French Guiana 5 Day Itinerary

French Guiana 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Cayenne

  • Arrive at Félix Éboué Airport (CAY) in Cayenne, the capital city of French Guiana
  • Check into your hotel and freshen up
  • Visit the Cayenne Market, a bustling marketplace selling local produce, handicrafts, and souvenirs
  • Explore the Place des Palmistes, a historic square surrounded by colonial-style buildings
  • Enjoy dinner at one of the many Creole restaurants in town

Day 2: Kourou and the Guiana Space Centre

  • Take a morning bus or taxi to Kourou (approximately 1 hour journey)
  • Visit the Guiana Space Centre, a European spaceport that launches Ariane rockets
  • Take a guided tour of the space centre, including the Jupiter Control Centre and the Ariane rocket launchpad
  • Return to Cayenne in the evening and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant

Day 3: Iles du Salut

  • Take a ferry from Cayenne to Iles du Salut, also known as Devil’s Island (approximately 2 hours journey)
  • Visit the Penitencier de l’Île Royale, a former prison turned museum
  • Explore the island’s beaches, forests, and wildlife
  • Return to Cayenne in the evening

Day 4: Maroni River and the Jungle

  • Take a morning bus or taxi to Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni (approximately 2 hours journey)
  • Board a pirogue (traditional boat) for a guided tour of the Maroni River, which forms the border with Suriname
  • Visit the Awala-Yalimapo Village, a community of indigenous people living in the jungle
  • Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and return to Cayenne in the evening

Day 5: Beach Relaxation

  • Spend the day relaxing on one of Cayenne’s beautiful beaches, such as Plage de Rémire or Plage de Montjoly
  • Take a leisurely stroll along the beachfront promenade
  • Enjoy a seafood lunch at a beachside restaurant
  • Depart for the airport and your return journey

Things to Know

  • French Guiana is an overseas department of France, so you’ll need a valid passport and possibly a visa (check with the French Embassy or Consulate in your home country)
  • The official language is French, but many locals also speak Creole and some English
  • The local currency is the Euro (€)
  • Vaccinations against yellow fever and other diseases may be required; consult your doctor or a travel clinic

Transportation

  • Félix Éboué Airport (CAY) is served by international flights from Paris, Miami, and other destinations
  • Buses and taxis are available for transportation between towns and cities
  • Renting a car is not recommended due to poor road conditions and limited infrastructure

Accommodation

  • Cayenne has a range of hotels, guesthouses, and apartments, including budget-friendly options
  • Book in advance, especially during peak travel seasons (June to September and December)

Safety

  • French Guiana has a high crime rate; take necessary precautions to protect yourself and your belongings
  • Avoid traveling alone at night or carrying large amounts of cash

Health

  • Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever and Zika virus are present in French Guiana; take necessary precautions against insect bites
  • Medical facilities may be limited, especially outside of Cayenne