French Guiana-6-day-itinerary

French Guiana Itinerary: 6 Days of Adventure

Day 1: Arrival in Cayenne and Exploration

  • Arrive at Félix Eboué Airport (CAY) in Cayenne, the capital city of French Guiana
  • Check-in to your hotel and freshen up
  • Visit the Place des Palmistes, a historic square with beautiful palm trees and colonial architecture
  • Explore the Cayenne Market, where you can find local crafts, spices, and souvenirs
  • Try some traditional Creole cuisine for lunch, such as pepper pot soup or grilled fish

Day 2: Kourou and the Guiana Space Centre

  • Take a morning bus ride to Kourou (approximately 1 hour)
  • Visit the Guiana Space Centre, a European spaceport that launches satellites into orbit
  • Take a guided tour of the facility, which includes a museum and observation deck
  • Return to Cayenne in the evening and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant

Day 3: Iles du Salut (Salvation Islands)

  • Take a morning ferry ride to Iles du Salut (approximately 2 hours)
  • Explore the islands, which were once used as a penal colony
  • Visit the Dreyfus Tower, where Alfred Dreyfus was imprisoned in the late 19th century
  • Enjoy snorkeling or swimming at one of the island’s beautiful beaches
  • Return to Cayenne in the evening

Day 4: Maroni River and the Jungle

  • Take a morning boat ride up the Maroni River, which forms the border with Suriname
  • Explore the jungle and spot exotic wildlife, such as monkeys and macaws
  • Visit an Amerindian village and learn about their traditional way of life
  • Return to Cayenne in the evening

Day 5: Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni

  • Take a morning bus ride to Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni (approximately 2.5 hours)
  • Explore this charming town, which was once a penal colony
  • Visit the Camp de la Transportation, a historic prison camp
  • Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and try some fresh seafood

Day 6: Departure from Cayenne

  • Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or exploring Cayenne
  • Depart from Félix Eboué Airport (CAY) in the afternoon

Things to Know

  • Visa Requirements: French Guiana is an overseas department of France, so EU citizens do not need a visa. Non-EU citizens should check with the French embassy or consulate in their country of residence.
  • Vaccinations: Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for travel to French Guiana.
  • Language: The official language is French, but many people also speak Creole and some English.
  • Currency: The Euro (€) is the local currency.

Transportation

  • Flights: Félix Eboué Airport (CAY) receives international flights from Paris and other European cities.
  • Bus: Regular bus services connect Cayenne to Kourou, Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, and other towns.
  • Ferry: Ferries operate between Cayenne and Iles du Salut.
  • Taxi: Taxis are available in Cayenne, but not always easy to find.

Accommodation

  • Hotels: Cayenne has a range of hotels, from budget-friendly options to luxury resorts.
  • Guesthouses: Guesthouses and B&Bs are also available, offering a more homely atmosphere.
  • Camping: Camping is possible in some areas, but facilities may be limited.

Food and Drink

  • Creole Cuisine: Try traditional dishes such as pepper pot soup, grilled fish, and rice and beans.
  • Seafood: Fresh seafood is abundant in French Guiana.
  • Fruit: Exotic fruits like mangoes, pineapples, and coconuts are widely available.

Safety

  • Crime: Take normal precautions to avoid petty theft and crime.
  • Health: Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever and Zika virus are present in French Guiana. Take necessary precautions against mosquito bites.

This itinerary provides a mix of culture, history, nature, and adventure, giving you a comprehensive experience of French Guiana. Enjoy your trip!