Georgetown, not to be confused with other cities with the same name, is the largest and capital city of Guyana. It is called the “Garden City of the Caribbean”. Despite the name, do not expect sprawling lush gardens. Georgetown can be very businesslike and impersonal. It may be because it is also the center of economy and the seat of government; this means that in Guyana, everything that matters is headquartered in Georgetown. It is home to 230 thousand people according to latest count.

Formal Georgetown with its grid-like streets and government establishments can also be boisterous Georgetown with its noisy locals, densely-packed markets and traces of marijuana smoke. Despite the street chaos, you can actually get comfortable in Georgetown. The city’s accommodations offer superior amenities while the restaurants range from budget to fancy; there is always something perfect for anyone’s budget. If you can get past the seemingly dangerous quality of Georgetown’s streets, you will discover that the city does have an active intellectual scene and is populated with friendly locals.

Georgetown’s main airport is Cheddi Jagan Temeri International. You will have no problem getting a flight from the United States straight to Georgetown because there are available daily flights. Note that there is no ATM at the airport so bring along enough cash. In the city, you can get around by minibus or taxi. Ask your hotel for taxi recommendations just to be on the safe side. The whole of Guyana has a tropical climate, meaning that the temperature is constantly high; the range is from 68 degrees Fahrenheit to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

To visit Guyana, you need a passport valid for at least six months. If you are an American, you can also stay for up to 90 days without a visa. Guyana’s visa requirement for some countries, including the United States, was abolished since 1993.