As an American traveler, I arrived in Guyana with high hopes. I’m not here to comment on politics, but as a tourist who genuinely wants to see the country thrive, I believe honest feedback is essential for growth. Let’s start with the positive; Kaieteur Falls was a truly unforgettable experience. It is, without a doubt, one of the most magnificent natural wonders I have ever witnessed and deserves global recognition. Beyond that, however, I was shocked by how unprepared the country seems to be for tourism.
The warning signs were clear from the moment I landed. With no ATM or exchange booth at the airport and international flights arriving late at night when everything is closed, travelers are left with no local currency and are forced to take overpriced taxis. This leads to one of the most frustrating aspects of the trip: the constant overcharging. It felt as though nearly everyone was trying to take advantage of me financially, especially drivers. With no regulation, posted rates, or accountability, the system feels arbitrary and exploitative. Guyana desperately needs basic policies to protect travelers, or better yet, to allow ride-sharing apps that would bring fairness and consistency to the market.
Then there was the issue of hospitality, or rather, the lack of it. Time and again, when I asked for simple directions or help, I was flat-out ignored. This wasn’t an isolated incident; it happened with the vast majority of people I approached. Whether cultural or not, the effect was to make me feel unwelcome and invisible. It shouldn’t be the traveler’s job to beg for the most basic information. There is a fine line between being laid-back and being disengaged, and too often, it felt like the latter.
Finally, the infamous Georgetown to Lethem bus ride. I expected a challenge, but nothing could have prepared me for this. The scheduled 18-hour ride devolved into a 31-hour ordeal. The bus got stuck five times, broke down once (requiring a six-hour repair), and we spent most of the journey on a path I wouldn’t even call a “road.” For a country with such rich natural beauty to explore, this lack of basic infrastructure is a critical failure.
Guyana has incredible potential, its landscapes, its biodiversity, its untold stories, but until it improves its infrastructure and implements systems to make visitors feel safe, welcome, and respected, it will remain inaccessible and deeply frustrating for the average traveler. I don’t say this to tear the country down, but because I want to see it do better. Guyana deserves more, and so do the people trying to experience it.
