their dedication to responsible tourism practices. The rise of Indigenous tourism speaks to the resilience and vision of these communities. By linking cultural preservation with economic opportunity, they are creating experiences that support livelihoods while ensuring traditional knowledge continues to thrive for generations to come.

Guyana’s cultural vibrancy reflects the diversity of its people.

Home to six ethnic groups, Indigenous, African, Indian, Portuguese, Chinese, and European, this mix of cultures is celebrated nationwide through annual events such as Mashramani, Phagwah, and Diwali. These festivals fill the streets with colour, music, and shared meals, offering visitors a glimpse into the rhythms of Guyanese life.

Infrastructure improvements are helping to open these experiences to more travellers. New airstrips, better roads, and expanded hospitality services are making once-remote areas easier to reach, ensuring that the benefits of tourism extend across the country.

Importantly, Guyana’s location at the meeting point of the Caribbean and South America makes it a natural partner for regional collaboration.

Let’s Discover Guyana…Shared histories, cultural ties, and common interests, particularly with countries like Cuba, create opportunities for joint initiatives in cultural tourism, environmental protection, and community development.

For Cuban travellers, Guyana offers a welcoming space with familiar cultural threads and an invitation to explore something different. Traditional cultural events like Mashramani, Phagwah, Diwali, Emancipation, and even Christmas await. Of course, these can be complemented by exploring vast rainforests.

Each moment carries the warmth and spirit that define Guyanese life.

Guyana is a living tapestry of nature, culture, and community, a model for responsible and meaningful travel in the 21st century.

And it stands ready to welcome you. Join us, let’s #DiscoverGuyana.

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