Traveling Guyana on a budget is absolutely possible — with some important caveats. The country has a split tourism economy: Georgetown and the coast are affordable and backpacker-friendly, while interior destinations (rainforests, savannah lodges, wildlife areas) are expensive due to logistics and limited infrastructure.
This comprehensive guide breaks down exactly what you'll spend, where to save money, and how to maximize your Guyana experience without breaking the bank. We'll cover everything from accommodation and food to the reality of visiting interior destinations on a budget.
Understanding Guyana's Tourism Economy
Before diving into numbers, it's crucial to understand why costs vary so dramatically:
- Georgetown & Coast: Normal tourism infrastructure with budget options — guesthouses, local restaurants, minibuses. Very affordable.
- Interior Destinations: Remote areas requiring flights or long 4x4 journeys. Lodges must bring in supplies, maintain generators, and employ guides. Costs reflect logistics, not luxury.
- Wildlife Tourism: Guyana's rainforests and savannahs are pristine but remote. Expert guides, specialized access, and conservation fees add to costs.
Budget Reality Check
Guyana isn't a backpacker destination in the traditional sense. While the coast is cheap, the main attractions (Kaieteur Falls, Iwokrama, Rupununi wildlife) require investment. Many travelers save up for a single interior highlight while enjoying affordable coastal exploration.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Here's what different budget levels look like in Guyana:
Backpacker Budget (Georgetown/Coast)
| Guesthouse/hostel | $20-35 USD |
| Local breakfast | $2-4 USD |
| Lunch (cook shop) | $3-5 USD |
| Dinner (local restaurant) | $5-8 USD |
| Minibus/transport | $2-5 USD |
| Drinks/snacks | $3-5 USD |
Mid-Range Budget (Georgetown)
| Mid-range hotel | $50-80 USD |
| Breakfast included or cafe | $5-10 USD |
| Lunch (restaurant) | $8-15 USD |
| Dinner (nice restaurant) | $15-25 USD |
| Taxis | $10-20 USD |
| Activities/attractions | $10-20 USD |
Interior/Wildlife (All-Inclusive Lodges)
| Lodge accommodation | $150-400 USD |
| All meals included | Included |
| Guided activities | Included |
| Transport to/from lodge | Often extra: $100-300 |
Accommodation Costs
Georgetown
| Type | Price Range | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Basic guesthouse | $20-35 USD | Fan, shared bathroom, simple but clean |
| Mid-range guesthouse | $40-60 USD | A/C, private bathroom, WiFi |
| Business hotel | $70-120 USD | Pool, restaurant, reliable amenities |
| Upscale hotel | $150-250 USD | Marriott, Pegasus — full services |
Interior Lodges
| Lodge | Price (per night) | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Atta Rainforest Lodge | $180-280 USD | Meals, canopy walkway, guides |
| Iwokrama River Lodge | $280-400 USD | All-inclusive, activities, guides |
| Karanambu Lodge | $350-500 USD | Full-board, giant otter viewing |
| Rupununi community lodges | $100-180 USD | Basic but authentic, meals, activities |
Budget Tip: Book Packages
Interior lodges are almost always better value as packages that include transport from Georgetown. Booking flights and lodges separately often costs more. Contact tour operators for combined packages.
Food & Drink Costs
Eating local is the key to budget travel in Guyana. Local food is delicious, filling, and incredibly affordable.
| Food Type | Price | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Street food | $1-3 USD | Pholourie, bake and saltfish, egg balls |
| Cook shop meal | $2-5 USD | Rice, curry, vegetables — full plate |
| Local restaurant | $5-10 USD | Pepper pot, cook-up rice, chow mein |
| Western restaurant | $12-25 USD | Steaks, pizza, international cuisine |
| Fast food | $5-10 USD | KFC, Popeyes, local chains |
| Local beer | $1.50-3 USD | Banks Beer, Carib |
| Soft drink/water | $0.50-1.50 USD | Available everywhere |
Must-Try Budget Foods
Pepper pot (national dish), cook-up rice, roti and curry, pholourie (fried dough balls), black pudding, and metemgee (coconut-based stew). These authentic dishes cost $2-8 USD and are delicious.
