Guyana is currently developing an echo-tourism campaign. They want visitors to come see their rain forests and especially Keitur Falls. The falls is the highest single stage water fall in the world and the interior of Guyana is breath taking in its ruggedness and beauty. I am taking a hiking trip thru the interior national park to the Keitur Falls this year.
You have to be flown in and out. Right now trips like mine must be arranged thru the department of tourism. I am lucky enough to know the director so I am trying to put the trip together thru her. The average tourist will have to book day-flights with tour companies that fly out of Ogil airport near Georgetown. There are several echo-tourist resorts near many of the rivers such as the Esequibo. They are all worth touring. There is little to do else where however.
In Georgetown you have the largest all wood cathedral in the world. There is a national museum with fantastic models and maps of the interior. There are art galleries with wooden carvings that are without equal. I would visit the ministry of Amerindian affairs in Georgetown where they sell Amerind art direct from the interior villages. The downtown area is too touristy with some very high prices on tourist "junk" but there are nice pieces to be found from the independent artists that put out samples on Main street along the tree-lined avenue.
They are wood workers who carve mahogany and other hardwood species of Guyana. Their art is creative and expressive with strong African influences. Of course you need to haggle some with them but even their opening asking price is not out of line for what these pieces would cost in other countries so you should not feel bad paying a premium for it...besides these artists need the cash.
The country just isn't geared for tourism and is more than a little bit dangerous for outsiders. Whites are especially at risk for robbery and kidnapping. For example, i have seen white tourists verbally assualted in Enmore at the Enmore Martyr Memorial. That is the site where five Indian workers who were protesting unfair labour policies were gunned down by white security officers. Sort of a Kent State situation (USA). So you can appreciate the racial tensions. The Africans and Indians do not get along well and occasional riots errupt. The whites (mostly English) owned the country for so long that white is associated with oppression and suffering. It is best to stay as low key as possible when visiting.
The country is beautiful but rugged and hard on people from cooler climates so it is best suited for rugged individuals who can handle no air conditioning or hot water for extended periods.
Sorry to go like that. I could write a book on the subject. I love Guyana and have spent long periods of time there, gotten to know many of the people and find them warm, charming, and wonderful. But the country is very poor and poverty breeds dissatisfaction that can manifest violent at times. I have seen wonders and magnificence beside squallor and pathos. When I visit I want to scream, laugh, and cry all at the same time.