Guiana Amazonian Park Travel Guide
Discover the natural and cultural marvels of Guiana Amazonian Park with our comprehensive travel guide, featuring top attractions, hiking routes, best things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, cultural insights, safety tips, and more.
- Introduction to Guiana Amazonian Park
- List of Places to Visit in Guiana Amazonian Park
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Guiana Amazonian Park
- Best Things to Do in Guiana Amazonian Park: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Guiana Amazonian Park
- Food and Drink Scene of Guiana Amazonian Park
- Where to Stay in Guiana Amazonian Park: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Guiana Amazonian Park: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Guiana Amazonian Park
- Best Time to Visit Guiana Amazonian Park
- Do’s and Don’ts of Guiana Amazonian Park
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Guiana Amazonian Park: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Guiana Amazonian Park
- Where to Go Next from Guiana Amazonian Park: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Guiana Amazonian Park
Guiana Amazonian Park is a vast protected area in the heart of French Guiana, an overseas department of France in South America. Covering over 33,000 km2 (12,700 sq mi) of pristine rainforest and savannah, the park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a haven for biodiversity, featuring rare flora and fauna species, including jaguars, giant otters, harpy eagles, and anacondas.
The park is home to several indigenous communities, such as the Kali’na, Palikur, and Wayana, who have inhabited the region for centuries and still preserve their ancestral traditions and customs. Visitors can explore their villages, learn about their culture and lifestyle, and support their local economy by purchasing traditional handicrafts and souvenirs.
List of Places to Visit in Guiana Amazonian Park
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Musée Départemental De Franconie
- Musée de l’Espace
- Centre Spatial Guyanais
- Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni
- Hmong Village
Natural Attractions of Guiana Amazonian Park: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Kaw Mountain
- Montagne des Chevaux
- Pripri Yiyi Waterfall
- Amerindian Trails
- Aratai Trail
- Rorota Trail
- Patawa Beach
Hiking/Biking Routes of Guiana Amazonian Park
- Sentier de Hmong
- Le Rorota Trail
- Sentier de Kaw Mountain
- Le Montagne des Chevaux Trail
- Sentier de Pripri Yiyi Waterfall
Best Things to Do in Guiana Amazonian Park: Activities and Tours
- Wildlife Watching
- Birdwatching
- Kayaking and Canoeing
- Fishing
- Caving
- Stargazing
Week-Long Itinerary for Guiana Amazonian Park
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Cayenne, visit Musée Départemental De Franconie and Musée de l’Espace |
| 2 | Visit Centre Spatial Guyanais and take a guided tour of the space station |
| 3 | Drive to Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, explore the town and its historical sites |
| 4 | Hike the Pripri Yiyi Waterfall Trail and swim in the refreshing pools |
| 5 | Attend a traditional dance performance in an Amerindian village |
| 6 | Kayak down the Maroni River and visit a Hmong village |
| 7 | Relax on Patawa Beach and swim in the warm Caribbean Sea |
Food and Drink Scene of Guiana Amazonian Park
Must-Try Dishes
- Bouillon d’aoura - fish soup with cassava
- Calalou - leafy green vegetable soup
- Chatini de bois - spicy, tangy condiment made with local herbs and fruits
- Poulet boucané - smoked chicken dish
- Piranha soup
Local Beverages
- Ti-punch - rum-based cocktail with lime and sugar
- Saül beer - locally brewed beer
- Guianese chocolate milk - milk with cocoa powder and sugar
Where to Stay in Guiana Amazonian Park: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Hotel Amazonia
- Hotel des Palmistes
- Kaw Guesthouse
- Diyi Guesthouse
- Green Arawak Lodge
What to Buy in Guiana Amazonian Park: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Hmong embroidery and fabrics
- Amerindian baskets and ceramics
- Local honey and hot pepper sauce
- Guianese rum and chocolate
- Local paintings and wood carvings
Local Culture and Customs of Guiana Amazonian Park
Visitors to Guiana Amazonian Park should be respectful of local customs and traditions. The indigenous communities have their own cultural practices, such as dances, songs, and rituals, and visitors should ask for permission before taking pictures or filming. It is also recommended to buy souvenirs directly from the locals rather than from street vendors or souvenir shops.
Best Time to Visit Guiana Amazonian Park
The best time to visit Guiana Amazonian Park is during the dry season, from June to November, when the weather is mild and there are fewer mosquitoes. The wet season, from December to May, can be challenging for hiking and outdoor activities as the trails can become muddy and slippery.
Do’s and Don’ts of Guiana Amazonian Park
Do:
- Respect the local culture and customs
- Stay on designated trails and pathways
- Carry insect repellent and a first aid kit
- Hire a guide for outdoor adventures
Don’t:
- Disturb the wildlife or their natural habitat
- Pick or collect plants or animals
- engage in activities that may harm the environment
Safety and Health
Safety in Guiana Amazonian Park
Visitors to Guiana Amazonian Park should take precautions to ensure their safety, such as traveling in groups, avoiding isolated areas, and being aware of the risk of crime in some urban areas. It is recommended to hire a local guide for outdoor adventures, and to carry a reliable GPS device or map.
Health in Guiana Amazonian Park
Visitors to Guiana Amazonian Park should be up-to-date with their immunizations, including yellow fever, and should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, as the region is endemic to mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria. It is also advisable to bring a water filtration device and to drink only bottled water or treated water.
Getting to Guiana Amazonian Park: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Guiana Amazonian Park
- Cayenne Félix Eboué International Airport
Bus Stations Near Guiana Amazonian Park
- Gare Routière de Cayenne
Other Options
- Taxi
- Car Rental
How to Get Around in Guiana Amazonian Park
The best way to get around Guiana Amazonian Park is by hiring a local guide or joining organized tours. There are few roads in the park, and transportation options are limited.
Where to Go Next from Guiana Amazonian Park: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Devil’s Island
- Suriname
- Brazil
Conclusion
Guiana Amazonian Park is a unique travel destination that offers visitors a chance to experience the natural and cultural marvels of the Amazon rainforest. With our comprehensive travel guide, you can explore the top attractions, hiking routes, best things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, cultural insights, safety tips, and more, and make unforgettable memories in this extraordinary corner of the world.
