French Guiana 7 Day Itinerary

French Guiana 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Cayenne

  • Arrive at Félix Éboué Airport (CAY) in Cayenne, the capital city of French Guiana
  • Check into your hotel and freshen up
  • Visit the Musée de Guyane to learn about the history and culture of French Guiana
  • Explore the Centre Ville, including the Cathedral of Saint-Sauveur and the Prefecture building

Things to Know:

  • French Guiana is an overseas department of France, so you’ll need a valid passport and may require a visa depending on your nationality (check with the French embassy or consulate in your country)
  • The official language is French, but many locals also speak Creole and some English
  • The local currency is the Euro

Day 2: Cayenne

  • Take a boat tour of the Cayenne River, which offers stunning views of the city and surrounding mangroves
  • Visit the Marché de Cayenne, a bustling marketplace selling everything from fresh produce to handicrafts
  • Stop by the Place des Palmistes, a historic square surrounded by colonial-era buildings

Transportation:

  • Taxis are widely available, but you can also rent cars or take public transportation ( buses and minivans)
  • If you plan to explore the interior, consider renting a 4x4 vehicle due to rough road conditions

Day 3: Kourou

  • Drive to Kourou (about 1 hour), a coastal town known for its space center and beautiful beaches
  • Visit the Guiana Space Centre, where you can take a guided tour of the launch site and learn about France’s space program
  • Relax on the beach at Plage de Kourou or try water sports like surfing or kitesurfing

Day 4: Île Royale

  • Take a ferry to Île Royale, one of the three islands that make up the Salvation Islands (about 2 hours)
  • Explore the island’s historic sites, including the former prison and the cemetery
  • Enjoy snorkeling, swimming, or simply relaxing on the beach

Things to Do:

  • Hike to the top of Montagne Mahury, which offers stunning views of Cayenne and the surrounding area
  • Take a jungle trek, where you can spot exotic wildlife like monkeys and macaws

Day 5: Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni

  • Drive to Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni (about 3 hours), a charming town on the Maroni River
  • Visit the Camp de la Transportation, a former prison camp turned museum
  • Take a boat tour of the Maroni River and spot dolphins, birds, and other wildlife

Day 6: Awala-Yalimapo

  • Drive to Awala-Yalimapo (about 2 hours), a small village on the coast known for its beautiful beaches and traditional Amerindian culture
  • Visit the Amerindian Village, where you can learn about the local way of life and see traditional crafts
  • Enjoy swimming, fishing, or simply relaxing in this peaceful setting

Day 7: Return to Cayenne

  • Drive back to Cayenne (about 2 hours) and spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or exploring any last-minute sights
  • Depart from Félix Éboué Airport for your return journey home

Additional Tips:

  • French Guiana is a tropical region with high humidity and temperatures. Pack accordingly, including light clothing, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
  • Be respectful of the local environment and culture, especially when visiting Amerindian communities.
  • Try some of the local cuisine, which features a mix of French, African, and indigenous influences.

I hope you enjoy your trip to French Guiana!