Guyana is South America's hidden gem, where pristine rainforests meet the Atlantic coast. Home to the world's tallest single-drop waterfall, Kaieteur Falls, this English-speaking nation offers unparalleled ecotourism adventures, rich multicultural heritage, and some of the continent's most untouched wilderness.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Kaieteur Falls Day Trip by Light Aircraft
A flight over unbroken Amazonian rainforest followed by close-up views of the world's tallest single-drop waterfall. The aircraft flight thrills older children and teens; the short trail to the viewpoint is manageable for children 8+. Morning flights offer mist rainbows.
Duration: 4-5 hours total
Georgetown Botanical Gardens and Manatee Pool
Fifty acres of Victorian gardens on Vlissengen Road with a famous manatee pool where Amazonian manatees can be observed, giant Victoria amazonica water lilies, a small zoo area, and wide lawns for running. Perfect combination of wildlife and outdoor space for families.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Iwokrama Canopy Walkway
Suspension walkway 30 meters above the rainforest floor — exciting for adventurous children and teens. The 154-meter crossing across four platforms offers monkey, macaw, and canopy bird sightings. Dawn walks before breakfast are especially memorable.
Duration: 3-4 hours
Surama Village Cultural Experience
Indigenous Makushi community in the North Rupununi offers hands-on cassava bread making, traditional craft workshops, guided mountain hiking, and cultural storytelling. Children learn directly from Amerindian families in authentic village setting.
Duration: Half-day or overnight
Orinduik Falls Swimming
Natural jasper-rock waterfall pools perfect for swimming on the Brazil border, typically combined with Kaieteur Falls on a one-day flight tour. The shallow cascades are safe for confident swimmers and the jasper rock formations create natural water slides and pools.
Duration: 2-3 hours on-site
Georgetown Seawall Evening Walk
Georgetown's historic Atlantic seawall comes alive on weekend evenings with food vendors, coconut water stalls, and local families. Children love the ocean atmosphere and local street food (plantain chips, fresh juice, grilled corn). Safe in daylight and early evening.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Guyana Marriott Hotel Georgetown
Guyana's most family-friendly hotel with rooftop pool, multiple dining options including room service, reliable safety standards, and an in-house medical facility. Family rooms and connecting suites available. Pool is popular with children.
Family features: Rooftop pool, multiple restaurants, room service, in-house medical, connecting rooms available
Pegasus Hotel Guyana
Historic waterfront hotel with pool, multiple restaurants, and reliable family-friendly standards. The ocean views and seawall proximity make it excellent for families wanting easy access to the evening seawall scene. Kids enjoy the waterfront setting.
Family features: Pool, multiple dining outlets, waterfront location, business center, ocean views
Iwokrama River Lodge
Award-winning eco-lodge in the heart of the Iwokrama Rainforest offering one of the most educational family experiences in South America. Family rooms available, expert naturalist guides engage children directly, canopy walkway and river wildlife tours are thrilling for kids 8+.
Family features: Family rooms, educational naturalist guides, canopy walkway, river wildlife tours, full board
Surama Eco-Lodge
Community-run eco-lodge in a Makushi Amerindian village where children engage directly with indigenous culture, cassava processing, and guided mountain hikes. Authentic benab accommodation, simple but wholesome meals, and immersive cultural learning in a safe village environment.
Family features: Cultural activities, mountain hike, cassava making workshop, community guides, full board
Herdmanston Lodge
Quiet boutique hotel in a Georgetown garden setting with personalized service. Less overwhelming than large hotels for families who prefer a smaller, more intimate property. Excellent restaurant and helpful staff who can arrange family-friendly tours.
Family features: Garden setting, personalized service, tour desk, restaurant, quiet neighborhood
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Hard Rock Cafe Guyana and Pizza Hut on the main Georgetown streets are reliable options for families with fussy eaters — familiar menus and comfortable air-conditioned settings
The Marriott's Terra Mare restaurant welcomes children and offers a children's menu — the only internationally-standard family dining option in Georgetown
Backyard Cafe (28 Middle Street) has an outdoor garden setting ideal for families — relaxed atmosphere, varied menu, and good for children who need space to move
Children's meals at local Guyanese restaurants ($5-8) are generous — rice, curry, and provision dishes are widely accepted by children willing to try local flavors
Fresh coconut water from vendors on the Seawall and at markets is a healthy, hydrating treat children usually love (GYD 200/$1 each)
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Malaria prophylaxis is essential for any child visiting the interior — consult a pediatric travel health clinic at least 6 weeks before departure
Yellow fever vaccination is required for Guyana and is recommended for all family members regardless of itinerary
Interior eco-lodges are actually safer than Georgetown for families — the controlled eco-tourism environment with expert guides is much less concerning than navigating city safety
Pack all medication, first aid supplies, and insect repellent from home — availability in interior regions is very limited and Georgetown pharmacies may lack specific brands