Three Guianas Overland: Georgetown to Cayenne
An overland journey from Georgetown via Paramaribo to Cayenne, connecting waterfalls, river villages, and a spaceport.
Traverse the three Guianas from west to east, crossing border rivers twice. Experience the capital and Kaieteur Falls in Guyana, delve deep into Maroon villages upstream and explore the World Heritage historic center in Suriname, and visit the space center and Salvation Islands in French Guiana. This itinerary features long drives and early mornings on border-crossing days, with simple inland accommodations, making it best suited for experienced travelers. To keep the duration manageable, the Rupununi Savannah has been omitted.
Avoid the two rainy seasons; during the dry season upstream, boat travel may slow down, requiring passengers to disembark and walk.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrive in Georgetown & Walk the Seawall
Georgetown（Umana Yana、Georgetown Seawall）
Take a taxi or airport transfer to the city (approx. 1 hour). Spend the evening exploring the Seawall area.
It is highly recommended to take taxis after dark; avoid walking in the city center at night.
Stay: Downtown and Cummingsburg
Day 2 · A Day in Historic Georgetown
Georgetown（St. George's Cathedral、Georgetown City Hall、Stabroek Market、Guyana National Museum、Promenade Gardens）
Attractions in the city center are concentrated. Walking combined with short taxi rides is sufficient for a full day in town.
Stay: Downtown and Cummingsburg
Day 3 · Fly to Kaieteur Falls
Take a small plane from Ogle Airport (approx. 1 hour). Spend about 2 hours at the falls before flying back.
Charter flights only depart once they have enough passengers and are highly weather-dependent, so keep your schedule flexible.
Stay: Downtown and Cummingsburg
Day 4 · Cross the Corentyne River to Suriname
Drive to Moleson Creek in the early morning, take the ferry to South Drain, and then drive to Paramaribo. This journey takes almost the entire day.
The ferry runs only once a day and was suspended in 2026; be sure to confirm its status before departure.
Stay: Historic Inner City and Waterkant
Day 5 · Overland to the Upper Suriname River
Paramaribo（Brokopondo Reservoir） → Upper Suriname River
Drive about 3 hours in the morning to Atjoni Marina, then transfer to a motorized dugout canoe for a 1–3 hour trip upstream.
There is almost no mobile signal inland. The boats have no canopy, so bring sun and rain protection.
Stay: Upper Suriname River Lodge
Day 6 · Saramaka Villages & River Bends
Upper Suriname River
Led by a lodge guide, walk or take a boat to nearby villages and rapids. Spend the entire day locally.
Always ask for permission before taking photos in the villages and follow your guide's instructions.
Stay: Upper Suriname River Lodge
Day 7 · Boat & Drive Back to Paramaribo
Take a boat back to Atjoni in the morning, followed by a 3-hour drive, usually arriving back in Paramaribo by evening.
Stay: Historic Inner City and Waterkant
Day 8 · World Heritage Historic Inner City & Dolphin Watching
Paramaribo（Historic Inner City of Paramaribo、Mosque Keizerstraat、Neveh Shalom Synagogue、Fort Zeelandia、Plantation Frederiksdorp、Suriname River Dolphin Cruise）
Walk through the historic inner city in the morning. After lunch, drive to Leonsberg to catch a boat to Commewijne, returning in the evening.
Stay: Historic Inner City and Waterkant
Day 9 · Cross the Maroni River to French Guiana
Paramaribo → Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni → Cayenne (French Guiana)
Drive about 2.5 hours to Albina, cross the river by small boat, and drive another 2.5 hours in the afternoon to Kourou.
The car ferry was suspended in 2026, so small boats are the primary option. Remember to get your passport stamped.
Stay: Kourou
Day 10 · Guiana Space Centre
Cayenne (French Guiana)（Guiana Space Centre、Montagne des Singes）
Drive about 30 minutes from downtown Kourou to the Space Centre for a 3-hour guided tour. Hike the Monkey Mountain (Montagne des Singes) trail in the afternoon.
The free guided tour must be booked in advance with valid ID. Tours may be canceled due to launch missions.
Stay: Kourou
Day 11 · Salvation Islands Day Trip & Transfer to Cayenne
Cayenne (French Guiana)（Îles du Salut）
Take a catamaran in the morning (approx. 1 hour) to the islands. Return to Kourou in the afternoon, then drive about 1 hour to Cayenne.
Landing on Devil's Island itself is prohibited. Access to the islands is closed several hours before launch days.
Stay: Cayenne Old Town
Day 12 · Explore Historic Cayenne & Departure
Cayenne (French Guiana)（Place des Palmistes、Cayenne Market、Fort Cépérou）
Spend half a day walking through the historic center, then take a taxi to the airport (approx. 20 minutes). Most flights head to Paris.
The market is liveliest on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.