The Interior holidays
The Interior holidays at a glance
The name Guyana comes from a native Amerindian word meaning Land of Many Waters, and the Interior lives up to it. Over 80% of the country is covered by rainforest, and countless rivers cut through savannah, swampland and jungle on their way to the ocean.
Road connections between the different regions are almost non-existent, so travellers rely on boats and small planes to get around, a factor that has kept mass development away and pushed tour prices higher than elsewhere on the continent.
Like its better-known Amazonian neighbours, Rainforest Guyana shelters an extraordinary density of wildlife, and a number of conservation and community projects throughout the region let visitors learn about, and sometimes join in with, work to protect vulnerable species and support local livelihoods.
South of the forest lies a very different landscape: dry savannah, shaped more by the seasons, but no less alive. Across its grasslands, swamps and mountains, well over 100 mammal species and 500 bird species have been recorded. Around 15,000 Amerindian people live here too, many without running water, electricity or mobile signal, a world away from almost anywhere else nearby.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday to The Interior
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
For travellers seeking authentic rainforest experiences and outstanding wildlife, Guyana’s Interior remains one of South America’s great hidden treasures.
When to visit The Interior
Travel conditions can vary depending on seasonal rainfall patterns and local access conditions. Many travellers prefer the drier months when travel within the Interior can be easier. Rainfall brings lush vegetation and vibrant rainforest conditions across the region. Wildlife-viewing possibilities exist throughout much of the year, depending on location and habitat.
Top Things to do in The Interior
Things to do in Guyana focus on wildlife most travellers will never have seen up close, especially across the Interior. A savannah encounter with a giant anteater is one highlight, while a boat excursion in search of giant river otters, black caiman and the vast Victoria amazonica waterlily covers a very different side of the ecosystem.
Head out into the savannah in search of giant anteaters.
Take to the water in search of giant river otters, black caimans and Victoria Amazonica waterlilies.
Accommodation in The Interior
Accommodation here is chosen for access to wildlife rather than amenities. Atta Rainforest Lodge and Iwokrama River Lodge and Research Centre sit deep in the forest, while Karanambu Ranch and Waikin Ranch put you out on the savannah instead, each offering a different angle on Guyana wildlife holidays.
With a strong naturalist heritage, this traditional ranch has clay cottages in Guyana’s wilderness.
Modest rainforest lodge offering an intimate experience of Guyana’s rich flora and fauna, with basic but private accommodation near the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway.
A working ranch with simple cabins, offering high comfort and a location absolutely bursting with wildlife.
A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.
Holidays to The Interior
Group The Interior Tours
Our group tours follow expertly designed, well-planned routes with an experienced local guide throughout. Prefer to keep it to your own party? Book the same trips privately for four or more.
Coq of the Rock: Trailblazing the Guianas
Places visited: Rio de Janeiro
16 days from £5,917
Makonaima: Discover the Three Guianas
Places visited: Georgetown and Kaieteur Falls
13 days from £7,359
Tailor-Made The Interior Tours
Prefer to travel on your own terms? We’ll build a trip around your dates, your pace and the things you most want to see – whether that’s a first run at Machu Picchu, a family adventure mixing history and wildlife, or a food-focused journey through Lima and the Sacred Valley. Our Travel Experts can help shape it with you.
Discovering The Hidden Guianas
Places visited: Georgetown and Kaieteur Falls · The Interior
15 days from £8,140
Guyana Wildlife: South America’s wild frontier
Places visited: Georgetown and Kaieteur Falls · The Interior
13 days from £6,070
Signature Guyana – Wildlife and Waterfalls
Places visited: Georgetown and Kaieteur Falls · The Interior
12 days from £6,350
FAQs about visiting The Interior
The Interior is one of the most popular destinations, and there’s plenty to think about before you go. Here, our specialists share their best advice.
- When is the best time to visit Guyana's interior?
Guyana’s interior generally has only one wet season, May-Aug. The best months to visit for wildlife viewing and exploring are Feb-Apr and Oct-Dec.
For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.
- What language is spoken in Guyana?
The main language spoken in Guyana is English.
- What currency is used in Guyana?
The unit of currency in Guyana is the Guyanese dollar. Take your currency needs in the form of US dollars cash (no more than is covered by your insurance), which you can exchange into local currency. Dollar bills should be in good condition, soiled or torn bills may be refused.
There are very few ATM’s in this part of Guyana, so get your cash from Georgetown where there are banks that accept international cards, before flying south. At most of the lodges you can pay your ‘extras’ bill in US or Guyanese dollars, but not by credit or debit card (this situation may change of course).
- What is the time difference between Guyana and the UK?
The time difference between Guyana and the UK is GMT -4hours.
- What combines well with a visit to the Guyana Interior?
When visiting Guyana’s interior, a visit to Georgetown is essential, with many also choosing to head east to Suriname and French Guyana, which offer similar scenery and wildlife, but two entirely different cultures.
- What key events happen in the Guyana Interior?
There are very few people living in the interior so large celebrations or events are uncommon.
Ready to start planning?
Tell us where you want to go, and we’ll take it from there. No obligation, no sales pitch – just a conversation with someone who knows the region inside out.