Cities & Towns in Guyana

Explore the cities and towns of Guyana, which make for exciting gateways into the rainforest and savannahs within the hinterland of the country. Start with Georgetown, the capital, and make your way to the other hubs.

Welcome to Georgetown-Capital of Guyana
Georgetown is the capital and springboard to the wonders of Guyana. It makes for an ideal first stop for orientation, before you head further into the country. Framed by the endless Atlantic Ocean to the north, the city offers more than just a tropical welcome. The museums, heritage hotels, monuments and most of all, welcoming people, ensure that you are ready to jump into the stunning hinterland.

Lethem
Located at the border of Brazil, Lethem is home to the annual rodeo action during the Rupununi Rodeo at Easter. Characterised by laterite roads flanked by golden brown savannahs, massive termite hills and rainforests, Lethem is the gateway to the Rupununi region. Use the town as your starting point to explore cattle-filled ranches and some of the best community-led and owned ecolodges of the world. Bird and wildlife must sees like the Red Siskin, Harpy Eagle, giant anteater, giant otter, anaconda and others, make sure that the travellers cannot get enough of the region.

Corriverton
The Corriverton (Berbice) region occupies the northeast part of Guyana bordering Suriname, with a namesake river that flows through it before it reaches the Atlantic Ocean. It is home to three towns – New Amsterdam, Rose Hall and Corriverton and a cluster of villages including Port Mourant, Limlair and Skeldon. Travellers who visit Corriverton can see remnants of the Dutch heritage in beautiful colonial architecture and historic sites. The region is also home to once thriving sugar plantations, namely the Albion-Rose Hall Estate and the Blairmont Estate, that can still be visited. Corriverton is one of the top places to see in Guyana. So make it a point to explore villages, patches of forest and a cache of colonial architecture in this beautiful ancient county. Corriverton is also the closest base to travel to Suriname, if you are looking to cover the 3 Guianas.

Bartica
Bartica, meaning ‘red earth’, lies at the confluence of the Essequibo, Cuyuni and Mazaruni Rivers and is popularly known as the gateway to the gold and diamond mining regions of Guyana. No wonder its main market street has entertainment hotspots in several pubs and shops for this bustling community. Bartica’s standout event is its annual Easter Regatta called the Bartica Regatta, where powerboat racing, street jams, music and even a pageant amp up the weekend, making it one of the best cultural travel destinations in Guyana.

Linden
Historically a bauxite-mining town, Linden’s appeal to travellers lies in its vantage location. The town is split by the Demerara River, and is the gateway to the central rainforest region of the country. As the second largest town of Guyana, it houses several interesting museums and spots of heritage value. They throw the spotlight on the indigenous lifestyle and the bauxite history of the region. The traveller can also stroll through the town to gaze at the remnants of the colonial architecture. Usually off the well-worn tourist track, Linden is one of the best offbeat destinations of Guyana.

New Amsterdam
Given that rivers like Berbice, Corentyne and Canje surround New Amsterdam, the exceptionally fertile land places you right in the middle of rich greenery. This town is one of three situated in the East Berbice Corentyne area (Region 6) with a rich, colonial history evident in its architecture. Travellers partial to will love exploring New Amsterdam and its surroundings.

While Georgetown and Lethem are the main hubs of tourist activity in Guyana, other smaller towns offer a more rugged view into local life. You are likely to pass through these locales while travelling in the country, and are always welcomed to make a pit stop. Enjoy the slow pace and hum of life in these towns, along with access to some of Guyana’s more unique and off-the-beaten path cultural spots.

Guyana’s Smaller Towns
Other Small Towns
The small towns of Guyana are a charming addition to the itinerary. Here are some that you should explore.

Anna Regina
The largest town on the coast, Anna Regina works as a midway stop between Charity and Good Hope. Planning a trip to Lake Mainstay or one of the other region’s lakes? You will be passing through this typical coastal town on the fringes of the country. The bustling market area is fun to walk through but what makes the town tick is the gorgeous surrounding natural landscape. An old turquoise bridge made in the 18th century stands as a remnant of the town’s sugar producing days.

Mahida
Gold and diamond mining operations make Mahdia an important commercial hub in the Potaro-Siparuni region of Guyana. The small town, with less than 600 households, is a reflection of typical hinterland landscape and living. Mahdia’s main highlight is the Denham Suspension Bridge, named after a colonial Governor Sir Edward Denham. It is also the gateway to the overland trek to Kaieteur Falls. The town comes alive with festivities when the Indigenous Peoples celebrate the Indigenous Heritage Month in September. The La Rose Festival at the end of August is another reason to make a quick stop when travelling from the north to south.

Rose Hall
Located in the East Berbice-Corentyne Region of Guyana, Rose Hall stands east of New Amsterdam along the coast. Once a former hub for Dutch planters, the town is now a commercial centre with a busy market for locals and travellers passing through. Despite being all of 13 square kilometres in size, Rose Hall is also home to the Welfare Centre Ground that has hosted many famous Caribbean cricket events in this region.

Mabaruma
Located close to the Venezuelan border close to the Aruka River, Mabaruma’s charm lies in its address on a narrow plateau, surrounded by pristine dense rainforest all around. Those who like lesser explored communities will love its proximity to nature and the local lifestyle dominated by fishing and farming. It also has an attractive cultural mix of indigenous peoples with Arawaks, Caribs and Warraus all living in the area.