How Much Does a Trip to Guyana Cost? 2026 Budget Guide

Planning a trip to Guyana and wondering what it will cost? You're not alone. As one of South America's most pristine and least-visited destinations, Guyana's travel costs can be difficult to estimate. Unlike popular destinations with hundreds of budget guides, information on Guyana remains scarce.

This comprehensive guide breaks down the real costs of traveling in Guyana in 2026, from flights and accommodation to food, tours, and transportation. Whether you're backpacking on a budget or seeking a luxury rainforest adventure, we've got you covered.

Quick Summary: What Does Guyana Cost?

Here's the bottom line for a 7-day trip to Guyana from the US/Canada:

• Budget traveler: $1,200-1,500 USD (guesthouses, street food, limited tours)
• Mid-range traveler: $2,000-2,800 USD (mid-range hotels, restaurants, key tours)
• Luxury traveler: $4,000-6,000+ USD (premium lodges, all tours, private guides)

The biggest variables are tour costs (Kaieteur Falls, Rupununi safaris, Iwokrama) and accommodation choices. Guyana is moderately priced for basics but specialized eco-tourism experiences add up quickly.

Flights to Guyana

Your flight will likely be your biggest single expense. Guyana has one international airport: Cheddi Jagan International Airport (GEO) in Georgetown.

Flight Costs by Region

Accommodation Costs

Accommodation in Guyana varies dramatically depending on location and style. Georgetown has standard hotels, while interior eco-lodges offer unique rainforest experiences at premium prices.

Georgetown Accommodation

Interior Lodges (Rupununi, Iwokrama, Kaieteur)

Food and Drink Costs

Food in Guyana is quite affordable, especially if you eat where locals eat. Georgetown has diverse options from street food to upscale dining.

Typical Meal Costs

Where to Eat

• Street food & cook-up shops: Authentic Guyanese food (roti, cook-up rice, fried fish) for $3-8
• Local restaurants: Curry houses, Chinese restaurants, Brazilian churrascarias $10-15
• Mid-range dining: Backyard Cafe, Oasis Cafe, New Thriving $15-25
• Upscale dining: Bistro Cafe & Bar, Vintage Wine Pub, hotel restaurants $25-50

Daily food budget:

• Budget: $15-25/day (street food, local spots)
• Mid-range: $35-50/day (mix of local and restaurants)
• Luxury: $60-100/day (hotel dining, upscale restaurants)

Tour and Activity Costs

This is where your budget will vary most. Guyana's main attractions — Kaieteur Falls, Rupununi safaris, Iwokrama rainforest — require organized tours due to remoteness and logistics.

Popular Tours and Prices

Transportation Costs

Getting Around Georgetown

• Taxis: $5-15 for trips around Georgetown (always negotiate price first)
• Minibus: $0.50-1 per ride (local transport, can be crowded)
• Car rental: $60-100/day (4WD recommended for interior travel)
• Private driver: $80-150/day for excursions

Domestic Flights

Reaching remote interior locations often requires small aircraft:

• Georgetown to Lethem (Rupununi): $200-300 one-way
• Georgetown to Kaieteur: Included in tour packages
• Charter flights: $800-1,500 for whole plane (split among passengers)

Overland Transport

• Georgetown to Lethem bus: $40-60 (12-14 hours, rough road)
• Shared 4WD to interior: $50-100 depending on destination

Daily transport budget:

• Budget: $5-15/day (minibuses, shared transport)
• Mid-range: $20-40/day (taxis, occasional private transport)
• Luxury: $80-150/day (private driver, rental car)

Sample Budget: 7-Day Guyana Trip

Here are three realistic budget breakdowns for a 7-day Guyana trip, including Georgetown and one major excursion.

Sample Budget: 14-Day Complete Guyana Experience

Money-Saving Tips for Guyana

What Currency to Bring

Guyana's currency is the Guyanese Dollar (GYD). Exchange rate is approximately 215 GYD = 1 USD (January 2026).

• Bring US dollars: Widely accepted and easy to exchange
• Exchange in Georgetown: Banks and cambios offer fair rates
• ATMs available: In Georgetown but limited elsewhere. Scotiabank and Republic Bank work with most international cards
• Credit cards accepted: At hotels, tour operators, upscale restaurants. Not widely used elsewhere
• Carry cash for interior: Lodges accept cash (USD or GYD), cards rarely work

Recommended: Bring $500-800 USD cash for a week-long trip. Use cards where possible in Georgetown, cash everywhere else.

Additional Costs to Consider

• Travel insurance: $50-100 for one week (highly recommended for remote areas)
• Vaccinations: Yellow fever required ($150-200), malaria prophylaxis optional ($50-100)
• Visa fees: Most visitors get free entry, but check your country's requirements
• Tips: 10% at restaurants, $10-20/day for guides, $5-10 for drivers
• Souvenirs: Indigenous crafts $10-50, hammocks $30-80, rum $15-30
• SIM card: $10-20 for local phone/data (GTT or Digicel)

Is Guyana Worth the Cost?

Absolutely. While Guyana isn't the cheapest destination in South America, what you get is unparalleled access to pristine wilderness with almost no other tourists.

Where else can you:

• Stand alone at the world's most powerful waterfall
• Track jaguars and giant river otters in their natural habitat
• Walk among indigenous communities preserving traditional lifestyles
• Explore rainforest canopy walkways with world-class bird diversity
• Experience true wilderness without crowds or commercialization

The "premium" you pay for Guyana goes toward small eco-lodges, local communities, conservation efforts, and maintaining the unspoiled character that makes it special.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: January 2026. Prices are approximate and subject to change. For the most current tour pricing and availability, browse our experiences page or contact us for personalized trip planning assistance.