Transportation Costs
| Transport | Price |
|---|---|
| Georgetown minibus (within city) | $0.50-1 USD |
| Georgetown taxi (city trip) | $3-10 USD |
| Airport taxi (to Georgetown) | $25-35 USD |
| Minibus to coastal towns | $2-10 USD |
| Minibus to Lethem (full journey) | $50-70 USD |
| Flight Georgetown-Lethem | $180-220 USD one-way |
| Kaieteur Falls day trip | $250-350 USD |
Money-Saving Tips
General Savings
- Eat local: Skip western restaurants and eat at cook shops — better food, quarter the price
- Use minibuses: At $0.50-1 per trip, they're incredibly cheap
- Stay in guesthouses: Family-run guesthouses are clean and affordable
- Negotiate: Prices for taxis and some services are negotiable
- Bring US Dollars: Often gets better rates than changing to GYD
- Travel in dry season: Some interior costs are lower, and roads are easier
Interior Travel Savings
- Book packages: Combined transport + accommodation is usually cheaper than separate bookings
- Join group tours: Shared costs reduce per-person prices significantly
- Consider community lodges: More basic but much cheaper than upscale eco-lodges
- Take the road to Lethem: Minibus ($50-70) instead of flying ($200+) saves significantly
- Prioritize one highlight: Rather than rushing multiple expensive destinations, choose one and experience it properly
Group Travel Advantage
Interior Guyana is significantly cheaper in groups. Charter flights, 4x4 vehicles, and guides are fixed costs that divide among travelers. A group of 4-6 can reduce per-person costs by 30-50% compared to solo travel.
Sample Budget Itineraries
10-Day Budget Itinerary (~$800-1,200 USD)
- Days 1-4: Georgetown exploration, Stabroek Market, Botanical Gardens ($50/day = $200)
- Day 5: Kaieteur Falls day trip ($300)
- Days 6-7: Bartica or Coastal Berbice ($60/day = $120)
- Days 8-10: Georgetown, food tours, local experiences ($50/day = $150)
- Flights/misc: Budget ~$150-400
14-Day Mid-Range Itinerary (~$2,500-3,500 USD)
- Days 1-3: Georgetown ($100/day = $300)
- Day 4: Kaieteur Falls + Orinduik ($400)
- Days 5-7: Iwokrama (package ~$700-900)
- Days 8-10: Rupununi/Annai (package ~$500-700)
- Days 11-12: Return to Georgetown ($100/day = $200)
- Days 13-14: Departure buffer ($100/day = $200)
Plan Your Budget Trip
Get personalized recommendations for your Guyana adventure within your budget.
Plan Your TripMoney & Currency
Currency Basics
- Currency: Guyanese Dollar (GYD). ~$210 GYD = $1 USD (check current rates)
- US Dollars: Widely accepted — often preferred. Bring clean, newer bills.
- ATMs: Available in Georgetown but can be unreliable. Don't rely on them.
- Credit cards: Accepted at major hotels/restaurants in Georgetown only. Not in interior.
- Recommendation: Bring enough USD cash for your entire trip.
Tipping
- Restaurants: 10% tip if not included, appreciated but not mandatory
- Guides: $10-20 USD per day per guide is customary
- Lodge staff: $5-10 USD per day to tip pool
- Taxi drivers: Round up to nearest convenient amount
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to travel in Guyana per day?
Budget travelers can expect to spend $40-60 USD per day in Georgetown (basic guesthouse, local food, minibuses). Mid-range travelers spend $80-150 USD per day. Interior lodge experiences cost $200-400 USD per day all-inclusive. Wildlife tours average $250-500 USD per day including transport, accommodation, meals, and guides.
Is Guyana expensive for tourists?
Guyana has a split economy for tourists. Georgetown and coastal areas are affordable, with local food under $5 USD and budget accommodation from $20-40 USD. However, interior tourism is expensive due to logistics — most packages run $200-500 USD per day all-inclusive. Budget backpacking is possible on the coast but challenging in the interior.
What is the cheapest way to visit Kaieteur Falls?
Day trip flights to Kaieteur Falls cost $250-350 USD per person — there's no cheaper option as the falls are only accessible by air. Booking directly with airlines like Trans Guyana Airways can be slightly cheaper than tour operators. Combining Kaieteur with Orinduik Falls adds value at $350-450 USD total.
How much does food cost in Guyana?
Local food is very affordable: street food $1-3 USD, local restaurant meals $3-8 USD, cook shops $2-5 USD. Western-style restaurants in Georgetown cost $10-25 USD per meal. Groceries are reasonably priced. Eating local is the key to budget travel in Guyana.
Can I backpack in Guyana on a tight budget?
Yes, but with limitations. Georgetown and coastal areas are backpacker-friendly with $20-40 USD guesthouses and cheap local food. The interior is challenging on a tight budget — lodges start at $150 USD/night and public transport is limited. Budget backpackers focus on coastal travel or save up for one interior highlight like Kaieteur Falls.
What currency should I bring to Guyana?
Bring US Dollars in cash — they're widely accepted and often preferred. The Guyanese Dollar (GYD) is also used. ATMs in Georgetown dispense GYD but can be unreliable. Credit cards work at major hotels and restaurants in Georgetown but not in the interior. Bring enough USD cash for your entire trip outside Georgetown.
Last updated: January 2026. For more practical travel information, see our Complete Packing List and Transportation Guide.