A Note on Sensitivity
This article approaches the Jonestown tragedy with respect for the victims and their families. Over 900 people lost their lives on November 18, 1978. We encourage visitors to approach this site as a place of remembrance and reflection, not sensationalism.
In the remote jungles of northwestern Guyana lies the site of one of the most tragic events in modern American history. Jonestown, officially known as the Peoples Temple Agricultural Project, was a settlement established by the Peoples Temple religious movement in 1974. Today, the site draws visitors seeking to understand this dark chapter of history and pay respects to those who lost their lives.
This guide provides factual information for those wishing to visit responsibly, understand the historical context, and navigate the practical challenges of reaching this remote location.
Historical Background
The Peoples Temple was founded by Jim Jones in Indianapolis in 1955. What began as an integrated congregation promoting social equality gradually transformed into an increasingly authoritarian organization. By the 1970s, facing scrutiny in the United States, Jones began developing an agricultural settlement in Guyana.
The Peoples Temple leases land from the Guyanese government in the North West District. Construction of Jonestown begins in the remote jungle.
Jim Jones and hundreds of Temple members relocate to Jonestown following negative media coverage in the United States. At its peak, nearly 1,000 people lived in the settlement.
U.S. Congressman Leo Ryan arrives at Port Kaituma airstrip with a delegation including journalists and concerned relatives to investigate conditions at Jonestown.
As Congressman Ryan's party prepares to leave, they are attacked at Port Kaituma airstrip. Ryan and four others are killed. Hours later, more than 900 Jonestown residents die in a mass murder-suicide event.
Understanding the Tragedy
The events of November 18, 1978, resulted in the deaths of 918 people, including over 300 children. It remains the largest single loss of American civilian life in a deliberate act until September 11, 2001. The tragedy has been studied extensively by scholars examining coercive control, cult dynamics, and the vulnerabilities that led so many people, many of them idealistic social activists, into such a devastating situation.
It's important to recognize that many Jonestown residents were committed to social justice causes and believed they were building a utopian community free from racism and inequality. Understanding this context helps us see the victims as complex individuals rather than simply "cult members."
Educational Resources
For deeper understanding, the Jonestown Institute at San Diego State University maintains extensive archives, including survivor testimonies, primary documents, and scholarly analysis at jonestown.sdsu.edu. This non-profit resource is invaluable for those seeking comprehensive historical context.
Visiting the Jonestown Site Today
The former Jonestown settlement is located approximately 150 miles (240 km) from Georgetown in Guyana's North West District. The jungle has largely reclaimed the site over the past four decades, and visitors should be prepared for what is essentially an overgrown clearing with scattered remnants.
What Remains at the Site
- Foundation remnants: Concrete foundations of some buildings are still visible
- Rusted equipment: Scattered machinery and metal objects from the settlement
- The main pavilion area: Where community meetings were held, now overgrown
- Natural reclamation: The jungle has overtaken most structures
There is no official memorial at the Jonestown site itself. The primary memorial is at Evergreen Cemetery in Oakland, California, where most victims are buried in a mass grave.
Port Kaituma
The nearby town of Port Kaituma serves as the gateway to the Jonestown site. This is where Congressman Ryan's plane was attacked at the airstrip. The town is a small mining and logging community with basic services.
- Airstrip marker: A simple memorial exists at the airstrip
- Local guides: Residents can arrange transportation to the site
- Basic accommodation: Simple guesthouses available
- Supplies: Limited shops and restaurants
How to Get to Port Kaituma
By Air (Recommended)
Charter flights from Georgetown's Ogle Airport take approximately one hour. This is the most practical option for most visitors.
- Charter operators: Trans Guyana Airways, Roraima Airways
- Flight time: Approximately 1 hour
- Cost: $300-500 USD round trip (charter)
- Book in advance: Limited availability
By River
Boat travel via the Barima River is possible but extremely time-consuming (multiple days) and only recommended for those with significant travel experience in the region.
Important Considerations
The Jonestown site is in a remote area with no facilities. Visitors must arrange local transportation from Port Kaituma (about 6 miles). The terrain is challenging, and the site can be difficult to navigate without a guide. Always travel with sufficient water, supplies, and inform someone of your plans.
Visiting Responsibly
If you choose to visit the Jonestown site, please do so with the gravity and respect it deserves:
- Hire a local guide: They can provide context and help navigate safely
- Maintain respectful behavior: This is a site where nearly a thousand people died
- Leave no trace: Do not disturb or remove any artifacts
- Educate yourself beforehand: Understanding the history enhances the experience
- Support the local community: Port Kaituma residents have lived with this history for decades
The Broader North West District
While the Jonestown site draws most visitors to this remote region, the North West District offers other attractions for those extending their trip:
- Shell Beach: Critical nesting site for sea turtles (4 species)
- Barima-Mora Passage: Pristine waterways and wildlife
- Indigenous communities: Warao and Arawak villages
- Mining heritage: Gold and diamond mining history
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you visit the Jonestown site in Guyana?
Yes, the former Jonestown site can be visited, though little physical evidence remains. The jungle has largely reclaimed the area. Visitors must travel to Port Kaituma and arrange local transportation. It's recommended to hire a knowledgeable local guide who can provide context and help navigate the area respectfully.
What happened at Jonestown?
On November 18, 1978, over 900 members of the Peoples Temple, led by Jim Jones, died at the Jonestown settlement in a mass murder-suicide event. It remains the largest single loss of American civilian life in a deliberate act until September 11, 2001. The tragedy followed the murder of U.S. Congressman Leo Ryan at the nearby Port Kaituma airstrip.
How do you get to Port Kaituma in Guyana?
Port Kaituma is accessible by small aircraft from Georgetown (about 1 hour flight) or by boat via the Barima River. There are no paved roads connecting it to the rest of Guyana. Charter flights can be arranged through local operators, and the town has basic accommodation options.
Is there a memorial at the Jonestown site?
There is no official memorial at the Jonestown site itself in Guyana. The jungle has reclaimed most of the settlement, with only scattered remnants visible. The primary memorial is located at Evergreen Cemetery in Oakland, California, where most victims are buried. A small marker exists at Port Kaituma airstrip where Congressman Ryan was killed.
Planning Your Visit
For most visitors, a trip to the Jonestown site requires:
- Time: Minimum 2 days (fly in, visit, fly out)
- Budget: $500-800 USD including flights and guide
- Best season: Dry season (September-November, February-April)
- Physical fitness: Moderate; jungle walking required
- Advance booking: Essential for charter flights
In Remembrance
November 18 marks the anniversary of the tragedy. Some visitors choose to visit around this date to pay respects. Wherever you are, taking a moment to remember the victims honors their memory.
Last updated: January 2026. This article was written with respect for the victims of the Jonestown tragedy and their families. For questions about visiting the North West District, contact local tour operators or reach out to us.