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.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Woven Hammock
Handwoven hammocks made by Amerindian communities using traditional cotton and silk-grass techniques. Each piece reflects the weaving style of a specific indigenous group such as the Wai Wai or Makushi.
Price: $30-80
Where: Walter Roth Museum gift shop, Stabroek Market
El Dorado 15-Year Rum
Guyana's world-famous aged rum produced by Demerara Distillers Ltd, winner of numerous international awards. The 15-year expression is a smooth, complex spirit ideal as a premium gift.
Price: $30-50
Where: Banks DIH outlets, airport duty-free, supermarkets
Makushi Cassava Press Basket
Intricately woven cassava squeezer (matapi) made by Makushi craftswomen using natural fibers. A functional and beautiful example of indigenous engineering passed down through generations.
Price: $15-35
Where: Stabroek Market, Bourda Market, craft stalls
Gold Nugget Jewelry
Locally crafted gold jewelry using nuggets and alluvial gold from Guyana's interior goldfields. Rings, pendants, and earrings are popular. Buy only from registered jewelers on Main Street.
Price: $50-500+
Where: Main Street jewelers, Fogarty's department store
Demerara Sugar
Original Demerara brown sugar with distinctive molasses notes, produced from Guyanese sugarcane for centuries. The name 'Demerara sugar' used worldwide originated right here.
Price: $3-8
Where: Supermarkets, Stabroek Market
Bark Cloth Artwork
Traditional artwork painted on beaten bark cloth by Amerindian artists depicting jungle wildlife, petroglyphs, and ceremonial motifs. Lightweight and easy to pack as a wall hanging.
Price: $10-40
Where: Walter Roth Museum, community lodges
XM Rum Selection
Banks DIH's premium aged rum range including the award-winning XM Supreme aged 10 years and XM VXO. Available at most liquor stores and duty-free at Georgetown's airports.
Price: $15-35
Where: Banks DIH outlets, hotels, duty-free
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Stabroek Market
Georgetown's iconic Victorian-era market built in 1881 with its distinctive cast-iron clocktower. The country's largest market sells everything from fresh produce and spices to Amerindian crafts, clothing, and electronics.
Where: Water Street & Brickdam, Georgetown
Hours: Mon-Sat 6AM-6PM, Sun 6AM-12PM
Bourda Market
Historic covered market less touristy than Stabroek where locals shop for fresh vegetables, tropical fruits, fresh fish, and everyday provisions. The morning atmosphere is authentically Guyanese with colorful vendors and rich aromas.
Where: Robb Street, Georgetown
Hours: Daily 6AM-4PM
La Penitence Market
Busy neighborhood market on the eastern edge of Georgetown serving the Indo-Guyanese community with excellent selection of fresh herbs, peppers, and curry ingredients. Less visited by tourists and more authentic.
Where: La Penitence, Georgetown
Hours: Daily 6AM-5PM
Bartica Sunday Market
Weekly market at the confluence of three rivers where gold miners, Amerindian traders, and river communities gather to trade. Unique goods include gold nuggets, fresh river fish, and jungle produce found nowhere else.
Where: Bartica, Essequibo Region
Hours: Sunday 6AM-1PM
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Main Street Georgetown
Georgetown's main commercial thoroughfare lined with department stores, jewelers, electronics shops, and pharmacies. Fogarty's department store, the country's oldest, is a landmark here with a wide range of goods.
Best for: Gold jewelry, electronics, clothing, department stores
Regent Street
Busy pedestrian-friendly street in central Georgetown with a mix of local retailers, fabric sellers, and budget shops. Good for everyday items, local clothing brands, and street food vendors.
Best for: Fabric, local clothing, everyday goods, budget shopping
Water Street
Georgetown's oldest commercial street running along the Demerara River waterfront with banks, hardware stores, and wholesale traders. Near Stabroek Market, making it convenient for combined market and shopping trips.
Best for: Wholesale goods, hardware, near market access
Sheriff Street
Georgetown's liveliest street combining electronics and hardware retailers during the day with restaurants and entertainment venues at night. Good for electronics, mobile phones, and SIM cards.
Best for: Electronics, mobile phones, SIM cards, nightlife
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Giftland Mall
Guyana's largest shopping mall on the East Coast Demerara highway with over 60 stores including electronics, fashion, a food court, and a multiplex cinema. Most international-style mall experience in the country.
Hours: Mon-Sat 10AM-9PM, Sun 10AM-6PM
Fogarty's Department Store
Historic department store on Main Street that has served Georgetown since 1881. Multiple floors with clothing, housewares, cosmetics, and gifts. The 'Macy's of Guyana' and a Georgetown institution.
Hours: Mon-Sat 8AM-5PM
Demico House Shopping Complex
Multi-level shopping complex near Stabroek Market with fabric retailers, clothing boutiques, and accessories vendors. Popular with locals seeking affordable fashion and textiles.
Hours: Mon-Sat 9AM-7PM
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Bargaining is expected at Stabroek Market, Bourda Market, and from street vendors — always negotiate politely and start around 60-70% of the asking price
Fixed prices apply at Fogarty's, Giftland Mall, and most licensed shops; bargaining here is inappropriate
Ask to see gold jewelry certificates and test gold quality before buying — buy only from established shops on Main Street
Arrive at markets early morning for the freshest produce and most cooperative vendors
Bundling multiple items for a single vendor often yields better prices than buying items separately
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Restrictions: Cannot export untreated gold, diamonds, Amerindian artifacts designated as cultural heritage, or protected wildlife products. Declare gold and gemstones on departure if value exceeds $10,000.
Tax Refund: No VAT refund scheme for tourists currently operating in Guyana.
Duty Free: Duty-free allowances on arrival: 1 liter spirits, 200 cigarettes, gifts up to GYD 50,000 personal value.
Shipping: International shipping available via DHL and FedEx offices in Georgetown. Allow 7-21 days for international parcels. Wrap fragile Amerindian crafts carefully as packaging standards vary.