CubaPLUS Magazine

10 ULTIMATE REASONS TO VISIT GUYANA

By: Chris & Stacey Rahaman, Photos: Chris & Stacey Rahaman & John Greene
10 ULTIMATE REASONS TO VISIT GUYANA

10 ULTIMATE REASONS TO VISIT GUYANA

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THE ONLY ENGLISH SPEAKING COUNTRY IN SOUTH AMERICA WITH AN ADDED BONUS OF HAVING WARM WEATHER ALL YEAR ROUND.

Guyana, situated on the Northern coast of South America is the only English speaking country on the continent. Guyanese Creole, the local English based dialect is spoken by the majority of the population. Guyana’s climate is warm and tropical throughout the year. December to January and May to June are the rainy seasons.

10 ULTIMATE REASONS TO VISIT GUYANA
2
KAIETEUR FALLS:
One of the grandest of Guyana’s many treasures is the single largest free fall waterfall in the world, with a drop of 741 feet. It is four times higher than Niagara Falls and twice the height of Victoria Falls. This impressive waterfall is located on the Potaro River in the Kaieteur National park.

10 ULTIMATE REASONS TO VISIT GUYANA
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BIRDING PARADISE:
No longer birding’s best kept secret, Guyana is fast becoming one of the hottest birding destinations in the world. Over 878 species of birds from 79 families have been identified in Guyana. Some must-see birds are the Red Sisken, Blood-colored Woodpecker, Sun
Parakeet, Toco Toucan, Crimson Fruitcrow, Dusky Purpletuft, Orange-Breasted Falcon, the Harpy Eagle and the Canje Pheasant.
Popular birding sites are Mahaica / Abary area, Iwokrama, Karanambu, Kaieteur Falls.

10 ULTIMATE REASONS TO VISIT GUYANA
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ADVENTURE TRAVEL:
Calling all thrill seekers!. With its lush rainforests, numerous rivers, open range savannas and interior highlands, Guyana is the ideal destination for people that love living life to the fullest. Breathtaking views of the savannas await those bold enough to hike to the very top of the famous Kanuku mountains. Those looking for more than a day of fun will enjoy the Pakaraima mountain safari which is the perfect way to see Guyana’s true beauty and interact with Amerindian communities along the route. Hop in a canoe and enjoy an evening of caiman spotting, take a dip in one of our many black water rivers or start the day with a horseback ride. Whatever type of adventure speaks to your soul, Guyana has it all!

10 ULTIMATE REASONS TO VISIT GUYANA
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GUYANA’S FOOD:
If you’re a foodie then you’re going to love the flavor, color and spices that will definitely tickle your tastebuds.

Amerindian Piwari (potato wine), Cassava bread and Tuma pot (a soup-like dish made with meat, spices and Cassava water), Indian influenced Curry and Dal, 7 curry, Garlic Pork, a Portuguese influenced pickled dish, Metemgee (an African-inspired ground provision dish made with coconut
milk), Eggball, which is like an English Scotch Egg, or chow down on a mixed chow-mein from any of our many Chinese restaurants. Another must-try dish is one of our personal favorites, cook-up rice...a dish containing rice, beans, coconut milk, made with or without meat. Everyone has their own recipe and way of making it, which is what makes it quintessentially Guyanese, so we recommend you try several kinds. Oh and the best part of Guyanese food? It’s super affordable with some options like Boil and Fry Channa (chickpea) costing as low as 50 Cents!

10 ULTIMATE REASONS TO VISIT GUYANA
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FESTIVALS EVENTS:
Most of Guyana’s festivals are religious ones stemming from our multi-ethnicity. Despite this, all of them have several things in common. They all promise an exhilarating display of cultural performances, music and food. Our main festivals are: Diwali, which sees Hindus lighting up their home with hundreds of Diyas, and the color ful spring festival of Phagwa.

This one is an explosion of color and favorite for Guyanese of all ages who take to the streets with water to play &holi". Easter is a National celebration marked with kite flying in the parks or at the seawall. Other events that occur during the Easter season include the wildly popular Rupununi Rodeo and Easter Regatta.

Our most popular non-religious festival is Mashramani, which is our Guyanese version of Carnival in recognition of Guyana becoming a Republic. This is a day of pure fun, music, dancing, eating and partying from dusk till dawn. Other festivals a visitor will most certainly enjoy are Emancipation Day, which commemorates the abolition of slavery in Guyana, and Amerindian Heritage Month, a celebration of the many contributions of our first people.

10 ULTIMATE REASONS TO VISIT GUYANA
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SHELL BEACH SEA TURTLES :
Shell Beach was named for the collection of tiny shells which complement its fine brown sand. Shell Beach is located on the Atlantic coast of Guyana in the Barima-Waini Region near the Venezuelan border. It is a nesting site for four of seven sea turtle species - the Green, Hawksbill turtle, Leatherback and the Olive Ridley. Shell Beach extends for approximately 145 km.

10 ULTIMATE REASONS TO VISIT GUYANA

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AMERINDIAN CULTURE AND COMMUNITIES:
Guyana is one of the few countries in the world where Amerindian culture and communities are preserved. Guyana has four main tribes of Amerindians, these are the Warraus, Arawaks, Wapisianas and the Caribs, which include several sub tribes, Arekunas, Akawaios, Patamonas, Macusis and Waiwais. The influences of Guyana’s first people can be seen everywhere, from beautiful handmade wapasiana hammocks, art, craft and music to Guyana’s national dish, Pepperpot. Guyana also has many beautiful Amerindian community- managed eco-lodges. Popular Eco-lodges and villages to visit are: St Cuthbert’s/Moraikabai Mission, Surama, Rewa, Nappi, Santa Mission, Atta rainforest lodge.

10 ULTIMATE REASONS TO VISIT GUYANA
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WILDLIFE PARADISE:
Guyana has the second highest percentage of rainforest cover on Earth, making it truly a paradise for the nature and outdoor enthusiast. Guyana boasts over 800 species of birds, 6 species of wildcat, 200 species of mammals including 8 species of monkey. Over 20 species of parrots, 700 species of fish, 6000 species of plants and hundreds of species of butterflies, reptiles and amphibians. Numerous guided nature tours are available for visitors.

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GUYANA’S PEOPLE:
Guyanese are often referred to as some of the world’s most hospita- ble people and for good reason! As previous visitors will tell you, they are warm, friendly and always willing to lend a helping hand.

Guyana’s people hail from six ancestral lines: African, Indian, Ame- rindian, Chinese, European and Portuguese. It’s this blend that makes Guyana a country rich with cultural diversity that can be seen reflected in their religions, architecture, names, faces, food and festivals.

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