French Guiana

Country: French Guiana

Explore French Guiana!

For those looking for very off-the-beaten track adventurous eco-tourism experiences, and perhaps are hoping to go “off the grid” and disconnect from the modern world a bit, then French Guiana (also known as Guyane) is a great option. Visualize dense primitive rainforests with unspoiled wilderness, off the beaten track of most tourists, and with a vast diversity of wildlife, surrounding centuries-old indigenous villages, in a country bordering Brazil, Suriname, and the Atlantic Ocean.
Guiana has a fascinating colonial history and is French-speaking as they are under the French flag, although the region boasts an ethnic blend of Amerindian tribal descendants, ancestors of escaped African slaves and Asian indentured servants, and European colonists as well, with the destinations on the northern coast having a more Caribbean flavor and culture.
Start off your adventure with the French-Caribbean vibes of the capital city of Cayenne, enjoying a drink in one of the charming colonial outdoor bars. Cayenne is an interesting mixture of French, African, Asian, and Brazilian cultures which the city reflects. Carnival in Cayenne is a carnival celebration for those who are looking for a less-touristic carnival experience- it is a unique local cultural festival that is worth seeing, taking in the magical and spiritual ceremonies on the streets, with intricate and colorful local costumes and characters telling a story, and of course festive music to go along with it.

One of the best ways to explore this country and its wild jungles is on a guided cruise of its riverways in the local dugout canoe boats, the main transit between remote villages, and also to see wildlife including capybara, caiman, and monkeys, as well as to encounter Amerindians and learn about their culture. Canoeing trips can consist of calm waters as well as some exciting rapids for those looking for more action.
The other highlights of French Guiana are Devil’s Island, a former penal colony made famous by Papillon, wrongly convicted and who dared escape the brutal treatment by escaping after 12 years of enduring such harshness, and swimming across the Atlantic to Venezuela.
Another popular sight to see in this country is Hattes Beach, one of the largest leatherback turtle nesting colonies in the world. At certain times of the year you will have a chance to see them slowly inching their way up the beach to dig nests in the sand and lay their eggs, then a couple of months later during hatching season you will get to experience the baby hatchlings emerge from their underground refuge, clumsily flopping their way down to the water’s edge to begin their lives.
And one not-to-miss sight is the hidden secret not known to exist by much of the world, the Guiana Space Centre, also known as Europe’s Spaceport, used for satellite launchings, research programs such as weather studies, and for telecommunications, and is available for use by all friendly nations. The facility has guided tours (in French) of the space center and control center, as well as its six launch sites and space museum displaying the history of space exploration. The space center conducts up to nine launches annually, giving lucky tourists the chance to witness a space launch from the jungle.

Here are the 11 reasons to make it your travel destination:

20th Century Architecture in Cayenne, French Guiana’s Capital
A specific reason to visit Cayenne (and Kourou) is the celebration of carnival in February/March. With a 4-day spectacle that includes different parades and a lot of partying until the early morning hours, it is one of the major carnival events in South America.
Check out the Chou Aï Rescue Center (open on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons), where you can hold sloths and learn all about them – or volunteer rescuing and taking care of them.
The year-round tropical climate
Seasons are divided to rainy and dry. Tourists who want to escape winter from the north will find its tropical climate one of the top reasons to visit French Guiana. Secondly, the country is blessed with natural scenery that cannot be likened to France. It leans more towards the wilder side of nature with its untamed forests, rare plants, and exotic wildlife. Third is the colonial heritage imparted by the French as seen from its historic landmarks, architecture, and art. Museums and art galleries provide an in-depth look at the historical and cultural influences of France on French Guiana.
Explore the world of French Guiana’s Penal Colonies and Papillon
Although several French public figures have served time in French Guiana’s penal colonies, it is Henri Charrière’s novel (or autobiography, depending on the source) Papillon that put French Guiana on the map. There are two places to visit the ruins of the penal colony that was closed in 1953.
Canoe
Organise a trip in a dugout canoe. Trips range from an hour and a half to full day adventures and take place throughout the country including, the Kourou, Iracabo, Counamana and the lower Sinnamary. The rivers are a mixture of calm water and more challenging rapids, such as those at Hermina.
Cayenne
In French Guiana's capital and chief port, points of interest include the Jesuit-built residence of the Prefect in the Place de Grenoble, the Canal Laussat, and the Botanical Gardens. In the centre of town, the Musée Départemental Franconie and the Musée des Cultures Guyanaises feature good exhibits on indigenous peoples and the notorious penal settlements on Devil's Island.
Haut-Maroni and Haut-Oyapoc
Visit the Amerindian villages in Haut-Maroni and Haut-Oyapoc. Visits are restricted and a permission must be obtained from the Préfecture in Cayenne before arrival in the country.
Iles du Salut
The Iles du Salut include the infamous Devil's Island where political prisoners were held. Do not miss the Iracoubo Church painted entirely by hand by the famous convict Huguet. There is a hotel (an ex-mess hall for the prison warders) on Ile Royale.
Mouragues Nature Reserve
Discover nature and wildlife at the Mouragues Nature Reserve, which stretches from Roura to Régina and is renowned for its diverse scenery and flora. The Kaw Swamps, near Rora, are host to many species of birds, such as the Toco toucan and the flamingo.
Cuisine
Travel to French Guiana is made all the more worthwhile because of its superb cuisine. French Guiana food is a blend of traditions and cuisines of all cultures that are present and ever existent in the country. French Guiana food is known for its delicious and delectable taste that will tantalize the taste buds of the South America tourist. While backpacking South America, you can savor the different tastes the various cuisines offer in the numerous hotels and cafes.
Join the carnival
King Carnival starts after Epiphany and goes on until Ash Wednesday. Every Sunday for over two months, carnival groups delight the thronging crowds with their multicolored costumes and the frenetic rhythm of their music. On Mardi Gras, the towns are almost literally painted red for the parade of the red devils. Ash Wednesday sees the crowd dressed in black and white and ready to witness the final moments of the life of King Carnival, soon to be burnt at the stake amid a seemingly incessant hullabaloo.
For Future Buffs
French Guiana now has another amazing site to offer; it is home to the Space Centre built by the French because of its suitable location and climate. This influx of development has given rise to a new, profound interest in the island which draws many who are backpacking South America. This location is a hot South America tourist spot for people who travel to French Guiana. This is one of the main reasons why the country has prospered quickly and developed into a tourist attraction. Other relevant infrastructure such as hotels, night clubs and shopping areas has developed rapidly, making it a pleasant place to visit.